butterflies in Rockland County, NY (4/10)
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Thomas Fiore
Apr 11, 2026, 4:23:16 AMApr 11
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Hi all,
Some sightings from Hook Mt. In Upper Nyack, Rockland County, NY, from Friday, April 10th. The summit and ridges which are at around 700+ feet elev. above the Hudson River just north of the Nyacks (towns). Spring is arriving slowly there, with some native wildflowers just barely emerging. Non-native honeysuckles, a few scattered dandelions, etc. provide a bit of nectar at times for some of the butterflies. More plants and blooms are likely after the coming warmth in a few days. Weather by Friday afternoon was mostly sunny on SW breezes, temp to around 64 F. at 4 pm. - this site can be most active for butterflies in mid to late afternoon, a hill-topping place.
On Friday afternoon, these butterflies were seen and photographed on or very near the summit of Hook -
Falcate Orangetip - 8+ males, almost always in flight patrolling. A few sightings also well north off the summit, on open ridge.
Cabbage White - one definite. This species is not as regular in April as the Falcate can be.
Spring Azure - forms / species undetermined. Multiple of these, over recent days.
Gray Hairstreak, on the small redcedar tree at summit and on the ground. Photo. First of year at this location as far as known. Slightly worn-beaten individual.
Painted Lady (V. cardui) - 3 or more, all in very fresh condition. Photos. All were chasing and interacting including with the next species, which is the more regular here.
American Lady (V. virginiensis) - 3 or more, same comment as above - and both these Lady spp. also new to the location for the year as far as known.
Eastern Comma
Mourning Cloak - each of these 2 overwintered species were present, flying here over recent weeks on many warmer days. Mostly in good condition and feisty hilltoppers.
Moths of smaller types in the woods, sadly no photos nor ID made. Many other insect families have been out in recent days, some for weeks. Cicindela sexguttata - the Six-spotted Tiger beetle flashing its metallic green was out on the trail on a recent milder day. Syrphid flies have been out. Beetles, mostly smaller species including Ladybug spp. have been seen. Much more insect activity seems likely be next week, with predicted warm days.
Good observations to all,
Tom Fiore
[N.Y. City]
Some sightings from Hook Mt. In Upper Nyack, Rockland County, NY, from Friday, April 10th. The summit and ridges which are at around 700+ feet elev. above the Hudson River just north of the Nyacks (towns). Spring is arriving slowly there, with some native wildflowers just barely emerging. Non-native honeysuckles, a few scattered dandelions, etc. provide a bit of nectar at times for some of the butterflies. More plants and blooms are likely after the coming warmth in a few days. Weather by Friday afternoon was mostly sunny on SW breezes, temp to around 64 F. at 4 pm. - this site can be most active for butterflies in mid to late afternoon, a hill-topping place.
On Friday afternoon, these butterflies were seen and photographed on or very near the summit of Hook -
Falcate Orangetip - 8+ males, almost always in flight patrolling. A few sightings also well north off the summit, on open ridge.
Cabbage White - one definite. This species is not as regular in April as the Falcate can be.
Spring Azure - forms / species undetermined. Multiple of these, over recent days.
Gray Hairstreak, on the small redcedar tree at summit and on the ground. Photo. First of year at this location as far as known. Slightly worn-beaten individual.
Painted Lady (V. cardui) - 3 or more, all in very fresh condition. Photos. All were chasing and interacting including with the next species, which is the more regular here.
American Lady (V. virginiensis) - 3 or more, same comment as above - and both these Lady spp. also new to the location for the year as far as known.
Eastern Comma
Mourning Cloak - each of these 2 overwintered species were present, flying here over recent weeks on many warmer days. Mostly in good condition and feisty hilltoppers.
Moths of smaller types in the woods, sadly no photos nor ID made. Many other insect families have been out in recent days, some for weeks. Cicindela sexguttata - the Six-spotted Tiger beetle flashing its metallic green was out on the trail on a recent milder day. Syrphid flies have been out. Beetles, mostly smaller species including Ladybug spp. have been seen. Much more insect activity seems likely be next week, with predicted warm days.
Good observations to all,
Tom Fiore
[N.Y. City]
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