Fwd: Summer NABA Count for Kisatchie NF in Natchitoches Parish

[Craig Marks]

Good morning,

   The annual Kisatchie NF/Natchitoches Parish 4th of July Count will take place Saturday, June 22. As in years past, we will meet at the bathroom parking lot for the Longleaf Vista Rec Area at 9:30 and from there split into groups to better cover the various sections of the count circle surveyed each year. . 

    The timing of the count this year will match the typical flight time of Meske's Skippers at that location. Meske's are only known in LA from two parishes/locations, this unit of Kisatchie and the Vernon Parish unit. So, hopefully this will be an opportunity to see this somewhat rare skipper. We will also be looking in certain areas of the forest for Mottled Duskywings, another skipper that has only been found in limited locations within LA. 

      Anyone/everyone is invited, no matter what your level of experience. Although not part of the actual butterfly count data submitted to NABA, we also will be looking for/tallying data on dragonflies. Some of our counters including some birding activities. 

    General instructions are: Wear good walking shoes and bring boots in case of rain over the days in advance of the count. Wear protective clothing (long pants, tall socks, a hat). Bring bug spray and sun screen. As all of these places are "off the beaten path," bring whatever food and water/drinks you will need. There are no stores close by.  If you haven't done one of these counts (or any counts) and are interested, feel free to contact me for more information.  I recommend bug spray, primarily for ticks rather than mosquitoes. 

     My cell # is (337)654-4848 is anyone needs to reach me. 

Craig Marks