Banded Hairstreaks

[Steve Mirick]

Inspired by the possibility of finding a Northern Oak Hairstreak (thanks
to Dave Nelson's incredible find on Mt. Agamenticus), Jane and I got out
yesterday and today to a couple of oak forest habitats.  We investigated
the Bugsmouth Hill area (some nice white oaks) of Newton and the
Henderson-Swasey forest in Exeter (mostly just red oaks).   Northern Oak
Hairstreak prefers white oaks.

Butterflies were VERY SLOW.  I'm guessing the drought in Rockingham
County is having a major impact.  But we did manage two satyrium
hairstreaks!  Sadly, both Banded Hairstreaks.  We love Banded
Hairstreaks and don't see a lot of them, but of course we were hoping
for something better!  :-)  And these would seem to be fairly early
records.  Maine's earliest record was from June 19th.

Here's today's fresh beauty from Exeter!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemirick/55351763063/in/photostream/lightbox/

Steve & Jane Mirick
Bradford, MA