Butterfly Census

On Saturday, June 22, University biology professor David Haskell and local fantasy author David Coe will lead Sewanee’s 17th Annual Census of  Butterflies. The census will be sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), and will be similar in both method and purpose to the Christmas bird counts organized by the National Audubon Society. Should it rain on June 22, the count will be held on Sunday, June 23.
All who are interested are welcome to participate in the count. There is a $3 per person administrative fee mandated by NABA. The count will begin at 9 a.m. at the Lake Cheston pavilion and will continue until late afternoon. Participants are invited to remain with the census organizers for as long as they wish. Those wishing to join the count later in the day can do so at the Memorial Cross at 1 p.m.
Participants in the census will count not only the number of  different species seen, but also the number of  individual butterflies. The final count will be sent to NABA so that the results can be tabulated with other censuses taking place throughout the continent in the weeks leading up to and following the Fourth of July holiday. Last year’s count in Sewanee turned up 24 butterfly species and a record 414 individual butterflies. In past years, counters have seen as many as 34 species of butterfly.
Participants in Sewanee’s count need only a sharp eye, a bit of patience, and a willingness to learn. No prior knowledge of butterflies is necessary. A pair of  binoculars is recommended, although not required. It is suggested that participants wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and that they bring along insect repellent. Participants should also bring a snack and something to drink. Those who intend to continue counting through the afternoon should bring lunch.
For more information, contact Coe at 598-9775.