Harris' Checkerspot at BMB (5/29)

On Memorial Day my parents and I spent the holiday afternoon at Broad Meadow Brook. We went there specifically to see if we could locate Harris' Checkerspot caterpillars. This butterfly is uncommon in Massachusetts but there has always been a nice population at BMB. They are usually found along the powerlines along with their food plant, Flat-topped White Aster.

The property where the butterflies reside belongs to National Grid but its managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. As part of the property management, National Grid periodically comes thru to cull the large trees before they become a problem. This year a BMB committee recommended doing a substantial cut of all the brush (instead of just removing the trees). While there was some concern that this could adversely affect the butterflies, it was decided that the chance to restore more meadow land was worth it since many animals thrive in this habitat.

Immediately after the cut, the property looked pretty bare. Most of the land was brown and lifeless. But, as hoped, this spring all sorts of new plants have sprouted. The best part is the aster is back and so are the Harris' Checkerspot caterpillars. We ended up counting 78 individuals in 6 different populations. Hopefully they all make it to the butterfly stage and are able to expand the population.

Other than the welcome sight of these caterpillars, we also had real great looks at a pair of Cooper's Hawks in the middle of what seemed to be an airborne mating ritual. Maybe they'll nest at the sanctuary.