The up side of the recent heat wave is that butterfly activity has increased. This gallery shows some of the butterflies I’ve seen recently at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, near New Hope, Pennsylvania. The Sleepy Orange, a butterfly not regularly present this far north, has returned for at least the third year in a row, possibly encouraged by the presence of its caterpillar food plant, Wild Senna. Young Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillars are also in evidence.
The Preserve is sponsoring its first butterfly count July 21, as part of the national effort spearheaded by the North American Butterfly Association. The Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow in Solebury, Pennsylvania is also participating in this event, and we have volunteers covering several New Jersey sites, too.
For more information about any of the photos in the slide show, or to enlarge the image, click on the thumbnail below.
The Natural Web 
Each of these photos is magnificent! It is so encouraging to know that with time and patience seeing all these beautiful butterflies is possible in our own county. I am learning so much from “The Natural Web” as well as very much enjoying thebeauty of your words and pictures.
Thank you!