Thu 26 Jun 2008
I have been going through camera withdrawal as my sister, Susie, has been in Virginia using it. Yesterday I was at Rockford Rotary Forest Preserve and heard a Hooded Warbler. It was along the main road not too far in but I never did see it. Each time I stopped, a billion mosquitoes tried to take up residence on my face.
There were also TONS of butterflies, most of which I don't know the name of (I usually photograph them to figure them out later). There were several small ones that would group together and then explode out when I got too near them. Fun to watch.
Elsewhere, I heard a Henslow's Sparrow at Blackhawk Springs (Perryville side) and also was scolded by a male Scarlet Tanager (can they be any redder?) but not much else of note.
June 27th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I wonder if your butterflies were Hackberry Emperors. We have had a giant hatch of them at our house. They sometimes behave like your description.
Barbara
June 27th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I checked a photo (online) and I agree they are Hackberry Emperors. They were landing on me as well.