From tiny hairstreaks to large swallowtails, all sizes of butterflies will be counted during the Cheyenne Bottoms annual butterfly quest, beginning at 9 a.m. on July 9 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. Rain date will be July 16, same time and place.
This is a great year to participate in the count, since species seldom seen this far west have been sighted. Several large yellow and black tiger swallowtails have been spotted in local gardens, along with the smaller, but brightly marked, bordered patch butterfly.
All that’s required for the count, is a pair of binoculars and keen eyes. KWEC will supply field guides and transportation. Participants will search fields and gardens in and around Cheyenne Bottoms by vehicle and foot, during this official North American Butterfly Association count.
The NABA Count is in its 42nd year and gathers information to track population trends. Organized like the Christmas Bird Count, much of the count is done from a vehicle, with maps and data sheets provided. Preregister by July 8, by calling KWEC at 1-877-243-9268 to reserve a spot or for more information.