Butterflies

On a recent visit to a butterfly sanctuary, being with other group members was the best part of the trip. Although we were able to get a few good pictures, there were only a few species to view.

Goatsuckers

A few nights ago, ten members of the local birding club, well equipped with bug spray, set off to listen for Whip-poor-wills and observe Common Nighthawks, commonly referred to as goatsuckers. The birds received this erroneous label many years ago when farmers believed they came at night and sucked goats’ milk. Since these birds eat flying insects, it seems likely they were attracted to insects around the goats.

We met at 6:30 p.m. to drive over 40 miles to an area the Nighthawks are known to frequent in Wharton State Forest. While waiting to sight them, we enjoyed an unusual sunset, with the lowering sun shining through a large cloud, presenting a wide range of colors. We were at a spot so seldom traveled that other than two passing vehicles, our only other company there were two deer.  

Our first sign of a Nighthawk came at dusk when we heard one’s distinctive call. Soon there were calls coming from various directions. Then someone spotted a Nighthawk in the sky. After circling high above the forest, a Nighthawk would suddenly dive straight down, the air in his wings creating a sound that to me sometimes resembled an organ note, sometimes a distant train whistle, other times it was more like a boom, and once it was as if the diving bird farted. They always reversed the dive shortly before reaching the ground. 

Only the trees and the deer know whether the sounds the birds’ wings made or the people oohing, aahing and chuckling over them was funnier. 

In spite of not hearing any Whip-poor-wills, the trip was well worth the ride to get there.

The next trip is to a butterfly farm.