Date: 08/31/2020

Number: 1

My husband and I paddled our solo canoes on this reservoir lake for the first time on 8-31-20. In fact, it just opened up to the public for non-motorized craft. For 100 years it had been used only as a water source for a correctional institution. This lake and the surrounding woods is a testament to nature's reclaiming abilities. Large 100 year old trees grow right to the edge of this lake, most notably white pine and hemlock. Mixed in are a variety of large deciduous trees. All untouched by the chainsaw in all these years.

The most relaxing and most beautiful section of the lake for us was the meandering inlet. The shores were packed with native pollinating wildflowers such as Bonset, Joe-Pye-Weed, Turtle Head and Jewel Weed and much more. Bumble bees and honey bees were buzzing about.

I was on the look out for monarchs. My husband was the first to spot the butterfly. I used my binoculars to confirm that the big black and orange butterfly was indeed a monarch. (Recently, I have been seeing Viceroy butterflies - the monarch look-a-like cousin.) First it was seen on Bonset and then it shifted to nectar on Joe-Pye-Weed.

I think there was another monarch flitting about, but I never did see the second one clearly. And that sighting just may have been this one checking out other flowers.

It was a warm 80 degree late afternoon, sun and clouds and light mild breeze. We saw the monarch around 4PM.

North Collins, NY

Latitude: 42.6 Longitude: -78.8

Observed by: Donna
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.