Community Science: Annual Butterfly Count
Of the hundred or so species of butterflies that live in New Hampshire, we might see over thirty different ones (and hundreds of individuals) on this July day. We will split into teams led by pros and survey multiple sites around our area, and return to Tin Mountain to compile our data, eat ice cream and share stories of the ones that got away.
Our data (and that from SEVEN other similar "circle counts" around the state each July) all goes to the North American Butterfly Association. All of this data helps biologists get a clearer picture of the ranges of our butterflies here. A beautiful category of critter to learn about and understand in our stunning but changing natural world.
We have two different options:
Option 1: Beginners - shorter, easier, more instructive
9:45am-11:30am Counting will take place at Tin Mt property on Bald Hill Rd, Albany NH
link to register for option 1- beginner, morning-only:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKhkfeVKUQkG7TkkLQ7NjTmFyKlE3VfZlUhZm4ypGYbXsNiw/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Option 2: Experienced: Novice, Intermediate and beyond! A full day over sometimes tricky, brushy terrain.
9 am - 4 pm Meet at Tin Mt Center on Bald Hill Rd, divide in teams and depart to survey various locations in our 15 mile diameter circle. Note: If you are an experienced “butterflier” but cannot participate the entire day, please still sign up for this option and you can depart early.
link to register for option 2: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAn1Bq7c3qbrv4VKXkSNuuKRbrV0WIyuLEVfqt9pchM5cM5g/viewform?usp=dialog
All are welcome -4 pm - Tally party
Return to Tin Mt Nature Learning Center to tally all groups' data and enjoy ice cream!
More details: This annual count is one of eight such one-day, July counts in the state. Wildlife biologists and conservation scientists use data from these state counts as they are essential for understanding the dynamics of butterfly geography and population trends. We submit our data to NABA (the North American Butterfly Association).
