Preparing for Autumn Migration

 Autumn Migration 

An autumn wood, November is the month that leaves change in the Cape Fear Region

Autumn is a very active season for birds and can be one of the best times to get into birdwatching. This is the time of year to put out a bird table for the first time as many birds will be looking for additional food sources for the winter. I also got into birdwatching during the late summer or early autumn. This season brings resident and migratory birds close to our gardens, and homes and is among the best times to find rare or unusual species. In the Cape Fear Region, Autumn Migration is the peak season for birding. You have songbirds from as far north as the Boreal Belt passing through our area. Many stray or wandering species from places as far as the tropics or Western North America end up in our area due to cold fronts and tropical cyclones.  Lastly, this beginning of the birdfeeding season as most of our birds come to feeders during the autumn and winter when natural food sources are less abundant. I made a list of approximate arrival and departure times for birds in our area during the Autumn Season. Autumn Timetables

Migration in the Carolinas 

Map of Flyways, courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Bird migration is a complex subject that is still a mystery to many people. Ornithologist and other scientists are still studying and tracking bird movements in the Americas, Europe and Asia and even with GIS data, modern tracking devices, and radar data, most migrations are still poorly understood. Birds migrate to travel between breeding and wintering territories. Competition with other species, food availability, climate, and nesting habitats are just some of the factors that determine a bird's success in a given environment. Summer residents such as vireos, warblers, and flycatchers generally arrive in North America between February and May and will begin their return trip after July or August. Winter birds that come from further north arrive between October and December and remain with us until spring. Migration may be triggered by natural instinct, weather patterns, or perhaps resource availability. However, it is important to note that not all birds migrate and many individuals or populations of a migratory species (like an American Robin) may choose to stay on their breeding territory. Migration patterns may also change with weather patterns, local food abundances and human impacts such as birdfeeding, planting of fruit bearing shrubs, or the fact that  cities are slightly warmer than the surrounding countryside. There is still much to be learned about migration and it seems possible that migration is not a "hardcoded" behavior but is triggered by other factors. 

Flyways: Most birds migrate along corridors called flyways. Flyways are used by ornithologists and other researchers to determine which routes do birds take to reach their breeding or wintering range. The Carolinas is located within the Atlantic Flyway which is one of the busier corridors in North America. The adjacent Mississippi Flyway is one of the busiest corridors for waterfowl. Flyways are mostly used to map waterfowl, crane, or shorebird migrations, although they can also be applied to birds of prey, passerines (aka songbirds), and other birds. In the Carolinas, there are two major routes that migrating birds take. The westerly track brings birds through the Appalachian Corridor in Western NC and SC, while the eastern track brings birds along the seacoast. Most of our songbirds migrate northward along the Appalachian Corridor in the spring, and fly along the coast during their southward journey in autumn. Keep in mind that birds will pass through all regions during migration. The Appalachian and Coastal tracks are the most heavily travelled corridors and host the most species diversity. 

Songbird routes in our area

• In the spring, many songbirds pass through the Appalachian Corridor rather than the coast or piedmont. This means you will see more birds in the mountains from March to May 

• In the autumn most southbound migrants hug the seacoast although there is a good amount of movement in Appalachia and the Piedmont region. You will see the most birds from the Outer Banks to Charleston or just inland.

Differences between spring and autumn migration   

Black Throated Blue Warbler 

During spring migration, most songbirds are trying to get to their nesting territories as quickly as possible and are often in breeding condition. This means that a passing songbird will not linger in a given area for more than a few days, and you are less to see the birds once the trees leaf out. However, male songbird will sing while migrating, so keep an eye out for unusual songs. In the Cape Fear Region, spring migration is quite limited as most songbirds and even hawks fly along the Appalachian Corridor. You will mainly see breeding species that occur in our area, departing wintering birds, and perhaps widespread passage species like Rose Breasted Grosbeaks or Scarlet Tanagers. 

In the autumn, birds migrate at more of a leisurely pace and juveniles are more likely to wander out of range. Additionally, songbirds will often remain in a given area for days or weeks at a time, gather around abundant food sources like fruit bearing trees, seed bearing plants, or your flower garden. During this time, birds are often easy to find, tame, and are closer to the ground. However, the trade off is that most migrants are quiet, and many of our songbirds lose their breeding plumages making them harder to identify. Autumn is a busy season for the Cape Fear Region and you will see birds from the Northern US, Eastern Canada and even the Midwest that do not nest or winter in the Carolinas. This is also the most likely time for unusual or rare visitors to turn up in our area. 

Watching Birds in the Autumn

Black and White Warbler

Autumn birding is a rewarding experience and is one of the best times to try out the hobby of birdwatching for the first time. First off, there are more birds to see in your garden or at a local woodland or park. Secondly, birds are a little easier to find as they are more approachable, attracted to stationary food sources like fruit bearing shrubs, and will often try out birdfeeding stations. Later in the autumn, trees will lose their leaves and vegetation will die down, making it easier to see birds such as finches, woodpeckers, and warblers. If you put out a bird table or another birdfeeder from late summer to mid-autumn, it will be discovered by cardinals, chickadees, or finches in a short amount of time (often just days in my experience). With the exception of the unprecedented events of 2020, most birding organizations, nature clubs, and even local parks will host bird walks or birdwatching classes during the autumn. This is one of the best seasons to get into birds as you will have the entire winter to study field guides, learn resident garden species, and learn spotting techniques before the next breeding season. 

Basic Pointers  

• Many visiting and resident songbirds as well as birds of prey will visit gardens, parks, and local woodlands during the autumn 
• Fruit bearing trees, shrubs, and vines such as magnolias, dogwoods, pokeweed, Virginia Creeper, and Wax Myrtle brings flocks of songbirds such as vireos, thrushes, and other species 
• Warblers, wrens, sparrows, and buntings often feed or shelter in flowerbeds, weedy areas, or hedgerows, often at or below eye-level 
• While trees do not lose their leaves in the Cape Fear Region until November or December, it is still easy to find canopy dwelling birds like tanagers, warblers, or flycatchers as they are often in isolated trees  
• Songbird migrants often remain in an area for days or weeks at a time 
• Cold fronts often bring in waves of birds, so scan your garden or a woodland after a weather system leaves the area for new species. Hurricanes will often blow in birds from further south. 
• Focus mainly on the broad profiles of birds. Start out by distinguishing the shapes of warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and other groups before worrying about the exact species 
• If you are new, focus mostly on high-profile birds like our resident cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, or Carolina Wrens, and take note of any bird that does not fit the profile. 
• Your bird table, flower garden, or a community park is a good place to start 
• Most songbirds migrate during the nighttime hours, so scan treetops about  an hour or two after sunrise to see if anything new came in. 

What to look for 

• Keep your eye out for groups of birds in trees, shrubs, or in any location near water 
• Along the immediate coast or near a large lake or river, birds tend to accumulate near the water's edge or in nearby vegetation 
• Scan the skies for flyovers such as hawks, eagles, falcons, or vultures as they migrate during the daytime 
• Fruit bearing trees, or wildflowers and grasses with seed heads, as these attract songbirds in large numbers. I find magnolias, dogwoods, crabapples, black gums, spicebushes, and hackberries to be the best trees to find migrating birds in 
• At your bird feeder, look for warblers, buntings, finches, and sparrows amongst your regular visitors. After October, you should begin to see winter residents such as goldfinches, siskins, White Throated Sparrows, and Yellow Rumped Warblers in your garden. 
• On lakes, rivers, and ponds, most ducks, geese and cormorants, (except resident Canada Geese or Wood Ducks) arrive in November or December, while resident herons, egrets, and ibis form roosts near lakes (such as Greenfield Lake) from September onwards. 

Attracting Birds 

Pine Warbler at our window feeder

Autumn is the best time to plan your bird habitat or expand your birdfeeding setup. Aside from the increased bird activity, the cooler temperatures make it easier to work on the garden, and establish new trees and shrubs (which is almost impossible during our sweltering summers). This is also the time to install or relocate nesting boxes, as the birds will have all winter to investigate them before nesting season arrives. Birds such as bluebirds, chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers will look for potential nest sites in the autumn or early winter. As stated above, birdfeeders and tables are more likely to draw visitors from late September to November with chickadees, titmice, or cardinals finding new setups within a week. Here are some general things you can do in your garden during the final month of summer and through the autumn

Garden Checklist

Narrow-Leaf Sunflowers are wildflowers that produce abundant seeds 

• This a good time to thoroughly clean bird tables, feeders, and baths. Take all feeders and scrub or soak them with a mild soap solution and consider repairing or replacing damaged or worn feeders. Same goes for birdbaths 
• Since nesting is most likely finished, this is the time to clean out your birdhouses and make any needed repair. Be advised that some birdhouses may have been occupied by paper wasps or bumblebees. Leave these boxes until the frost (do not spray the wasps or bees) 
• Begin planning your bird garden and try to plant any new trees, shrubs, or vines between October and March to allow them time to establish their roots before the next summer 
• It is also a great time to remove any unwanted or invasive plants like privet, buckthorn, tallow "popcorn" tree, or wisteria as there is little chance of accidentally disrupting a nest. 
• If you have a flowerbed or meadow, leave some seedheads for arriving goldfinches, siskins, or any Indigo or Painted Buntings that are still migrating through the area 
• If you have hummingbird feeders, leave them up as  Ruby Throated Hummingbirds persist well into November (with some overwintering), while the Rufous Hummingbird often visits the Carolinas during the autumn 
• Experiment with new food types such as fruits, grape jelly, suet, mealworms, or seedcakes as birdfeeder activity increases 

Birdwatching Spots

The Greater Wilmington Area is almost an ideal location for autumn birdwatching. Dozens of songbird species pass through the city and its suburbs each season, while the list of unusual or increasing "out-of-range" visitors on eBird.org is growing. Wilmington's abundant tree canopy, lush gardens, and established hedges provide habitat in virtually every area of the city. The 50+ parks in the city, plus all of the nature preserves, gamelands, and other public natural areas in New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, Columbus County NC and Hoary County SC provide access to all kinds of habitats. Everything from saltmarshes and coastal dune prairies to mature hardwood forest is within a short drive from the city. Some of the best places to find migratory birds are areas along the immediate coast, the Cape Fear River, major creek corridors such as Bradley or Burnt Mill Creek, and of course Fort Fisher in Southern New Hanover County. These areas include wetlands, grasslands, forests, and even landscaped areas and serve as  "bird funnels" during migration season. Below are some of the locations I recommend for birdwatching excursions in the absence of organized field trips and walks.  

1. Greenfield Lake Park

Greenfield Lake Park: Greenfield Lake is the crown jewel of birdwatching in the Cape Fear Region and is among the most active places during autumn migration. This park contains a large millpond that dates back to the 1700s that is surrounded by Baldcypress, sweetgum, tupelo, and other wetland trees as well as plantings of azaleas, dogwoods, and camellias. Greenfield Lake is located right in the center of the city but is by far the most "wild" areas in the city limits. While alligators, herons, and the occasional eagle or osprey are the main highlights, the park is loaded with songbirds and raptors all year long. During the autumn, Greenfield is a catchment for migrating warblers, vireos, thrushes, sparrows, and flycatchers, and has been the location of many unusual sightings. The Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre, and Wooden Bridge, are particularly active with songbirds, while waterfowl arrive on the lake itself from late October onwards. The park is easily accessible, has facilities, and is good to visit during the daytime hours. 

2. Fort Fisher and Federal Point

Fort Fisher and Federal Point: Fort Fisher is a good example of a "bird funnel" as you can see dozens of bird species within this narrow strip of maritime scrub, and grassland. Federal Point is located at the very tip of Pleasure Island, just beyond the Aquarium and is bordered by the Cape Fear River to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and various inlets to the south. The "New Hanover Peninsula" actually continues all the way to Bald Head Island. However, the sweet spot for birding is the clumps of shrubs between the Fort Fisher Civil War battlefield to the parking lot at end of the island. On a October or November morning you can see hundreds of birds dropping into the shrubs after a long night of flying. The Fort Fisher Basin Trail (behind the Aquarium) is also a good spot with views of forests, shrubland, marsh, and meadows. The beach itself may host shorebirds or allow glimpses of sea ducks and cormorants flying along the coast. Along with Greenfield Lake this is personally one of my favorite birding spots in New Hanover County. 

3. Northern Section of Burnt Mill Creek 

Burnt Mill Creek and Wallace Park: The Burnt Mill Creek is a major watercourse that runs through New Hanover County and runs through residential areas near downtown. The creek as a long greenway that extends at least 1.6km (1 mile) and starts at Wallace Park (on Market Street across from a shopping center) and runs all the way to MLK Parkway. You will have to cross a few major streets to walk the corridor in its entirety and there are no marked trails, although the grassy area along the creek is generally mowed. Like Greenfield Lake, the creek corridor is a bird magnet and you will see everything from woodland birds to waterbirds along the greenway. The open grassy corridor also makes it easy to see birds as they fly overhead or forage in the shrubs, trees, or meadow areas. Some highlights include large numbers of warblers, vireos, wrens, and sparrows, herons, woodcocks, birds of prey, and even a Wood Duck or two. The corridor might also yield glimpses of Wild Turkey or White Tailed Deer, which is also a good reminder to be aware of other large wildlife that may visit or live in the adjacent woodlands. The Oakdale, Pine Forest, and Bellview Cemeteries are also good birdwatching areas long the creek that are open to visitors during the posted hours at the gates.    

4. Airlie Gardens and Oak

Airlie Gardens: Airlie Gardens is a public garden that is managed by New Hanover County and is another hotspot for birdwatching. You will have to pay an admission fee to visit the park, and as with all public facilities, please check the hours and operational protocols before visiting. Airlie Gardens consists of 67 acres of managed gardens, woodlands, and azalea borders that sit along Bradley Creek. This property has old-growth hardwoods including a nearly 500 year-old Live Oak, several ponds, and patches of forests. Like at Greenfield Lake, you will see a wide variety of birds throughout the year, and autumn migration is one of the best times to visit. You will see many warblers, vireos, and other songbirds as well as wading birds (including Night Herons), osprey, eagles, and after October, various ducks and geese. The overlook over the creek offers views of saltmarsh and brackish wetlands that may yield an opportunity to see a Seaside Sparrow, Clapper Rail, or a Harrier. 

5. ILM Observation Deck

Wilmington International Airport Observation Deck: This last destination is not a birding hotspot like the locations above, but was included for the unique opportunity to see grassland birds. Wilmington International Airport has a public observation deck located near the ATC control tower. This area is a public park that includes sitting areas, a pavilion, parking lots,  and some informational signage about aviation history. You can access this area from North Kerr Avenue but it may be a good idea to use a mapping service (i.e. Google Maps) to find it. While planespotters (like myself) enjoy this area for its views of the runways, taxiways, and apron, the park also offers rare birding opportunities. The airport has the best example of shortgrass habitat in our area and is one of the few places you can reliably see or hear Horned Larks, Eastern Meadowlarks, and Grasshopper Sparrows and other prairie birds during the summer. During migration keep your eyes and ears out for Upland Sandpipers, mixed flocks of blackbirds, meadowlarks, pipits, various sparrows (including rarities like Lark Sparrows or Clay Colored Sparrows), and all three of our falcons (Peregrine, Merlin and Kestrel). In the winter, you may be able to glimpse a Short Eared Owl or Harrier over the airfield. More common sightings include Wild Turkey, flocks of White Ibis or Cattle Egrets, mixed flocks of swallows, and passing birds of prey. 

Conclusion 

I hope that this guide to autumn birdwatching will help new and experienced birders to enjoy the birds that pass through our region each autumn. Additionally, the information provided for gardeners and landowners should serve as a foundation for improving gardens for local birds and wildlife.  Autumn is a fun time for wildlife enthusiasts alike and even as the growing season winds down, it is never too late to plan your next garden or find new ways to attract birds. I plan on adding additional content about autumn migration in subsequent articles or perhaps a standalone page including a simple list of our most common autumn visitors.  Thank you for reading and I will see you in next week's edition. 

Butterflies and Moths 2020

 Butterflies and Moths

Female Tiger Swallowtail

Butterflies and moths family, Lepidoptera, represent a large family of insects that are well-liked by people and like birds come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. There are more than 150 species of butterflies in the Carolinas, while the number moth species is much higher than that. In the Carolinas, butterflies and moths are most active from March to November although they can be seen in every month in the Cape Fear Region and the South Carolina coast. Butterflies are the most numerous from late summer to mid-autumn (approximately July to October). While we often notice the adults flying about in gardens, meadows, and woodlands, the majority of the lifecycle of butterflies and moths is spent in the larval stage. Butterflies and moths depend on specific host plants to reproduce and the species seen in a garden or patch of forest can indicate what plants are present in the landscape. In this article, I will go over the basics of butterflies and moths, how to host them in your garden, and some of the most notable species or groups in our area. In future articles or possibly a separate page, I will go into more detail about specific groups and how to make a butterfly garden. 

Lepidoptera Overview

Butterflies and moths are members of the family, Lepidoptera and are distinguished from other insects such as bees or flies, by their large wings and their narrow bodies. Butterflies and moths are very similar to each other although there are some notable differences. First off, all butterflies are diurnal, which means you are not likely to see Monarchs or Swallowtails flying around at night. Moths on the other hand can be seen during the day, or night although many of our most iconic species are nocturnal.  Butterflies also tend to be more colorful, hold their wings vertically at rest, and have long antennae. Moths often hold their wings flat (with some exceptions such as the Imperial Moth), are often duller in  color, and may have featherlike or clubbed antennae. Both butterflies and moths go through the same metamorphic cycles and the adult stage lasts from two to six weeks depending on the species. Some species of moths do not feed as adults, while all butterflies will feed on nectar, fruit, detritus, or even tree sap. 

Butterflies vs Moths
Butterflies	Moths
Only active during the day	Active day or night
Wings held vertically	Wings often held flat
Clubbed Antennae	Feather or Threadlike Antennae
All species feed as adults	Some species do not feed as adults

 

Lifecycle 

Most of us are familiar with metamorphosis and may have learned about the lifecycle of butterflies in primary school or saw it on a PBS or Animal Planet documentary. The actual butterflies and moths we see in our gardens are the adults, which represents the final stage of the insects' life. The first three stages of life make up the majority of the life of a butterfly. These stages include the egg, larval, and pupa stage which is the case for most other insects including bees, wasps, ants, flies, and beetles. Other insects such as true bugs, cockroaches, and mantises go through a nymph stage, (little versions of the adult insect) omitting the pupa stage. The larvae of butterflies are wormlike and are often referred to as caterpillars or simply worms. 

Metamorphosis Cycle 

1. Egg Stage: Adult butterflies/moths lay eggs on a host plant (a milkweed for example), and the eggs hatch in a few days, weeks, or perhaps the next season 
2. Larval Stage: The larvae or caterpillars emerge from the eggs and feed on their host plant for one or several weeks to build up energy. Caterpillars often go through multiple stages known as instars and will shed their skin several times 
3. Pupa Stage: Once the caterpillar has obtained enough energy, it will molt one last time and transform into a cocoon or chrysalis (a sack like structure). This stage lasts several days or up to a few weeks.
4. Adult: Adult emerges from the chrysalis with wings, a hardened body and fully developed legs. After its wings dry the butterfly will fly off to find a potential mate and a cluster of host  plants. The adult butterfly or moth lives anywhere from a few days (for non-feeding species of moths) to up to six weeks.

Metamorphosis In Pictures 

Monarch Caterpillar on Milkweed

Monarch Chrysalis 

Emerging Monarch

Behavior 

Butterflies and moths are generally seen flying around gardens, meadows, or forests in search of mates, or host plants. As adults the insects may stop at flowers, tree blossoms, decaying fruit, or even carrion to obtain nutrients and fuel for flying. Moths tend to be a little less active and may be found resting on tree trunks, the ground, or under a porch light, although the agile little sphinx moth is very active. As for the caterpillars, they just feed continuously on their food plants and try to avoid being eaten by birds, lizards, wasps, or other potential predators. 

Defense: Adult and larval butterflies and moths are rather helpless against predators and other dangers although many species have found ways to survive. Camouflage is the main means of defense. Caterpillars are green, yellowish, or brown to blend into their plants, and most moths and certain butterflies such as skippers and Wood Nymphs are brown or grey with patterns to blend into the landscape. Other species have caterpillars that look like bird guano, or dead leaves to look unappetizing to a would-be predator, while a few species have hairs, spines, or even stinging barbs to further deter predation. Adult butterflies or moths with bright colors often mimic dangerous insects such as bees, or wasps. Lastly, a few butterflies including the Monarch and Queen Butterflies absorb toxins from their host plants (like milkweed or dogbane) making them distasteful or even dangerous to anyone that eats them or their larvae. 

Migration: A handful of butterflies undergo long migrations. Insect migration is different from bird migration. Migration occurs over multiple generations with each group travelling several hundred kilometres (or miles) and laying eggs on specific host plants along the way. After a breeding cycle, the next generation continues the journey. Monarchs, Queens, Painted Ladies, and Gulf Fritillaries, and Sulphurs all embark on migrations. The Painted Lady is particularly notable for having a very long migration with both the European and North American species travelling thousands of kilometres each way. A Nova documentary on PBS revealed that this particular butterfly can fly continuously at high altitudes, explaining the reason why they "randomly" appear in a given region without being detected in migration. There is still much to be learned about the migration of butterflies, dragonflies, and other insects. 

Host Plants 

Passionvine is a host for Gulf Fritillary Butterflies  

Black Cherries host Imperial Moths, Viceroys and more

All butterflies and moths depend on a group of plants for their larvae to feed on. These plants are known as host plants and are vital for future generations of insects. Many butterflies or moths have a rather limited selection of plants they can feed on with a few species being entirely dependent on a single species of plant. Other butterflies and some of our moth species are generalist and will accept a wider range of plants. For instance, flannel moths will accept most kinds of trees, while many Skippers will use most species grass. On the other hand, the rare  Frosted Elfin Butterfly in New Hanover County and a few pinelands in Brunswick and Pender Counties depend entirely on a species of Lupine. According to the book Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy, oaks, hickories, elms, and birches support the  most species of Lepidoptera. In our gardens, host plants are the best way to attract butterflies and are more important than nectar plants. The butterflies and moths we see in the gardens often come from a nearby habitat with host plants. If you see a partiualr butterfly or moth in your neighborhood, its host plant is likely just around the corner or in a wood or meadow near you. 

Attracting Butterflies 

A bunch of skippers on a Stevia Plant

Butterflies and moths are fairly easy to attract and like birds, they are often sought after by nature lovers, gardeners, and even everyday people who want to add a little color to their gardens. Butterflies and certain moths look nice, are completely harmless and are often an important part of culture, and most importantly are familiar to most people. The best way to attract butterflies to your garden is to provide the plants needed for reproduction. Choosing the right plants can take some research although many of our native plants and trees host at least one species of butterfly and multiple moth species. Flowering plants are also important for butterflies and certain moths although gardens without host plants will only see visiting adults, meaning that you will miss out on our most unique or attractive species. Even if you do not have host plants or even flowering plants, you can help butterflies by minimizing the use of insecticides, tolerating some weeds in your garden, and helping to encourage community gardens, tree planting organizations, and to get neighborhoods or cities to install butterfly or pollinator gardens in public spaces. 

An example of a Pollinator Garden

Butterfly Gardens: A good butterfly garden contains both larval host plants, and a wide selection of flowering plants for the adults to feed on. In addition to butterflies, these gardens will also help our honeybee populations, native bees such as bumblebees, mason bees, and many solitary species, as well as provide food for songbirds and lizards. While the garden does not have to consist entirely of native plants, it is important to include key host plants for the species of butterflies you want in your garden, and to find flowering plants adapted for the region. Any flowerbed or even a vegetable garden can become a butterfly habitat with the right selection of plants. Mixing in flowering plants like asters, coreopsis, or salvia into your vegetable herb garden brings pollinators closer to your crops, encourages predatory insects like wasp to control caterpillar or beetle infestations, and makes your garden look more attractive. 

Good Flowering Plants for Butterflies 

Moonflower is popular with Sphinx Moths 

Rubekia Coneflowers are both host plants and nectar sources

• Asters
• Coreopsis 
• Coneflower 
• Goldenrod 
• Salvia and Sages
• Joe Pye Weed
• Butterfly Bush  
• Basils 
• Beebalm and Mountain Mint
• Verbena 
• Coral Honeysuckle 
• Yarrow 
• Yellow Thistle 
• Lantana 

Host Plants to Start 

Butterfly Milkweed, a key plant for Monarchs

• Milkweed "Butterflyweed" for Monarch or Queen Butterflies 
• Native Grasses for Skippers 
• Fennel, Parsley, or Golden Alexander for Black Swallowtails 
• Indigo (Baptista), Vetch, or Clover for Sulphurs, Hairstreaks, Eastern Tailed Blues
• Passionfruit Vine for Gulf Fritillaries 
• Violets for Dianna or Great Spangled Fritillaries 
• Mallows or Thistles for Painted Ladies 
• Native Azaleas for Comma Butterflies 
• Spicebush for Spicebush Swallowtails  
• Asters for Pearly Crescents  

Good Trees for Butterflies 

Oaks such as this Live Oak support up to 500 species of Lepidoptera

• Oaks 
• Elms 
• Hickories 
• Birches 
• Maples
• Willows 
• Wild Cherries 
• Sassafras
• Pawpaw  

Sampling of Butterflies and Moths

Swallowtails: Swallowtails are our largest butterflies with some species such as the Tiger Swallowtail and Giant Swallowtail having wingspans greater than 16cm (6.5"). These butterflies are so large that they can be mistaken for birds. Swallowtails are common most of the year in the Cape Fear Region with the Tiger Swallowtail, Black Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail, and Palamedes Swallowtail being common in gardens. They will visit most nectar plants and seem to enjoy butterfly bush, most asters or goldenrods, and any garden plant with abundant flowers. 

Tiger Swallowtail, Male

Spicebush Swallowtail

• You can easily host Black Swallowtails by planting fennel, dill, parsley, and other members of the carrot family in your garden or by opting for the native Golden Alexandra or the naturalized Queens Anne's Lace. 

• Spicebush and Palamedes Swallowtails can be hosted with Spicebush, Sassafras, and Red Bay, while the Tiger Swallowtail will use many trees. 

• To attract the Zebra Swallowtail, plant a pawpaw tree, while the Giant Swallowtail will visit if you have Loquat or other citrus in your garden (which can survive most Cape Fear winters) 

Red Spotted Purple: The Red Spotted Purple is a fairly common butterfly that is easily mistaken for a Spicebush Swallowtail. This butterfly is black with teal edges and is common in forests and woodlands in our area. This species will use any tree in the cherry or willow family and is a frequent visitor to flower gardens. It is much smaller than the Spicebush Swallowtail. 

Red Spotted Purples closely mimics the Spicebush Swallowtail

Sulphurs: Sulphurs are yellow to orange butterflies that are most common from autumn through spring and are often flying around on warm winter days. Most sulphurs are small to mid-sized butterflies that breed on virtually any member of the pea or legume family, including your cultivated beans. They will use clover, vetch, wild indigo, and even wisteria or kudzu as host plants. The Cloudless Sulphur is very abundant during the winter months while other species of note include the Southern Dogface, Clouded Sulphur, and Orange Sulphur. The nonnative Cabbage White is also in the same family but likes members of the broccoli or cabbage family.

Southern Dogface

Monarch and Queen Butterflies: The Monarch Butterfly is one of the most iconic and recongizable butterflies in North America and is even known in other parts of the world. This butterfly is orange with black markings  and has caterpillars that are yellow, white and black. The Queen is less common and is all orange with black edges and has a slightly different caterpillar. Both butterflies depend on milkweeds for breeding but will use almost any flowering plant for nectar. Monarchs and Queens are most common from midsummer though the first frost (November or December in our area) and will occasionally emerge during warm winter days. Monarchs embark on long migrations and after several generations, they will move from New England or the Midwest to Mexico. 

Monarch Butterfly on Pitcher Plant

Viceroy: The Viceroy is a Monarch lookalike that is often found in woodlands and is told by its smaller size and slight difference in coloration. This butterfly is also toxic like its counterpart. Viceroys feed on willows and are somewhat uncommon and are tied to wetland forests and willow-alder thickets near water. They will visit flower gardens and are easily attracted by adding Weeping Willow, Black Willow, or Pussy Willow to your garden. 

Hairstreaks and Blues: Hairstreaks and Blues are a group of small butterflies that are most frequently encountered during the winter and early spring. These butterflies are often blue, purple, or even greyish with various markings. The Eastern Tailed Blue is one of our smallest butterflies at less than 2cm (1") in span, while the Grey Hairstreak is a little larger. Both species use clover as their host plants and are common in meadows, woodland openings and around lawns with such plants.  

Grey Hairstreak on Clover

Skippers: Skippers are a large group of butterflies that appear to be crossovers between moths and butterflies. These small butterflies hold their wings flat like moths, appear hairy, and look like miniature fighter jets when at rest. The fly quickly with jerky motions and are mistaken for moths. There are dozens of skipper species although the most common ones include the Silver Spotted and Long-Tailed Skippers which are mid-sized with distinctive markings. These butterflies use legumes including Kudzu and Wisteria as host plants and are common from spring through late autumn. The Grass Skippers are a group of tiny skippers that use native or nonnative grasses as host plants. These little butterflies are difficult to identify. The common garden species include the Fiery Skipper, Duskywing, Sachem, Least Skipper and Roadside Skipper which all feed on a variety of grasses including Bermuda Grass, Crabgrass, and Switchgrass. 

Duskywing Skipper

Long-Tailed Skipper

Red Admiral: The Red Admiral is a common butterfly seen from spring through autumn and is found in damp woodlands and wet meadowlands across our area. This species is black with red edges and is rather small. It feeds on False Nettle, Stinging Nettle and Wood Nettle and often visits flower gardens.  

Painted Lady: The Painted Lady is a cosmopolitan species of butterfly that likely has one of the longest migrations journeys of any insect. The European and North American populations travel thousands of kilometres each way and and what routes they take are still poorly known. This butterfly will use a wide range of plants including mallows, hollyhocks and other garden plants and can be found in open habitats. They are most common from August to October.

Gulf Fritillaries: The Gulf Fritillary is one of our most common butterflies and like Sulphurs can be seen in any season. This butterfly uses native Passionflowers as host plants and frequents flower gardens and meadows throughout the area. This butterfly is orange with black edges and has a long forewing. It is not as heavily marked as Monarch or Viceroy Butterflies. The caterpillars are bright orange with black spines and are unmistakable. The Great Spangled Fritillary is common during the spring and is yellowish with similar markings. This butterfly uses Woodland Violets and Johnny Jump-Ups as host plants and its caterpillars also have spines.

Gulf Fritillary 

Gulf Fritillary on Passionvine  

Mourning Cloak: The Mourning Cloak is a locally common butterfly of forest and woodlands and is most common in the spring and again in late autumn. This butterfly is black with yellow edges and blue markings. Mourning Cloaks are often seen flying high in forest canopies or low to the ground near trails, clearings, or watercourses. This butterfly uses willows, elms, and other trees as host plants. 

Moths 

Tiger Moth species

Moth Caterpillar

Sphinx Moths: The Sphinx Moths are a large group of moths that have fast wingbeats and hover like hummingbirds. These moths are often mistaken for hummingbirds or even bumblebees and come in a variety of colors. Two notable species are the Tomato and Tobacco Hornworm Moth which are a nuisance when their caterpillars eat cultivated tomato plants. The adults are quite beautiful and are nearly 15cm (6") in span making them larger than hummingbirds, chickadees, and even most warblers. Another noticeable group of Sphinx Moth are the diurnal Hummingbird and Snowberry Clearwing Moth which are yellow and black and resemble bumblebees. Both species are seen in gardens during the day. All of the Sphinx Moths have green caterpillars with spiny horns on the tail, and are often preyed upon by hornets, paper wasps, and songbirds, as well as being hosts for the Braconid Wasp (which results in caterpillars being eaten from the inside by their larvae). Plant azaleas, Coral Honeysuckle, Moonflower, Mourning Glories, and Salvias to attract Sphinx Moths. 

Tiger Moths: Tiger Moths are a large family of moths that include our most brightly colored species. These moths come in many shapes and sizes and are primarily found in forests and woodlands. They use various hardwood species and do not visit flower gardens. Look for these moths on tree trunks, stones, or on the ground as well as at porch lights. 

Giant Silkworm Moths: The Giant Silkworm Moths are the largest Lepidoptera species in our area with some species exceeding 17cm (7") in length and being misidentified as bats when they fly past stadium or street lights. This family includes the moths that are used to make silk for clothing and draperies. In the Cape Fear Region the most notable Silkworm species include the iconic Luna Moth, the giant Imperial and Cleopatra Moths, and the Hickory Horndevil Moth. The Luna Moth is greenish with a long tail, while the Horndevil, Imperial, and Cleopatra Moth are brownish but have striking patterns. They do not come to flower gardens but will readily come to porch lights and can be found in parking lots, near streetlamps,  or security lights. The caterpillars are equally giant and are usually found in hickories, oaks, maples, cherries, and other hardwood trees. They do produce silk as well. 

Webworms and Tent Moths: Webworms and Tent Moths are a group of moths that are known for making large silken nests in certain species of trees or shrubs. The Eastern Tent Moth is common from April to November and uses hickories, oaks, mulberries, and wild cherries as their host trees, while the Spring and Fall Webworm are common in their respective seasons and may also use garden plants as hosts. Both moths are nondescript. Webworms and Tent  Caterpillars are important food  for birds and appear to be the preferred diet of Carolina Chickadees, Yellow Billed Cuckoos, as well as Baltimore and Orchard Orioles. The silk itself is used by gnatcatchers, hummingbirds, and  chickadees to build nests. 

Other Moths: There are a few other moths that are notable in our region. The Flannel and Woolly Bear Moths produce caterpillars that are hairy and are often seen on the ground or on various plants. The former species has hairs that can produce a stinging sensation or cause rashes if handled. The Hag Moth has an odd looking caterpillar that looks like a starfish. The Grapevine Skeletonizer is a moth that breeds on members of the grape family such as Muscatine Grape, Virginia Creeper and such. While the caterpillar is unremarkable, the adults look like wasps and have long, narrow wings. There are countless other moths that can be found in our gardens, parks, and woodlands, so keep an eye out for unusual specimens when you are hiking or sitting on the porch at night.   

Sources and References 

1. Butterflies of the Carolinas Field Guide, by Jaret C. Daniels 
2. Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy

     

Hawks

 Hawks of the Carolinas 

Pair of Red Tailed Hawks perched on electrical tower

Birds of prey are any group of predatory birds that feature a hooked bill and sharp talons. Diurnal species such as hawks, eagles, and the distantly related falcons hunt primarily during the day, while owls are nocturnal predators. Some oddities such as the Loggerhead Shrike can also be considered a predatory bird even though it is a songbird. Other birds capable of eating vertebrate prey like herons, crows, jays, magpies, and grackles, are not birds of prey, nor are the condors and vultures which are scavengers. Hawks are the most diverse and oftentimes frequently encountered avian predators in any region of North America or Europe and many species will live near or in developed areas.  

Hawks are diurnal birds of prey that part of the family Accipitridae and usually feature broad wings and large talons. This group of birds may also be referred to as raptors. The family includes sea eagles, typical eagles, kites, and the osprey in addition to birds that are called "hawks". Compared to the other daytime predators, hawks are often more generalized in prey choice and habitat although each species has developed its own niche to minimize competition. The Carolinas have six species of hawks with all of them being found in the Cape Fear Region at some point of the year. Other closely related birds such as the Mississippi Kite, Bald Eagle, and Osprey are also regular residents or visitors to our area but are very different from the "true hawks". There are two major groups of hawks, the Buzzards genus Bueto, and the Sparrowhawks genus Accipiter, while the Harrier fits into its own group.

Featured Species 

• Red Tailed Hawk
• Red Shouldered Hawk
• Broad Winged Hawk
• Cooper's Hawk
• Sharp Shinned Hawk

Buzzards

Red Tailed Hawk in flight, notice broad wings and tail

Buzzards or Bueto Hawks are mid-sized to large raptors that are identified by their broad wings and their tendency to soar for long periods of time. These are the hawks that most people are familiar as they are large, conspicuous, and often live in open habitats. The main old-world species of Bueto is the Buzzard Bueto bueto, which common across Europe, Africa, and Asia and an opportunistic predator. In North America, the Red Tailed Hawk Bueto jamaicensis, serves the same niche and is our most powerful diurnal predator aside from the eagles. Buzzards are not to be confused with vultures which in parts of North America are called "buzzards". Condors and New World Vultures (Cathartidae) look like hawks but are entirely dependent on carrion or weak prey and are incapable of hunting. These birds are also more closely related to storks as well. Buzzards hunt largely ground based prey such as small mammals and reptiles, although they can catch flying insects and birds on occasion. 

Juvenile Red Tailed Hawk, note its pale chest

Red Tailed Hawk Bueto jamaicensis: The Red Tailed Hawk is our largest hawk with some birds approaching 60cm or 24" in length with wingspan around 1.2m or 4ft. This hawk is present year-round in all regions of the Carolinas and is generally nonmigratory although northern birds do increase populations during the winter. Red Tailed Hawks live in open countryside, grasslands, and areas with mixes of woodland, fields, and manmade structures like electrical poles, or barns. They also live in urban and suburban areas where they may nest or perch on rooftops, billboards, or cellular signal towers. This hawk hunts mostly rodents and small mammals with tree squirrels, ground squirrels, rabbits, and voles being the main part of their diet. Red Tails also hunt larger mammals, large or slow-moving birds like herons and waterfowl, and insects like cicadas or dragonflies on occasion. They mostly hunt from open perches and pounce on prey from above. They nest in tall trees, telephone poles, towers, and human-made structures. 

ID: Large with broad wings, somewhat eagle-like. Adult birds vary in color but usually have reddish tails and brown or blackish bodies. Juveniles are harder, although the best way to tell the birds is by their size, wingspan, and habits. Red Tails are almost always seen in open areas and are the most likely hawks to be seen riding thermals. 

Call: A screaming "Keesheeerrw" like the stereotypical scream used to depict hawks, vultures, or eagles in films or cartoons.  

Learn More: Cornell All About Birds  

Red Shouldered Hawks are more brightly colored than other hawks

Red Shouldered Hawk Bueto lineatus: Red Shouldered Hawks are a slightly smaller and more agile buzzard that mostly hunts in woodlands and small meadows. These hawks are around 43cm or 17" in length and have 1.1m or 3.5ft wingspans, making them noticeably smaller than Red Tails, though individuals of both species can be larger or smaller than normal.  Red Shouldered Hawks are year-round residents but may increase with an influx of migrating birds from the north or interior. Their main habitats are forest edges or interiors near water or small openings, although they also thrive in wooded neighborhoods, parks, and remnant forests. They compete fiercely with the Red Tailed Hawk and any overlap in territory could lead to fighting. For this reason, Red Tails are more common in open and urbanized areas, while Red Shouldered Hawks mostly stick close to forests and woodlands and hunt closer to the ground. This  hawk hunts a wide-range of prey but prefers voles, woodland mice, squirrels, and reptiles.  They are also more efficient at hunting other birds and will occasionally take songbirds, ducklings, and raid nests, while insects are taken as well. Hunting techniques are similar with birds hunting from an open or covered perch catching prey on the wing. Red Shouldered Hawks nest in large trees within woodlands.

ID: Mid-sized to large, (about the size of a Common Crow) with broad wings and a fairly long tail. The Red Shouldered Hawk is slimmer than the Red Tailed Hawk. Adults are very colorful with orange bars   on the body, reddish shoulders, and black and white tail and wings. Individual birds will vary and juveniles are often whitish and can be mistaken for a small Red Tail. 

Call: A loud shrieking call that is shorter and sharper than the Red Tail. This hawk is very vocal. 

Learn More: Cornell All About Birds

Broad Winged Hawk during autumn migration  

Broad Winged Hawk Bueto platypterus: The Broad Winged Hawk is the least common of the buzzards and also our smallest hawk of this category. Adults are around 38cm or 15" long which is smaller than most crows while the wingspan is 87cm or 34". These hawks are primarily summer residents in the Carolinas and are more likely to be encountered as spring or autumn migrants, especially in the Appalachian Mountains. These hawks live mostly in hardwood or mixed forests with closed canopies and are often inconspicuous. Adults often fly over the treetops or take covered perches, although migrants are most likely to be found in kettles (flocks) as they soar in thermals. This hawk hunts small rodents, songbirds, and lizards in the treetops and nests within forests. 

ID: Small and compact with very broad wings and tail in flight. Adults are dark brown or black above with white underwings, a tail with a single white bar, and a brown chest. Perched birds can be mistaken for Red Shouldered Hawk, as larger female Broad Wings can be the same size as the smallest Red Shouldered Hawk males and juveniles can be brownish. 

Call: Makes a sharp "PeeWeeer" call that can be mistaken for the more commonly encountered Mississippi Kite, or songbirds like the Wood Pewee. 

Learn More: Cornell All About Birds

Sparrowhawks 

Juvenile Cooper's Hawk, Sparrowhawks have slender profiles overall

Sparrowhawks or Accipiters are small to mid-sized hawks that characterized by their long, slender profile, and falcon-like flight. These hawks are named for their tendency to hunt primarily other birds with the Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus being the main Old World specie. There are three species of Accipiters that occur across most of the Americas including the Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis. which is also found in Europe and Asia. The Carolinas have only two species of sparrowhawks, with both of them preying primarily on birds. Accipiter Hawks mostly remain in dense cover to ambush prey from a perch, or fly low to the ground or tree line to attack birds by surprise. Sparrowhawks are not to be confused with Falcons which primarily on the wing and are more compact, and suited for aerial hunting. Falcons are in another family that is closer to parrots and woodpeckers, and will be described in a later article. 

Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii: The Cooper's Hawk is the largest of the two sparrowhawks in the Carolinas and is usually the second most common hawk after the Red Tailed Hawk. This hawk is fairly large with adults being around 45cm or 18in long and a wingspan of 80cm or 31", which puts it at the same size range as a Red Shouldered Hawk except with a lightweight build. Cooper's Hawks can be found in almost any setting and are commonly encountered in open woodlands, meadows, parks, suburban gardens, cities, and along roadsides. These birds are year-round residents but like the Red Tailed and Red Shouldered Hawks they are more numerous in the winter due to northern population shifts. The Cooper's Hawk hunts by perching in open or covered perches and darting after birds that venture out into the open. These hawks will also chase birds in flight, sometimes flying only a few cm/inches above the ground at a high-rate of speed, while weaving around trees or objects. Avian prey can range from small birds like warblers to ducks but rarely anything larger than itself. Cooper's Hawks are not strictly bird-eaters and will also take rodents, insects, and even small rabbits on occasion. This hawk is also known to hunt birds at feeders and bird tables. They nest in forested areas, hedgerows, as well as parks and wooded gardens.

ID: The Cooper's Hawk is a mid-sized hawk with a slender profile, very long tail, and narrow, pointed wings that are straight (like a cross or letter T). Perched birds may be mistaken for cuckoos, or other long-tailed birds but their streaked bodies and hooked bill are distinctive characteristics. Adults have reddish bodies and forewings with black and white wings and a banded tail. The back is dark grey to bluish. 

Mississippi Kites are similar in shape but are greyish and mostly hunt while soaring or gliding, they rarely hunt birds. 

Call: Mostly silent, although nesting birds make a loud Kak-kak-kak-kak call similar to a cuckoo or Common Flicker as well as various squeals.

Learn More: Cornell All About Birds

Sharp Shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus: Sharp Shinned Hawks are our smallest hawk and after the Screech Owl and Kestrel is our third smallest bird of prey. These hawks are essentially the New World counterpart of the Common Sparrowhawk and occupy the same niche and are widespread. These birds average 25cm or 10" long and are barely larger than familiar garden birds like the Mourning Dove or American Robin. These birds are found in almost any habitat but tend to prefer woodlands, wooded or semi-open countryside, and meadowlands. In the Carolinas, Sharp Shinned Hawks nest only in the Appalachian Corridor and are generally migrants or winter residents elsewhere. In the Cape Fear, the Sharp Shinned Hawk is an uncommon autumn migrant and fairly rare as a winterer. This hawk competes directly with the Cooper's Hawk which on rare occasions can prey on its smaller counterpart. Sharp Shinned Hawks are true "sparrowhawks" with their diet consisting almost entirely on small songbirds. These birds are agile hunters that can easily weave their way through forests and suburban neighborhoods at high speed and catch birds as small as chickadees or warblers. Unlike falcons, Sharp Shinned Hawks stay close to the ground or trees and ambush their prey from perches. They will come to bird tables in the autumn and winter like the Cooper's Hawk and may visit periodically to hunt birds that visit.  

ID: Very small hawk that is smaller on average Mourning Doves and is told from the Merlin by its longer tail and behaivor. The birds are slender with long tails and can be mistaken for cuckoos, doves, or similar sized birds in poor light. In flight, Sharp-Shinned Hawks have wings that are slightly bowed forward (not a cross or T shape), long tails, and rapid wingbeats alternated by stiff glides. Adults are almost the same color as the Cooper's Hawk. 

The Merlin is much shorter tailed, has pointed wings, and hunts primarily in the sky, while the Kestrel hunts mainly by hovering over open areas and is smaller.

Call: Mostly silent outside of nesting 

Learn More: Cornell All About Birds