Massachusetts Butterfly Club
2023 Schedule - Field Trips and July Counts
Can You ID This Butterfly?
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MA Butterfly Trips and July count schedules for 2023
2023 Field Trips (PDF) (WORD)
2023 July Counts (PDF) (WORD)
Please note that field trips may be added, canceled or changed. If that happens we will try to announce it on MassLep and on the website home page.
For the July counts, NABA charges a $3 fee for each participant in the count. The fees are sent to NABA by the count leaders. Please pay your fee to your count leader.
All field trips (including NABA counts) are open to anyone interested in learning about butterflies. On our field trips we strive to look for butterflies without harming them. Butterfliers also socialize and have fun on field trips! And along the way, we can raise public awareness about butterflies.
NABA Counts are field trips that have the additional purpose of gathering data that will help us monitor butterfly populations over many years. Data collection for the counts is a little more precise, and the counts focus on both the same time of year and the same specific geographic areas year after year. They also record the number of observers participating. Often counts take longer than other field trips, and some of them include a get-together at the end of the day to discuss findings and share a meal.
NABA suggestions for improving observations on butterfly counts
Link to NABA butterfly count page
Hunting Season - Please be aware of the different hunting seasons in Massachusetts. It is a good idea to wear a bright orange vest or jacket when you are in the field during hunting season. Below is a link to the Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife web page which has links to the different hunting seasons. https://www.mass.gov/hunting-regulations.
Checklist for field trips:
CALL AHEAD: In consideration for the field trip leader, call ahead to say that you plan to attend, to confirm meeting time and place, to find out how long the trip will be (i.e. should you bring lunch, etc.), to check for changes in plan, and to check for a rain date.
Tips: Bring binoculars, hand lens, field guide(s), sunscreen, water, hat, insect repellant, allergy medicines, snacks and/or lunch, pen/pencil & small pad for recording, camera. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Be prepared to have a really good time!
Guidelines for field trips:
- Netting is not allowed.
- Do not trample the habitat, particularly the host and nectar plants.
- Photographers should allow everyone to see the butterfly before moving in to take pictures.
- Make every effort to see that others see the butterflies that you find.
- Dogs (except for service dogs) are not allowed.
- Alcohol and illicit drugs are not allowed.
- No loud music is allowed.