Massachusetts Butterfly Club
2024 Schedule - Field Trips and July Counts
Can You ID This Butterfly?
Options:
1. Mouse over the photo to see the species name.
2. Click the photo to see the
species web page.
3. Click here to see a new photo.
MA Butterfly Trips and July count schedules for 2024
2024 Field Trips (PDF) (WORD)
2024 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.
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:
Attending a trip? Please contact the leader to let them know to expect you. In case of inclement weather, contact the leader to find out about postponement or rain date. Everyone is welcome, whether you re new to butterflying or an old hand!
Tips for an enjoyable experience: Suggested materials include binoculars, sunscreen, water, hat, insect repellent, any allergy medicines, and a camera. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes. You may also want field guides, a hand lens, pen/pencil & pad for recording, and snacks and/or lunch.
Guidelines for field trips:
- Learn how to enjoy and make friends with butterflies. Patience is important, and nets are not permitted!
- Protect the environment. Take care when exploring not to trample butterfly habitat, particularly host and nectar plants critical to caterpillar and butterfly feeding.
- Be courteous to fellow participants. Help each other. Allow everyone to see the butterfly before moving in to take pictures. Please attempt to socially distance of 6+ feet and take turns to view or photograph butterflies.
- Service dogs are permitted, but please leave your pet dogs at home!
- Contact the trip leader at least one day before to let them know you will be participating.
- Participants are welcome to mask if they prefer.