🧤 Volunteer: North Northampton County Butterfly Count

We are looking for volunteers to assist with the count. No experience necessary! Please contact Kellie Piekarsky to sign-up or get more info.

• Date: Sunday, August 4, 2024 (Rain Date: Sunday, August 11, 2024).
• Start Time: 11:00 a.m.
• End Time: Up to you. The count will last as long as you do! We appreciate your participation – there is no requirement to spend a particular amount of time.
• Meet-up Location: FORMER Northampton Middle School, 7247 Young Street Machipongo, VA (NOTE: The school does not have any accessible restrooms.)
• Fee: There is a $3 fee for each participant’. Exact change would be greatly appreciated. 
• Suggested Attire: Dress and prepare for hot/humid, buggy weather and walking in natural environments.
• Refreshments: Bring water and snacks/food as needed. It will most likely be very hot so hydration is important. Safety first.

Also, if you know of any public/private locations within our 15-mile count circle that would be a good place to see butterflies please let us know.

If you’d like to familiarize yourself with butterflies, watch the VMN webinar “Butterfly Identification: Beyond the Basics” and  review the reference and presentation slides.

Better Impact Category 14: Annual Butterfly Count – Eastern Shore/Northern Northampton County

Additional Information

Team Roles

• Leader – point person for team. Ensures members go to specified locations timely. 
• Spotters – alert team members to a butterfly they have observed (no skill required!). Note: everyone on the team can spot! Photos are very helpful.
• Scribe/compiler – records the number of butterflies/species observed for each location and then calculates an overall total. Forms will be provided for recording counts. If you cannot make a firm ID the scribe should document as much information as possible to assist in later identification.
• Drivers – each team will decide how they want to manage transportation – carpool or separate vehicles.
• Identifiers – team members who have sufficient familiarity to identify the species observed.

Tips for a Good Counting Experience

Here are some suggestions/requests to consider so that you can be prepared and have as pleasant an experience as possible.

• Think about how many hours you want spend counting butterflies. Some prefer to stop after a few hours while other like to do it all day.
• Cameras, binoculars, and butterfly guides are great tools to have with you. Taking photos whenever you can is highly recommended, especially if you are unable to ID the butterfly in the field. Also, it’s great to include photos with any reporting. 
• Please DO NOT net or touch any butterflies. This activity should be as unobtrusive to the butterflies and their neighbors as possible.
• Butterflies and Skippers will be counted – Moths are not considered for this count. I will bring the list of species we are most likely to see.