Look up and look down
There are Mourning Cloaks in the woods! And in sunny spots all over the place, chasing each other in spirals higher and higher until they drop back down to roost on logs and leaves, waiting for the next rival, or potential mate, to fly by. These butterflies, and a number of related species, spend the winter as adults tucked in crevices in logs or rocks, so they are among the first to appear when things begin to warm up. We'll have to wait a bit to see those species that overwinter as pupae or larvae.
If you, like me, appreciate "the little things that run the world" as much (or, in my case, perhaps a little more) than the familiar furry, feathery things, some of which are active year round, this is a great time of year. Keep your eyes open for that shadow flying overhead - it might be a butterfly, and not a chickadee.
And don't forget to look down, as you wander through the woods, even if there's still snow. We are all keeping our eyes open for those pools that might hold a salamander or two, but during the day, you can also watch for the less noticeable - like fairy shrimp, for example! They are just beginning to appear, barely noticeable unless you are looking carefully. You can usually find them in ephemeral pools in the woods that will disappear in a few weeks, at most, and that don't last long enough to harbour things that will eat the fairy shrimp.
If you happen to carry a small, light-coloured container with you while you are walking, you can scoop up a bit of the water above the dead leaves or sticks. If you're lucky, you may see these crustaceans that swim on their backs, paddling with a whole array of legs. In the next week or two, they'll grow to a size that is much easier to see. If you don't find them in one pool, check a couple more. Not all are suitable, though it's not clear why.
And then, you can post your photographs here!
Rob Longair
