Moth Field Trip

Photo: Tulip Tree Beauty, Judy Gallagher

Judy Gallagher

I always enjoy being in the field, but it is a rare privilege to be in the field at night. On July 31 we set up a black light at the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) Pollinator Garden to celebrate Moth Week, and 14 of us spent several hours experiencing nature at its best. We saw 19 moth species including this Tulip Tree Beauty male with his gorgeous feathery antennae. But moths weren't the only stars of the show. Coyotes howled and yipped in the distance. A Barred Owl hooted softly. And there were bats. We hope you have the opportunity to come on a night outing with us in the future.