Moths, Butterflies and more at Tinicum

The avian highlight of today’s visit to Tinicum was five Black Terns including one in breeding plumage. The terns seem to have invaded our area over the last 24 hours with reports from numerous sites. Caspian Tern, Bald Eagle, Cedar Waxwings, Warbling Vireos, Black-and-white Warbler, Blackpoll and Northern Waterthrush were also seen.

Our coolest sighting was undoubtedly this Saddleback Caterpillar. It was only about an inch in length and the spines on either end are potent stingers! As an adult it is a rather plain brown moth.

On the boardwalk railing close to the Saddleback Caterpillar, we found this beautiful Lunate Moth which certainly has perfect bark camouflage.

There were many species of butterflies around, including both angle-wings. This is an Eastern Comma….

….a Horace’s Duskywing….

….and a Pearl Crescent.

Several species were caught in nature’s struggle of life and death. An exhausted Great Blue Heron was likely held down by a Snapping Turtle, and this colorful Cicada flew into a spider web.