Right now the wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is blooming in the meadows. It is very attractive to butterflies. I saw lots of eastern tiger swallowtails, spicebush swallowtails, monarchs, silver-spotted skippers, and other butterflies visiting these blossoms. Now is a great time to look for butterflies in the meadows.
I also saw several hummingbird moths (Hemaros thysbe) visiting the bergamot. These are so named because they feed while hovering, and their wings beat so quickly; like a hummingbird. If you have been wanting to see one, now is the time to visit Mariton. I was unable to capture a photo of these quick moving insects. I did, however, find several websites with good photography.
