Bryan's Posts About Butterflies

Insects and Impeachment

Pygmy dragonflies, charismatic butterflies, atomic bombs and toxic politics.

Flowers and Light

New research on butterfly evolution helps explain the force that drove these insects from the darkness into the light.

The Monarch Monsoon

A Monarch on its way to Mexico would seem to have no legitimate business 10 miles out to sea. Try telling that to the thousands of Monarchs here in the Gulf of Maine on Monhegan Island.

The Extinction of Meaning

Now that the Trump administration has advanced its plan to weaken the Endangered Species Act, here’s my essay, first published at Medium.com, about our fading ties to wildlife and wild places. 

Messin’ With Texas

To leave Vermont in summertime is to take leave of your senses. But here’s my justification: a shock-and-awe dragonfly.

Of Black Flies and Bog Fritillaries

When you time your visit just right, about when the black flies and mosquitoes unite to defend their bogs from the likes of you, there is nothing better on earth than a Bog Fritillary.

What’s Next: Green Alert

The slow-motion spring across the northern forest now moves into a season of diversity, abundance and flight.

Sex and Mayhem in a Pond

If you ever needed proof that females bear the worst when it comes to reproduction, here it is: Wood Frog amplexus. This is not murder and mayhem. It is mayhem and mating. We’ve got the video.

What’s Next – Earth Day Edition

An Earth Day Weekend celebration of what’s flying or simply growing here in the American Southeast, plus what’s next in the north.

What’s Next – Early April

Although snow still covers the hills of my home state of Vermont, I’m here in the Southeast to assure you that fifty shades of red are in your future before much of the green breaks out.

What’s Next – Late March

Despite today’s snowstorm here in northern New England, the first wave of migrating birds arrived with the warmth last week. Here’s your latest edition of What’s Next this spring.

What’s Next – Mid March

The birds and butterflies in your future this mid March as warm air brings about new flight in our woodlands and backyards.