rshive's Journal

A variety of butterfly species photographed at Lost River Cave.

John, Kevin and I surveyed all life at KB’s. This was a nocturnal survey, beginning around 8:30 pm, ending at dawn the following day. The survey consists of mainly insects attracted to UV lights (which were on during the entire event) and a Mercury Vapor light that was utilized for the first three hours. The photos in this journal were taken with a Nikon D500, set to Aperture Priority with a Nikon 200mm Macro Lens set at f/20. Fifty Nine (59) insects and one (1) resident flying squirrel were observed by this observer.

Three day survey primary consisting of insects observed in the Lost Rive Cave Prairie sector. The predominant nectar giving plant during this survey is an ample distribution of Rattlesnake Master. The conditions were excellent for observing (mostly sunny, slightly humid); fair for photographing (windy). To photograph the subjects, a Nikon D500 was utilized and a combination of three different lenses. First, the area was slowly scanned using a Nikon 200-500mm telephoto lens. With it, larger, hard to approach insects were photographed. Next, a Nikon 85 mm Macro and Nikon 200mm Macro were used for smaller, more approachable insects. Observations took place each day from approximately 4 pm until 6:30 pm. A few plant species were documented. Otherwise, over 50 different insect species were documented.

Lost River Cave - third annual Buggin’ Out Event

Public offered, nocturnal insect review. Insects were attracted to observation sheets via UV and mercury vapor lighting. They were then observed, photographed, identified and cataloged. Approximately 27 observers participated, both adults and children. Forty one (41) species were observed and photographed, six less than the forty seven (47) from last years event. Windy conditions hampered our efforts slightly. Several other species were attracted; however, photographs were not obtained because of the wind.

The evening began late afternoon. A variety of wildlife were observed. At dusk the UV lights were turned on, attracting a variety of insects. I was joined by Lisa, Cooper and Tracey . The observation continued until approximately 11 pm. The moon was full and hampered our efforts to some degree.

Early afternoon conditions were moderate wind, mostly sunny. Bird movement was initially slow. By late afternoon the wind had subsided and bird movement increased.

Photos of plants, insects and birds taken at the Tyson’s.

J. Zippay and I performed an all life (afternoon) survey. It began in John’s all Kentucky native plant garden. From there we went to Metcalfe County. We initially stopped at Dunham lake. There was an ample amount of swamp milkweed in bloom around the lake. However, the western setting sun was behind the tree line, causing substantial shade upon the milkweed and thus no pollinators were visible. We decided to go to the dry gulch park. On the way, we noticed that the clover loop created by the Edmonton Ky. Parkway Exchange had been planted with a great number of wild flowers, which were in bloom. We worked this area until sunset.

This was a diurnal and nocturnal life survey with the primary emphasis on moths in support of National Moth Week. Aiding in data collection were Cooper Correa and family.

July 23, 2022: Lost River Cave Second Annual Buggin’ Out Event

Public offered, nocturnal insect review. Insects were attracted to observation sheets via UV lighting. They were then observed, photographed, identified and cataloged. Approximately 38 observers participated, both adults and children. Forty Seven (47) species were observed and photographed, two better than the forty five (45) from last years event.