FIELD NOTES

Field notes are very important and can include butterflies that could not be included in the regular record (because they were outside the survey area), or any observations of other animals and interesting plants.

Comments concerning variation within a season may be particularly valuable because they can document differences between years caused by temperature and rainfall. Such information would include the appearance of different growth stages of plants including buds and flowers. Unusual weather events can also be mentioned. These would include storms, sustained unusual weather, or lack of rain on preceding days.

Any disturbances of the habitats can also be recorded. This would include deliberate management actions, floods, horse and deer damage, treefalls, turkey scratches, etc .

When the walk has been completed, complete the third line from the top of the form. Verify that all of the top of the form entries have been completed. In addition, make sure a weather code has been placed in each section that you walked. If no butterflies were observed, write that across the form, but include it with your data, because information about when butterflies are not flying is also important.