Favoritos de blue_birder

First Connecticut record since 2017 (DeGenarro) at the same site.

On the margins of an Atlantic White Cedar swamp in an open grassy area, nectaring on Black Cherry in the company of Eastern Pine and Brown Elfin.

As Eastern Redcedar was present at this site we were very cautious to confirm the ID as Hessel’s. We primarily focused on the streaking, incl. 1) the white dash at the very top, which is not set out in Juniper, 2) the prominent white forewing spot, 3) the lowest white crescent bent in the same direction as the one above it (opposite in Juniper). Note also the blue-green hue and the overall greater presence of brown.

If you will it, it is no dream.

Found resting on the upper-side of an oak leaf. It was a young oak only about a foot or so away from a rural road. Incredibly long, slightly blue antennae. Not camera shy, and only flew a few inches away when disturbed. The roadside was mowed, but there were a lot of virginia creeper and poison ivy patches that had taken over the space.