Dragonflies and damselflies (the insect order Odonata) are a fierce group of insects with interesting and easily observable behavior as well as highly variable coloration and habitat preferences.
Bob Honig, who has been observing Odonates for several decades, will give a presentation in the Jungemann Barn at Goose Pond Sanctuary. Bob will discuss the life history and ecological importance of dragonflies and damselflies and introduce common species found in southern Wisconsin. Afterwards, we will make a short drive to Erstad Prairie, where we can walk down to the water and learn to identify the species we see. Please bring a sack lunch or snack; we will have time set aside to eat after the presentation.
Surveys conducted by volunteers and staff in 2020 and 2021 found a whopping 23 species of dragonflies and 13 species of damselflies at Goose Pond Sanctuary and Erstad Prairie/Schoeneberg Marsh! Close-focus binoculars and cameras will be useful tools to bring.
FIELD TRIP LEADER: Bob and Maggie Honig, Mark Martin (goosep@madisonaudubon.org or 608-333-9645), and Jim Otto
ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES:
We will be walking on fairly level, mowed trails
WHEELCHAIR USE: Want to use an all-terrain, outdoor wheelchair for this field trip? Access Ability Wisconsin offers them for free! To reserve a chair and trailer, visit their website. If you need help coordinating a wheelchair for this trip, please let us know (Brenna Marsicek, bmarsicek@madisonaudubon.org).
APPROXIMATE DISTANCE: 1 miles
RAIN DATE: Sunday, July 23
RSVP REQUIRED? Yes, participation is limited to 18 people.
Photo by Arlene Koziol. A dragonfly sits on purple prairie clover.
