Field Guide
How do you begin butterfly watching?
Butterfly watching is one of the most enjoyable ways to observe nature more closely. With a phone or camera, a little patience and good observation habits, you can begin recognising the butterflies you encounter.
Getting Ready
What do you need to begin?
- A phone or camera
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water and sun protection
- A phone or small notebook for recording observations
- A field guide or this website
- Binoculars are optional
No expensive or specialist equipment is required to get started.
Timing
When should you look for butterflies?
Butterflies are usually more active in sunny, warm conditions when the wind is not too strong. Different species appear at different times from spring to autumn. Late morning and the warmer parts of the afternoon are often suitable for observation.
Habitats
Where should you look?
- Flower-rich areas
- Forest edges
- Open woodland
- Meadows
- Roadsides with vegetation
- Stream and river edges
- Mountain clearings
- Parks and gardens
In the Field
How should you approach a butterfly?
- Move slowly
- Try not to let your shadow fall on the butterfly
- Do not walk straight toward it
- Take a photograph from a distance first
- If the butterfly stays calm, approach slowly
- Do not damage the plant or the butterfly
- If it flies off, wait for it to land again rather than chasing it
Photography
How should you photograph a butterfly for identification?
- Photograph the upperwing when possible
- Photograph the underwing when possible
- Show both forewing and hindwing
- Take more than one angle
- Avoid excessive digital zoom
- Avoid strong colour filters
- Keep the original photograph
- Do not disturb the butterfly merely to obtain a different pose
Field Notes
What information should be recorded?
- Species or possible species
- Province
- Month and year
- Visible wing surface
- Sex when confidently known
- Photograph reference
- Short observation note
Ethics
Responsible butterfly watching
- Do not try to catch the butterfly by hand
- Do not touch eggs, caterpillars or pupae
- Be careful not to crush plants
- Do not publicly share the exact locations of rare species
- Do not force the butterfly to move for a photograph
- Respect private property and protected area rules
- Complete your observation without harming nature
Before You Go
A quick checklist for your first observation
- Is the weather sunny and suitable?
- Is my phone or camera ready?
- Am I approaching the butterfly slowly?
- Have I seen the upperwing?
- Have I seen the underwing?
- Have I recorded the province, month and year?
- Have I noted it if I am not sure of the exact species?
- Am I leaving without harming nature?
Common Mistakes
Common beginner mistakes
- Chasing every butterfly
- Relying only on colour
- Taking only one photograph
- Assuming photograph size equals real size
- Forgetting the underwing
- Giving a definite species name to an insufficient photograph
- Focusing only on rare species
- Ignoring common species
- Damaging vegetation while trying to obtain a photograph
Ready to discover your first butterfly?
Explore the species or learn how butterflies are identified before your first observation.