Hairstreak Migration?

[Bruce Grimes]

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Bruce Grimes wrote:
> 
> On Aug. 26, and again on Sept. 9, several observers including myself
> were on a high point along the Blue Ridge Mountains (adjoining the
> Parkway).  This site is a regular migration watch point, though not
> manned as often as some of the more famous sites.
> On both occasions, more than 10 individuals of the Hairstreak group were
> seen moving rapidly through the observation field and beyond over the
> woods, in a southerly direction.  One was identified as a Red-banded
> Hairstreak.  At least three other individuals were seen to have bright
> blue upper wing surfaces.
> Although the field is a bit lower than the crest of the ridge in the
> woods to the south, the Hairstreaks were not heading toward the crest,
> and continued in the same direction over the woods as they were heading
> through the field.
> The ridge crest in the woods and beyond was searched, with no
> Hairstreaks being seen (although Gemmed Satyrs were present).
> Apparently hill-topping was not the motivation for the behavior.
> Other species observed moving south at this site on the same dates
> include Monarch, Eastern Comma, Red Admiral, Common Buckeye, and
> Cloudless Sulphur.
> Have observers previously mentioned seasonal movement of Hairstreak
> species?  Is there any literature on this subject? Could there have been
> reasons other than "migration" for this movement?
> 
> Thanks in advance for any help.
> 
> Bruce Grimes
> (Remove ns from mail address for reply)