Southern Ohio prairies

Last Monday took a trip to extreme southern Ohio, to Lynx Prairie and Adams Lake Prairie.  I was hoping to maybe get a late Juniper Hairstreak and Giant Swallowtail.  Of course, on previous trips when I went looking for specific things, I have normally struck out.
  Started at Lynx.  Was rather surprised at the lack of butterflies.  The Liatris was blooming nicely, although not as robust as last year.  Some parts of the prairie looked rather dry.  A lot of Silvery Checkerspots, Eastern-tailed Blues and Carolina Satyrs, but nothing unexpected.  Did see Swarthy Skipper which I don't see everyday.  Last year the Liatris was covered with skippers, duskywings, and giant swallowtails.  Not this year.
  At Lynx a total of 13 species, 57 individuals.
  Moved on to Adams Lake State Park and the prairie restoration project there.  Once again, a lot of nectar (Liatris) but very few butterflies.  I had never been to Adams Lake before, although I have ridden past numerous times.  It was not as big as I was expecting.  I did pick up two new species for the BBY though.  Giant Swallowtail (one flying through pretty fast) and Gray Hairstreak (the last butterfly of the day).  The Hairstreak was a little tricky, a lot more orange than I am accustomed to seeing on Gray Hairstreak.  For awhile was debating whether it may be Northern Oak Hairstreak, but after some image searches and comparing to mine, I do believe it to be Gray.  I would rather it had been Oak, because I expect to see a lot of Grays the remainder of the season.  Oh well.
  A total of 10 species, 20 individuals.  See, very few butterflies for so much nectar there.  Probably not enough host plant diversity.  A total of 17 species for the day, which makes it pretty average.

Silvery Checkerspot @ Lynx Prairie

Tawny-edged Skipper nectaring on, of all things, wild onion.

Carolina Satyr @ Lynx Prairie

Adams Lake Prairie

Gray Hairstreak @ Adams Lake Prairie

  Rode home through the Amish country near Bainbridge.  One of these days I should stop at the farmers market and pick up something.  I enjoy riding through Amish country.  Maybe it helps put things back in perspective, even briefly.  Guess sometimes I wonder if the Amish in fact have it right and the rest of us do not.  Bikes and horses.  No stressing over gas prices.  No 82 mile round trip commutes.  I bet they don't stress about the childish behavior exhibited by our elected representatives (ha, thats a laugh) in Washington.  I think I could be Amish, except for attire, and having to take the engine off the bike!