California Ringlet - Coenonympha california

I have never seen this species before and it was definitely the highlight of my hike.

This dead, grassy area is usually a green meadow with milkweed, wild carrot, and various other plants. But, we are in the midst of a severe drought in western Connecticut, which has made this usually thriving meadow barren.

I saw many disturbing things...

In my 2+ mile hike this morning, I only saw 2 mushrooms. Normally, I would see ~100 or more. I did not see a single frog or salamander, both of which I commonly find in this area. Only a couple birds, one of which kept repeatedly flying into (and then bouncing off) a screen that enclosed a monarch station. No berries were on the shrubs. Only a few insect galls and leaf mines could be found. A handful of insects, most of which were flies or bees. Water levels in streams and ponds are usually low-ish in August; but, this year, they are dry. I walked right through a swamp this morning and the ground was completely dry and cracked.

This is all really unusual for me to experience in mid-August in NW CT. So, I am definitely concerned for the impact this drought will have on the environment and all the creatures that must do without. I had a pack of coyotes following me in the woods today. They stayed at a distance, but kept getting closer to the point where it was scary enough for me to end my hike early. It was all so eerie.