You could spot
an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (pictured) if you take the "Butterfly
and Hummingbird Trail" at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden through
Aug. 31.
These lovely pollinators, named for their black, tiger-like stripes,
can be spied in the Herb Garden sipping nectar from the bright
orange flowered "Butterfly Weed" (Asclepias tuberosa).
Butterflies use their hollow tongues to suck nectar – like a
straw – from the bottoms of flower blossoms, and they coil them
up when they’re not in use.
The Garden distributes an informative self-guided map tour (free
with admission). Choose the north trail, which takes 30 minutes
to complete or the south trail, which takes an hour and is recommended
for the whole family. (Both trails may be combined for a one-mile
trail.)
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden (1000 Washington Ave.) is open free
of charge all-day Tuesdays, and 10 am to noon on Saturdays. Normal
admission is $3, $1.50 students and seniors and free for children
under 16. The Garden is also open Tuesday through Friday, 8 am
to 6 pm and 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
For information, call (718) 623-7200 or visit their Web site
at www.bbg.org.
