May 30 - Mormon Trail

A sunny day with highs in the mid-90s.

Today it's time to head to the Mormon Trail for some butterflying.

I went a couple of weeks ago but I didn't make it very far due to the normal Spring flooding.

I arrive today around 9am. There's a few cars in the lots - yea, not flooded with people like the other trail heads!

I cross the bridge; the water high and still flowing fast. I make an attempt at the actual trail. It's much better than 2 weeks ago but still requires wading thru water. Detour to the dry but steep crossing.

After I cross, I head down to the trail seeing a couple of Blues flying.

Hoping to see Relict Frits today. Every year I start seeing them around June 1st so it's time.

The creek at the lower part is now dry so that water crossing I was stopped by previously it totally dry.

It's still early and there's still a lot of shade around so I looking for butterflies but not expecting too much.

However, the lupine are up but not blooming. In bloom are Strawberries, Big-leaf XXX, Bluebells, Wild Onion. Oregongrape, Pussytoes, a few Geranium, Purple Violets, Cherry trees

.... and lots of Dandelions.

Three of my favorites are also in bloom: Green Gentian

Lily

Purple.

As far as butterflies, they're out but not in big numbers. Even the muddy spots instead of having many Blues have 0, 1 or 2. Pretty bare.


I make my way to the pond along the way I see Orangetips, Large Marble,

Juba Skippers, Ringlets, several Painted Ladies (the butterfly of the day, Ringlets were 2nd place),

Boisduval's Blue and Western Tailed Blues,

Checkered Skipper

and I think I see a Relict Frit!

At the pond's meadow,

I see my 1st Western Tiger Swallowtail of the year!

I reach the pond. Usually the trail near the pond is wet/muddy and filled with butterflies. Today, it's only wet and muddy. :(

I head down to the pond in search of mud. I find mud and find several Blues and 3-4 Anise Swallowtails - score!

I also see Field Crescents.

I continue along to the dam and head down to search the mud. The water is still high so there's not much mud yet.

I decide to continue on to the 2 mile mark. On my way I see another Relict Frit

a Northern Crescent

a beautiful Red Admiral (a butterfly that I do not see every year so it's the surprise of the day).

(Noticeably absent are Duskywings.)

Then I run into 2 families with 8 kids. They were taking a break but are starting to move. I really don't want to pass them only to turn around at 2 miles and go by them yet again so I'm turning around now; probably about 1/2 mile shy of 2 mile.

On the way back, I add Northern Cloudywing to my list.

And a dragonfly.

Short but good day!