June 8 - Mormon Trail

Sunny day with highs in the low 90s (near record temps). Head on my way to the Mormon Trail just before 8am. Hoping to get farther today but it depends on the water levels.

I arrive with just a couple of cars in the lot.

As I make my way thru the woods by the creek, I'm hearing lots of birds.

I reach the trail and start along. The Salisfy near the trail start are just starting to bloom.

The 1st part of the trail is still in the shade - I'm earlier - so I'm not expecting butterflies.

The 1st water crossing is a little lower which is also but still need to be creative to come out with dry feet.

Cherry trees are in bloom as are these shrubs:

Pussytoes are also blooming as are the Lance-leafed Balsamroot. And the Geraniums are just starting!

Finding lots of tree caterpillars - probably should destroy their nest but not today.

Also saw a couple of male Gold Finch and Spotted Towhees.

The 1st butterfly of the day is a Western Tailed Blue!!

2nd butterfly just catches my as "something different on that grass". It's a Clouded Sulphur just waiting to warm up in the sunlight!

Then it's a Painted Lady!

I reach the point where I had stopped last week but today, I was able to cross it- yea!

I'm seeing these super fast flyers but I'm not sure what they are - perhaps Sphinx Moths?

I reach the meadow and see a couple of Northern Cloudywings

and Two Tailed and Western Swallowtails.

I see some Whites - not sure whether Large Marbles, Mustards or Cabbage. I have confirmed Cabbage sighting from last week.

I reach the pond and either a muskrat (or beaver) has setup shop or someone dumped a lot of mud/grass on the far side of the trail. Strange.

Just a few dragonflies flying -- they seem to be down this year just like the butterflies.

I see a Juba Skipper near Pond -- sadly, the only flyer here.

I move onto the dam which still have water flowing over which mean the puddling area behind the dam is still full of water - yep!

My goal is 2 miles but another 1/4 mile down the trail I run into more water that I'm not willing to go thru. There's really nothing flying. I'm not sure why -- cold Spring with snow and a couple days below freezing. It might be better farther up where the snow has more recently melted. Next week!

Time to head back.

On the way back, I find out that those super fast flyers are White-lined Sphinx Moths as I catch one nectaring on some Larkspur.

I see an Anise Swallowtail about 1/2 way thru the meadow.

And find Death Camas in bloom farther along.

Still farther along, I find a Northern Crescent.

Back at the bridge, I find a Pale Swallowtail to complete my day.

9 butterfly species and not many of them - a bit disappointing but at least they are out. Missing my Relict Frit which should already be flying. :(

Good day!