August 10 - Mormon Trail

 Sunny day with highs in the mid-90s.

Heading out to hike the Mormon Trail today. May be my last time for the year; let's see what I see.

Heading down the dirt road, I slow for 2 guys and a dog walking the road. At that same time I see large birds flying with white flashing wings. What could they be? Thankfully they all landed and yes! They are 4 Sandhill Cranes. There's a male/female pair and two others. Very cool start to the morning!!

I arrive at the trail and start my way up; it's a bit after 8am and in the 60s.

Everything continues to brown and die. There are Geraniums and Yarrow hanging on. But the yellow composites (Fall flowers) are beginning to bloom.

Pretty quiet morning. Very few birds flying except this hawk that keeps screeching as he flies above. (He was doing that on my return as well.)

The first sightings of the day are GSF (males). Some are looking pretty worn at this time.

Followed by a W. Admiral as I reach the meadow.

In the meadow, I find this Bee Fly species.

There are lots of dragonflies zipping around the meadow and the pond now.

I go only to the 2 miles marker again today and then head back.

No surprise flyers today. The most active spot is the meadow on the return with Euro and Western Branded Skippers and GSF.

Butterflies for today include:

CO Hairstreak (only 1 today - perhaps they are on the downswing now)

Yellow Sulphur

W. Admiral

Great Spangled Frits (including 2 females)

Western Branded Skipper

Euro Skipper

Common Checker Skipper

Small Wood Nymph

Good day!

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