June 15 - Willow Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Sunny day with temps around 77 degrees. Heading up into the mountains to hike up to Willow Lake for the first time this year.

Need to get a hike before the near 100 degrees temps arrive tomorrow.

Only one car parked when I arrive - yes! It's sunny and in the 60s.

As I start up the trail, the aspens are almost fully leafed out.

Tons of green vegetation including some bloomers: Bluebells, Forget-me-knots, Groundsel, etc.

I see a Western Swallowtail almost right from the start and soon followed by a Western tailed Blue.

I also see an Anise Swallowtail, an Orangetip on the trip up to the lake.

I'm on the last stretch to the meadow when I see a Flicker land on a tree.

I reach the meadow there's still wet in the pond. I hear a few frogs but they are holding out. Around the pond are Buttercups and blooming Strawberries.

I continue on listening to the chirps of the ground squirrels but they are hard to find.

Also, lots of birds chirping.

I make my way thru the woods to Willow Lake. She's quite full (as she should be)

About 5-6 ducks (Mallards) on the lake.

I work my way around the lake in the clockwise direction. Stopping to rest on a rock on the other side.

A little ground squirrel gets close before scampering away. I also see a white butterfly.

I soon continue around the lake 

entering the woods again. I'm surprised when I see a Parnassian in the woods. It seems early but it is mid-June and that's when they fly.

I continue thru the woods to the other side. As I'm about ready to enter the meadow again, I scare up a buck with a good rack. I'm not sure who was more startled!!

I stop in the meadow to look for the deer but can't find him.

Time to complete the loop.

I see another Western Swallowtail and a Duskywing.

Awesome day!