June 26 - Mormon Trail

 Sunny day with highs in the low 90s.

Heading up to look for butterflies on the Mormon Trail - hopefully there will be no clouds today.

I arrive just after 7:30. Temps are still in the 40s. I know it not good bfly conditions but I'm counting on an exciting walk back.

The trail is for the most part in the shade as expected. 

There is Yarrow, Vetch, Geraniums, Pink & White Clovers in bloom.

And the Spittlebugs are out now.

Despite the coolness and the shade, I do manage to see Ringlet, Northern Crescent and Field Crescent by the time I reach the pond. Lots of dragonflies zipping around this morning.

I don't bother spotting at the muddy spot behind the dam -- still too shady.

I reach the 2 mile mark and decide to continue the extra  mile today. First time this year!

Along the way there are Bluebell, Forget-me-not, White Columbine, 

Heart-leaf Arnica, Meadowrue and Virgin Bowers after the 2 mile marker. Still not much else flying.

I reach the 3 mile marker, time to head back.

There is additional bfly movement on the way back but it's still very poor especially for this time of year. The butterfly of the return are the Swallowtails - Western and Two-tailed.

I also see

Northern Crescent

Field Crescent

Checkered White

Ringlet

Purplish Copper

Common Checkered Skippers

Relict Frit

Northern Cloudywing

Dreamy Duskywing

Northern Checkerspot

Western Tailed Blue

Weidemeyer's Admiral



Not a great species count, hope it get better next week.

Still a good day though

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