I've seen Orangetips and Spring Whites in the Wasatch mountains but the Cedar Fort area is in a different mountain range/different landscape and therefore the subspecies that fly there are a different from what I usually see which is why I'd like to see them. (Also, in the Wasatch, we get Large Marbles. In Cedar Fort, there's Desert Marble - which I'm hoping to see this year too.)
Sunny day and about 72 degrees when I arrive just after noon. The area I'm exploring is around the Rodeo stadium. It's full of Juniper trees. (Wish I had taken a picture.)
I have been here a couple of years ago but really had no idea where to go but I do have a direction this year - just roaming through the landscape looking for flyers and nectaring. (Last time I was here, there were lots of puddles from the snow melt/rain. Today, dry, dry, dry.)
As I leave the street for a dirt road, I see several white butterflies but they are flying.
When I park near the stadium, I see a couple of Whites and a Clouded Sulpher but nothing stopping.
Time to roam. I don't have to go far when I find a nectar source (I've told it's Skunk Sumac.) and on it a butterfly I wasn't expecting - the Great Purple Hairstreak. Unfortunately, my camera was focusing on everything but the Hairstreak and it flew. Sure hope it comes back.
Also, nectaring are several Desert Elfins --- camera issues with them too but there are plenty of them and I just kept trying.
I also find a Juniper Hairstreak.
(Not back, one nectar source - 3 different butterflies!!)
There are also many of those Spotted Moths that were flying up on the Grandeur Peak trail the other day.
So after I had my fill of the Desert Elfins, I start to roam up the dirt road and through the Juniper landscape but not seeing much other than this flower. (Kinda looks like a Puccoon but not sure.)
I could keep heading up the foothills but I think it's time to head back to that nectar source - perhaps that Great Purple has returned.
When I arrive, the Great Purple is back!!!!
Nothing better than a two-fer when butterflying (Desert Elfin in the back).
(Good number of Elfins -- definitely over 10.)
Also find, an Anise Swallowtail flying around.
Don't think the Spring White or Orangetip will happen today so time to move on. Go figure, as I head out, I see my Orangetip flying.
Great day - many Elfins, a Juniper Hairstreak (first one for me in Utah) and the Great Purple Hairstreak (also the first one for me in Utah)!!
