Heading off to attempt some butterflying at the Mormon Trail and Lamb's Canyon.
I consider my trip to the Mormon Trail a scouting mission. At this time of year, is really an attempt to see how far up the trail I can get before the water gets too deep as the trail is, in parts, a creek. And if you can find your way around the water, sometimes the upper parts of the trail is still covered in snow. Time to give it a go.
The drive up Parley's Canyon is very green - green grass, grass leafing out trees - and not much snow visible.
The dirt road to the Mormon Trail is wet and muddy in spots. The is flowing quickly because of the snow melt. As I drive along, I'm looking for deer, elk and birds. Hey, there's two Sandhill Cranes down there!!!
(First time I've ever seen them here!)
As I near the trail parking, I pass the little farm whose horses and donkeys are out this morning.
I park in the lot and head over the bridge crossing to the other side of the stream Well, this is a first, the trail thru the woods is a flowing stream! I haven't seen that! I try to find a way around without success; it's the overflow creek. First time, I've never made it to the actual trail. Will try in a couple weeks.
Time to head to Lambs Canyon. I was here a couple of weeks ago and found some Spring species like Orangetips and Spring Azures so there should be even more flying. However, as I arrive, the sun is behind the clouds. (Hard to find butterflies with 50 degree temperatures and no sun.) I'm here for the walk so up I go just hoping the sun does come out.
On the way, the Forget-me-knots are still blooming. But now the Waterleaf, Oregon Grape, Ragwort
Heart leafed Arnica
Solomon's Seal
Bluebells
are blooming.
On the way up, I do see a Juba Skipper flying in on of the spots of sunlight. But for the most part, I'm under a cloud :( But there is blue sky behind me so I'm still hopeful.
As I reach the actual trail head, I'm back in the sun!! I decide to head up the trail for just a bit hoping the sun warms thing up a bit and some butterflies come out for my return trip.
As I start up, the snow that was here 2 weeks ago is now gone so it's just a muddy trail. I quickly find some Virgins Bowers in bloom!
Here, the Solomon's Seal and Heart leafed Arnica are up but no where close to blooming; same for the Waterleaf. I'm under sunny blue skies as a walk the trail and find another Juba Skipper.
And there are moose tracks on the trail.
I keep going until the trail start to climb more steeply (less than 1/4 mile). Time to head back.
The road is sunny as I start down but goes thru periods of shade. And my plan actually works, there are butterflies out.
I see Anise Swallowtail, a Western Tiger Swallowtail
Rocky Mt Duskywing, a Silvery Blue
and a Western Tail Blue.
I also see a White and some Orange/Brown flyer - could be a Comma, Milbert's Tortoiseshell or CA Tortoiseshell).
I'm almost back to the parking lot when I find a very productive muddy spot yielding a worn CA Tortoiseshell,
fresh Rocky Mt Duskwing
and more Silvery Blue and a smaller Spring Azure!
Awesome!
I return to my car and about ready to leave when a deer appears on the slopes ahead of me. Nice send-off.
Good day!
(On the way home, I see an elk lying on the hill near the road.)
