May 10 - Mormon Trail

 Sunny with high near 90. (That's a record high!)

Heading out to the Mormon Trail for the first time in years this early; they demolished the beaver dam so the lead-in trail is clear now. But I know that there will be parts of the trail that will be flooded and instead of trying to climb around or just turn-around, I'm plowing thru with my Neos. Bought them for Alaska back in 2018, it's time to where them again.

I put the Neos on at my car. They are a bit klunky but will keep my feet dry (unless the water is over the boot which may happen.

The lead-in trail is dry as I hoped.

Once on the main trail, I quickly see a White; Cabbage White and Blues. But the Blues are flying.

And I see an Orange flyer - Mylitta Crescent. (I see a couple.)

But it's pretty quiet butterfly-wise; just an occasional one here and there. Mostly Blues but I do spot an Anise Swallowtail. 

I do see flowers though. Oregongrape, a few Avanlache Lilies, Purple Violet, Largeleaf and Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Forget-me-knot, Strawberries and a couple of Bluebells to name a few.

I'm also hearing a bird song. I keep scanning and find him; a Yellow Warbler (male).

I finally catch up with a Blue - it's a Western Tailed Blue.

I also see Spring Azure, Rocky Mt Duskywing, CA Tortoiseshell, and Common Checkered Skipper on the way to the meadow. There's also a White flying but it never spots.

When I reach the meadow, I greeted by Spring Beauty. Lots of them.

I also hear a few Western Chorus Frogs AND I see my 1st Orangetips of the day.


I also see/hear a large hawk fly into a Pine tree. He only stays briefly before flying away.

I end my day at the Pond satisfied. (Note, there are moose tracks in the mud by the pond.)

On the return, I add Mourning Cloak and Silvery Blue to the list.

Awesome day!



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