May 2 - Little Cottonwood Trail

 Heading up the Little Cottonwood Trail today. Probably just end up a little over 1/2 way that the water treatment plant where it always but I'm looking for the hike and potential butterflies.

Arrive around 9am and a little surprised that it's not more crowded; but hey, I'm happy.

There are 2 Towhoes to the left of my car in the leaf litter foraging. Cool to watch but time to head up the trail but it gets too hot. (Sunny and low 70s today.)

Lots of birds calling on the sunny dirt path but otherwise calm and quiet as there is no water in the river; all siphoned off by now. And not my flowers; just a few larkspur. Oh, the Cherry trees are getting ready to bloom; just buds though.

Along the road and just before the treatment plant, I see a small lizard.

And a few Dame's Rockets. This place used to be loaded with them. Perhaps there's an effort to get rid of them as they are Mustards and a bit invasive.

Lots of water coming into the treatment plant.

Climbing up to the Falls, there's still not much in bloom yet; a find a few Waterleaf

and OregonGrape in bloom as well.

The waterfall is picking steam but it's still rather calm.

Heading up through the woods the lack of flowers continue. The Solomon's Seal and Crooked are still growing.

I do see a CA Tortoiseshell at one point.

The trail is clear except for a couple of muddy spots.

Soon I'm crossing the footbridge and then the real bridge.

And then I'm at the final water plant and my stopping point. The water flowing the trail is not bad but never crossed it before and not starting now. Time to turn around and head down.

On the way, there's quite a few hikers coming up which is nice to see because this seems to be a biker trail.

I see the CA Tortoiseshell in the same area. And possibly another (or maybe the same) a little farther down the trail. (I see 2 others on this hike for a total of 4).

Down from the Falls, I see a Orangetip and he actually stops for a photo!! Exciting!!

Just after the Main plant and before connecting to the trail, I see a Rocky Mountain Duskywing!


On the sunny trail, I see an orange flyer (N Cresent or Mylitta??) and a White butterfly (Mustard??)

Fun day!

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