May 26 - Mormon Trail

 It's Memorial Day a time to remember those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.

And of course, it's a day off of work so I'm heading out to the Mormon Trail for a 2 miler.

Sunny day with temps in the mid-80s.

On the drive to the TH, I stop for a deer crossing the road. Exciting!!

I'm parked around 8:30. It's sunny and still in the low 50s so I'm not expecting much flying on the way out.

I'm surprised there is only one car in the lot; a couple that was camping but happy as I seem to have the trail all to myself.

I start up the trail to lots of birds. And when I get to the actual trail, I see a N. Flicker up in a tree (with a Robin).

The creek next to the trail is all dried up now and at the crossing there is no water except a few low puddles. The snowmelt is over here!

Along the trail, still not much in bloom except Bluebells, Balsamroot, Groundsel, and Dandelions.

I do a couple of WTB on the way to the meadow but very quiet.

Oh, there's a little yellow bird in the trees - Yellow Warble (female)

At the meadow, there's a Elk (probably) carcass in the wet area. I don't remember seeing that 2 weeks ago but perhaps it was underwater at that time.

I do see some dragonflies as I near the pond. But still no bflies - lots of Larkspur though

I head towards the dam, which still has water flowing thru and continue towards the 2 mile marker.

Surprise! I see my friend the Relict Frit!!!

(I see at least 5 today!)

The farther I go the more purple/yellow violets I see - hopefully indicating a great Frit year.

I reach the 2 mile mark a little disappointed in the butterflies number or lack thereof but there's always the return trip.

Run into several groups of people on the way - a Mormon Memorial Day tradition perhaps.

And I see a few more butterflies including:

RM Duskywing

WTB

Juba Skipper

Relict Frits

Common Checkered Skipper

Ringlet

Two-tailed Swallowtail

Orangetip

Unknown White butterfly.

The score of the day, besides the Relict of course, a fresh Brown Elfin!! Don't see these often and this one was very cooperative!!

And the last butterfly I see is a Ringlet.


Wondering where all the butterflies are BUT I have to remember that I usually start walking the trail after the 1st of June so what I'm seeing may just be normal.

BUT awesome day!

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