May 9 - Lambs Canyon Road (and trail to 1st switchback)

 Sunny day with temps in the 80s. After my 40 hours (+ some), I head up to Lambs Canyon for a butterfly walk up the road (at least I hope for butterflies).

I arrive before 10am and start up the road.

Lots of green everywhere. Even more Forget-me-knots in bloom and Waterleaf. A few Arrowleafs and Ragwort in bloom as well. The Bluebells are just about ready. And the Biscuitroot are going to explode soon. (lots of them)

I quickly find a Rocky Mt Duskywing, CA Tortoiseshells and a few Orangetips. Oh, there are Blues flying and they are flying. Best chance is to find the water/mud higher up.

The creek is flowing faster and higher but still nothing like prior years. Sounds great! As do the birds singing.

I finally make it to the trailhead and water/mud and only find a few RMD and yes, the Blues are Spring Azures.

A bit disappointed in the numbers but it's still early-sh.

I decide to go up the trail to the 1st switchback.

Definitely not as advanced plant-wise as the road but I find Strawberries, Geraniums, Heart-leafed Arnica to name a few. Oh, the Virgina Bowers is in bud - purple flowers soon.

The trail is rather dry but there are muddy spots.

I find some deer tracks on the trail.

And see Blues, Orangetips and a couple of Commas along the way. (Not many, the only thing blooming are Yellow Violet.)

As I go up, there's still snow on the south side of the drainage. I would think the trail is clear until the crossover but not going that far today. When I reach the 1st switchback, it's time to head back.

Just before I reach the ridge, there's a duskywing flying. Looks smaller and blacker so I stop. It's a Dreamy Duskywing!!


Back at the parking lot, I find a Mourning Cloak, Comma, and more CA Tortoiseshells. Oh, I also see a Juba Skipper; just a quick look. And Sleepy Duskywing.

The puddle is not hopping with Azures and RMD. But in the mix, I find a Dreamy Duskwing!!

In total, 10 butterflies! Awesome!

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