Aug 16 - Mormon Trail

 Sunny day with temps in the high 80s. Heading to hike the Mormon Trail in several weeks. Not expecting much for butterflies as the season is about over AND we are in a drought.

Arrive around 8:30 and start up the trail. Surprised that in entry trail isn't overgrown the trail; I can actually see it which has not be the case in recent years.

Trail is very dry as one would expect. Very few asters but lots of yellow flowers in patches.

The bird action is way down; actually very quiet except a hawk that was doing a lot of squawking. I've ran into him before.

But the chipmunks are busy.

Surprised to a Woodland Skipper so early in the trail. 

And he was followed by a CO Hairstreak.

On entry to the meadow, I find a very beaten Zerene Frit (saw a couple of them today).

And on the Thistle, a couple of female Great Spangled Frits.

And a Hunt's Bumblebee.


And bunch of Woodland Skippers. Oh, a Yellow Sulphur too!

Ran into a bow hunter in the meadow. It's the first day of Elk season. Said he saw a 5-point.

Saw another hunter about a 1/2 mile farther down the trail.

Turned around at the 2 miler.

On my return, I add a Common Checkered Skipper and Field Crescent to the day's list.

Oh, and a hummingbird.

And for the 1st time this year, Santa (Keith). Always nice to see him on the trail.

Good day!

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