July 25 - Mormon Trail

Heading out to the Mormon Trail this morning. It wasn't my first choice but circumstances led me there.

Sunny mid-90s predicted.

I arrive after 8:30. Time to get started.

My 1st butterfly is a Purplish Copper - the only one of the day.

And then come the Small Wood Nymphs hopping around, then the Great Spangled Frits.

Oh, there's some Colorado Hairstreak before the meadow.

Lots of chipmunks moving around today - there movement makes me nervous (high moose alert).

It was mostly Frits until the meadow. Many on the thistles.

I walk about 2.25-2.5 miles today.

Not as many Colorado Hairstreaks today but they are out - both males and females.


But on my return trip, I see 14 Coral Hairstreak. Many were in groups of 3-4 on a single flower. Most Coral Hairstreaks that I've ever seen in a single day!!

Also, there were 2 Sylvan Hairstreaks. 

Both with the Coral Hairstreaks - pretty cool!

There are only a few Mourning Cloaks and Weidenmeyer's Admirals on the pond. Least number of butterflies on the pond in 4 weeks....season is waning.

Sightings today:

Mustard White (still in good numbers)

Small Wood Nymphs (still in good numbers))

Lots of GSF!

Callipe Frit

Lots of NW Frits (I think)

CO Hairtsreaks (10)

Coral Hairstreaks (14)

Two-tailed and Western Swallowtails.

Purplish Copper (1)

Ruddy Copper (1)

Common Checkered Skipper

Northern Checkerspot (1)

Boisduval Blue (1)

Weidenmeyers Admiral

Woodland Skippers

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