June 16 - Mormon Pioneer Trail

Got off work a little early today so decided to head up towards Park City and check the butterflies on the Mormon Pioneer Trail. It's been a few weeks since I've been there so it's definitely time.

Sunny day and since the cold front blew in last night, temps there should be upper 60s/low 70s perfect for an afternoon hike.

The lupines, daisies, yarrow are blooming now as are the Geraniums.

The creek is all dry at this point at the lower end. I expect I will find wet sections further up but no flowing water.

Lots of green everywhere in the forested areas.

I'm hoping to see the Relict Fritillary today. They usually fly at the beginning of June so it should be out.

The first mile is extremely slow going because there many butterflies to stop for. This list is long but includes;
Field Crescents, Northern Crescents, Northern Checkerspots, Boisduval's Blue

Dotted Blue (always fun to see)

Garita Skipperlings

Common Checkered Skippers, Common Ringlets

just to name a few.

And it's truly summer as the Weidenmeyer's Admirals are flying!

I'm seeing many, many Two-tailed Swallowtail and Western Swallowtails; both cruising up and down the valley. I get a good look at a Western at the end of my day.

The dragonflies are also out; the first one I see is a Darner flying along the dry creek before the camp.

I finally make camp and I circle the pond. Many dragonflies out.

As I round the one corner of the pond, I see a mated pair of Purplish Coppers. They are being harassed by another jealous male. Eventually, he gives up and flies away.

Since it's taken me almost an hour to get to the camp, I decide to only continue to the 2 mile mark and then turn back.

After the pond, I finally start seeing Relict Frits (yea!). I count 15 today!

There are also Mourning Cloaks and a Satyr Comma out.

I stop behind the old beaver dam; it's a nice muddy area. And it's a butterfly bonanza!!

Mustard Whites, Northern Crescents,

Northern Checkerspots, Western Tailed Blues, Boisduval's Blue, Field Crescents (and more) are enjoying the nutrients from the mud!

I also see the Crescent butterfly - kinda looks like a cross between a Field Crescent and Northern Crescent.

(I've seen photos of the Tawny Crescent that looks, in some cases, like this one.) But then I've seen a Field and Northern Crescent by each other today -- don't know if they'd interbreed.

After further consultation, I was trying to make the butterfly into something it isn't - just a Field Crescent; this one just looks different to me.

Will have to research this guy.

After spending way too much time looking at the mud, I finally continue up the trail. I find a couple more muddy areas, they aren't as good as the first but still yield many butterflies.

I hit the 2 mile mark and continue back.

On the way back, I add a Sara Orangetip to the list.

Awesome butterfly day! Twenty-four in total!