June 13 - Lamb's Canyon

It's early Friday (which is not as good as off-Friday but it works) and a very pleasant 77 degrees and sunny, time for a quick after work hike  up Lamb's Canyon.

Last time I was here, there was still snow in the upper shadier parts, don't think it will be there today.

As I drive down the curvy canyon road to the small parking lot, I see a dirty white colored bfly -- the Clodius Parnassians are flying today - yea!!!

I was surprised to see 3 cars in the parking area -- it's Friday afternoon at 2:30 but I'm happy.

I first check out the muddy area next to the parking lot. We haven't had rain in quite some time so I was happy to see water and mud. And extremely happy to see 4 Dotted Blues!!!! (First time for the year and 1st time for this location.)

The mud was actually not very active, perhaps its because of the time of day or simply this brood of Duskywings and Blues is done --- just waiting for the next generation - which for some, is next Spring.

There were a couple of Northern Cloudywing, an old Field Crescent, a Sagebrush Checkerspot and a few Western Tailed Blue. A very small bfly caught my eye so I follow it. It lands on a blowing piece of tall grass - its so small I wasn't sure what it was. But fortunately, the bfly was calm and I was able to grab the top of the grass blade so it won't move back and forth in the wind -- its a very tiny Spring Azure!!!

I check in back of the bathroom, it usually has a bunch of flowers and lots of bflys but its really dry and nothing is blooming or flying. :(

Time for the hike. As I cross the creek, I look at the bushes that are blooming with fragrant white flowers and there's a Weidemeyer's Admiral nectaring. (It's the first one I've seen this year and the only one for today.)

Well, the trail is definitely more lush than last time. Lots of geranium and bluebells blooming on the lower portions. The lupine are blooming now as well. The spots of yellow are the Arnica.

There's a good number of bflies out but many of them are just zipping down the trail --- that's frustrating for me. But I do see some more Dotted Blues, Cloudywings and my 1st Northern Checkerspot of the season.

I'm seeing a good number of Parnassians flying too -- I like that - just need one to stop.

The White Columbine are in various stages of bloom. There are some white rockets (all closed up) and some really nice blooms.

I see a Frit land on some of the blooming bushes. I really wish I could confidently ID these -- there are only 2 I feel confident about. I've half convinced myself these are Northwestern Frit but they maybe Callipe (or any of the other 4-5 that fly here).

As I get higher, there are more Commas flying (a mixture of Hoary and Satyr).

I finally get to a mud puddle -- there's another Frit, a Northern Cloudywing and a few Western Tailed Blues and Spring Azures.

And finally a Parnassian comes in and lands -- great look at both the upper and lower wings. Love its yellow head -- looks like its all covered in pollen.

Further up I see a small dark bfly. Of course he lands high in the bushes. I'm thinking he might be a Hairstreak --- after further review of the photo, its a Brown Elfin. I see another one further up the trail.

Still higher on the trail, the Meadow Rue is in bloom with its dangling tassels.

There are lots of Mitrewort and Baneberry - some with puffy white balls of flowers, others post-bloom. The forest looks great with all the Baneberry in bloom!

The last 1/4 mile, there are still some Spring Beauties in bloom, lots of white violets along with the Baneberry. (This was under snow a couple weeks back.)

I'm finally at the top. Lots of plant life just not much blooming. The trees are all leafed out - kinda blocking the view. The tall mountains in the distance still have a little bit of snow on them. And the city, well, its very hazy.

After a brief stop, time to head down.

The trail is pretty shady now -- after just after 4pm when I head down.

Along the way I see snake -- looks like a garter snake. And a Parnassian spread out flat on a flower -- perfect upperwing shot.

Very few bflies out now -- too shady.

I also see a caterpillar on the bluebells. I saw these last year and never pursued what it finally turns into. I need to find someone who can answer that question because its not in my caterpillar book and I can't find anything on Net that has a bluebell as a host plant. This guy is feeding on a leaf and their frass below.

Great trip!!