Got out of work early and heading up to Lambs Canyon; hoping to get to the top today!
I arrive around 1pm - sunny and in the 50s (and windy).
I check the mud near the parking area. Unbelievably there are absolutely no butterflies. I don't ever remember that happening before. Strange butterfly year after a snowy/rainy cold winter/spring.
As I start towards the trail, I see a Two-tailed Swallowtail and a Weidemeyer's Admiral!
Great to see on the 1st day of summer; though they should have been flying a couple of weeks ago.
Heading up the trail, it's so much greener and lush. A few geraniums (white and pink) are now blooming.
The bluebells are blooming as are the Strawberries
and Meadow Rue. Oh, I can't forget the Serviceberries - they are in full bloom right now!
The trail is now clear of fallen trees. Yea! I actually see an older guy coming down with a chainsaw; he just cleared the remaining trail. Thanks!
I continue along checking the muddy spots along the trail. No butterflies except a couple of Blues that won't stop flying.
I continue along seeing one Two-banded Skipper,
Hoary Comma,
Mustard White, Sara Orangetip and Cabbage White
and a few more Blues - appears mostly Western Tailed Blues.
At my ending spot my last few attempts, the trees have been cleared.
I see a smaller Blue -- it's a Spring Azure.
I continue up for the first time this year.
Dolls Eyes are in bloom now!
After a bit, I reach the final switchback.
Along this stretch, lots of white violets,
Spring Beauties and Waterleaf are in bloom. All these flowers bloom several weeks ago near the bottom of the trail.
Soon I'm at the top and looking down at the Salt Lake Valley.
I head just a bit farther down the trail towards Millcreek Canyon to get a better view of Wasatch Mts.
Time to head down.
I'm happy to say those muddy spots on the trail now have some butterflies. I see Rocky Mt Duskywing
And for the first time this year, I see Northern Cloudywing
and bright orange Northern Crescent!!
Oh, I can't forget the little group of Western Tailed Blues.
Before I leave, I check the mud near the parking lot and I have some success seeing more WTB and a Spring Azure, another Two Banded Skipper and one more Northern Crescent.
Great hike and awesome to see some summer butterflies finally!!
