Headed out to a new location for #butterflies today. A place called Daley Ranch, in northeast Escondido. It was an interesting day: Relatively few species, but tons of individuals. Lots of Metalmarks, lots of Cabbage Whites, and multiple Swallowtails, and even two probable Sisters. But the real story was Buckeyes, dozens of them. They were so common they were fighting each other in groups of three or four. I stopped playing attention to them after a while.
#butterflies Did not get pix of the Sisters unfortunately, but predictable in that they were in their element: the tops of Oak trees. I also saw what I believe to be a Pale Swallowtail, but way too far away to photograph. Oh yeah, a Mourning Cloak, that I was able to snag a shot from farish, since he was stationed in a patch of Poison Oak.
Hit the trail again today at Elfin Forest and I didn’t see a single rattlesnake. However I did see #butterflies, which is what I came for. Finally the spring butterbirds came out!
Today the Colarusso’s went to The Butterfly Place armed with sketchbooks. They suggest you dress like a flower (bright colors et al.) in hopes that the butterflies might land on you. 10yo drew some flowers, and one landed on his hand #FTW! I sketched a butterfly. #butterflies#sketch
Back to Denk and Copper Creek for #butterflies . The numbers were definitely up today, if not the species. Nice Mourning Cloak serving as guardian to the trail entrance.
Saw some kind of Blue right off, but could not get it to land. So I have some doubts over which Blue it is. Fair level of confidence it’s a Reakirt’s . #butterflies