Fieldtrip report March 17 - Ron Rutowski
A group of about a dozen traveled into the Mazatzal’s on March 17. The day started fine but became increasingly cloudy and windy as the morning proceeded. We arrive at Round Valley (RV) about 9:00 AM and walked up a small wash in search of Variable Checkerspots. We were not disappointed as at sometime there were as many and 15 to 20 individuals flying near us. After getting our fill of these Variable Checkerspots about 10:30AM we adjourned to Sunflower Valley (SV) where we walked the old Beeline Highway and were greeted by equally impressive numbers of Sagebrush Checkerspots. Here the Desert Buckbrush was in full bloom and attracting an impressive number of species given the increasing clouds and wind. We left to return to Phoenix about noon after chalking up a satisfying list of 18 species for our early season morning efforts.
List of species seen: Spring White SV, Sara Orangetip SV, Orange Sulphur SV, Mexican Yellow SV, Brown Elfin SV, Marine Blue RV,SV, Spring "Echo" Azure SV, Zela Metalmark SV, American Snout RV, Tiny Checkerspot RV, Sagebrush Checkerspot (larval foodplant Buckbrush!!) SV, Variable (Chalcedon) Checkerspot RV, SV Satyr Comma SV, Mourning Cloak SV, Painted Lady RV,SV, Empress Leilia RV, Sleepy Duskywing SV, Common/White Checkered Skipper SV.
|