Fieldtrip report April 12 - Rackensack Canyon by Janet Witzeman
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Rackensack Canyon was explored by 12 CAzBA members, including two members of the Arizona Native Plant Society, who helped identify and add to the Rackensack Plant List. We began in the downstream portion of the canyon where there was more riparian habitat with more plants. The main canyon was dry due to the lack of winter rains. More productive was the upper area of the main “Side Canyon” where there was water. A Yucca Giant-Skipper was found there by one of the observers.
Among the several species of wildflowers, a special treat was the sight of a blooming larkspur.
After lunch, a hike up to the Sears Kay Ruins added Checkered White, Martin’s Blue, and Great Purple Hairstreak (pictured).
Thirty species were recorded for the day: Pipevine Swallowtail, Two-tailed Swallowtail, Checkered White, Sara Orangetip, Sleepy Orange, Southern Dogface, Marine Blue, Reakirt’s Blue, Spring “Echo” Azure, Martin’s Blue, Great Purple Hairstreak, Elada Checkerspot, Variable Checkerspot, Sagebrush Checkerspot, California Patch, Painted Lady, Empress Leilia, Mourning Cloak, Common Buckeye, Queen, Mournful Duskywing, Sleepy Duskywing, Meridian Duskywing, Northern Cloudywing, Arizona Powered-Skipper, Common Streaky-Skipper, Northern White-Skipper, Common Checkered-Skipper, Orange Skipperling, Yucca Giant-Skipper.
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