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Just a reminder that five of the SE Arizona butterfly counts will take place over the next month or so and you all are invited. The recent rains bode a good start to our Monsoon this year and it will be interesting to see how the butterflies respond. Consider joining one or more of these counts to find out first hand what the prognosis is for our local butterflies. Please contact the compilers for specific party assignments if you wish to participate. Compilation dinners follow most counts where you can find out what was seen by the other parties.
Santa Rita Mountains, Friday July 25, Compiler: Greg Greene (greenecycle at hotmail.com) - Covers many of the canyons: Gardener, Box, Florida, Madera, and Montosa along with the high country.
Sabino Canyon, Sunday July 27, Compiler: Greg Greene (greenecycle at hotmail.com)- Aside from Sabino Canyon proper and other lowland areas such as Loews Ventana, and Agua Caliente Park, count covers the high country along the Catalina Highway from from Molino Vista to top of Mt. Lemmon.
Ramsey Canyon, Tuesday July 29, Compiler: Doug Danforth (dougofbis at gmail.com)- Covers the east side of the Huachuca Mountains from Ramsey Canyon to the Mexican border and east to the San Pedro River. One of the top counts species-wise in the nation.
Portal, Friday Aug 1, Compiler: Lori Conrad (lconrad6853 at gmail.com)- Chiricahua Mountains from Portal up to Rustler and Barfoot Parks. Had the top species count in 2023 for the U.S.
Patagonia, Tuesday Aug 5, Compiler: Rich Bailowitz (rbailowitz at gmail.com)- Covers Patagonia and vicinity. This count is consistently in the top three for species in the nation and most years is number one!
Check the SEABA website (www.seaba.org/naba-counts) for further info on these counts including meeting and compilation dinner times and locations.
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Experience the enchantment of the Monarch butterfly migration in the serene mountains of Michoacán, Mexico. Amidst the tranquility of the forested landscape, witness the graceful dance of millions of monarch butterflies as they flutter through the air. While the terrain may pose challenges for some, we have a solution that ensures everyone can enjoy this natural wonder. For those seeking a more leisurely exploration, we offer the option to glide through the trails on horseback. Adriane Hopkins is co-leading this bucket list kind of trip. Our friendly guides will lead you on a gentle ride, allowing you to savor every moment of the journey. 8 Days, 7 Nights.
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While there weren’t many butterflies out at this time, and the start temperature was only in the fifties, we had a great time exploring this beautiful trail that has running water! We found 28 individuals of 8 species. Rocky Mountain Duskywing (pictured) and Pacuvius Duskywing required some study. On the way down, we saw a Western Terrestrial Gartersnake. We’re contemplating going back to this location again next month, as the plants and butterflies seem to be behind this year. A lot more flowers and butterflies still to come! Thanks crew, for coming along and being great company!
Species list: Two-tailed Swallowtail, Western Tailed-Blue, Zela Metalmark, Mourning Cloak, Mylitta Crescent, Northern Cloudywing, Rocky Mountain Duskywing, Pacuvius Duskywing.
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