Sheep Lake Field Trip – Led by Melanie Weiss

On Aug. 13 some of our members headed out to Sheep Lake on the Pacific Crest Trail just outside of Mt. Rainier National Park. It was quite warm and many others had the same idea. The flowers were peaking in the area. There is a long stretch of hillside meadow before the trail enters the trees and climbs a bit to the lake. Along this stretch we netted Boisduval Blues, Mariposa Coppers and Clodius Parnassians, new to some people. The frits were on the wing, but eluded us. Someone suggested that we should have a T-shirt that says, “Frit! Frit! Frit!” We spent some time in a small meadow after we started climbing and netted both the Hoffmann’s and Edith’s Checkerspots, and a Western Meadow Fritillary. After we arrived at the lake, there was a nice wet spot along one side that had many blues puddling. We found Great Arctics in large numbers, extremely friendly Mormon Fritillaries that landed on our packs, nets, and pants. Hydaspe Fritillaries, Lilac-bordered Coppers, a Gray Hairstreak, and Snowberry Checkerspots were also seen. It was a very bountiful day with 16 species detected. There was a bit of time for some lounging in the sun…and shade when it became too warm. One of our group shared that it was her birthday, so we sang to her on the way down. It was a great butterfly day!

The Cascade Butterfly Project

The Cascade Butterfly Project got off to a late start on the Naches Loop this year due to snow on the trail. Melanie Weiss coordinates all the surveys and volunteers on this trail, and has been with the program since it began in 2011. Many of the volunteers are WBA members, with eight participating this summer. Coronis Fritillaries, migrants from the Yakima Valley and the focus of a tagging program by David James, were seen on the trail for several weeks this summer. The surveys may continue into September depending upon the weather. Anyone interested in participating contact Melanie.

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