WBAs field trip season ended with a trip to subalpine areas on Crystal Mountain and included a stunning gondola ride. 15 WBA members led by me and Regina Johnson left the gray skies of our westside cities behind and arrived to blue sky and a temperature of around 60 degrees. The enclosed gondolas carried our group up 2,500 ft. to an elevation of 6,800 ft. and an in-your-face view of Mt. Rainier. The summer sun soon warmed the area, and butterflies emerged in good numbers. Yarrow, pearly everlasting and Cascade aster were the common nectar sources. Subalpine daisy, fireweed and several buckwheats were also present. Clark’s Nutcrackers and Canada Jays put in appearances. Our enthusiastic group readily shared netted butterflies and information as we made our way along the trail. 14 species were detected including a large number of Coronis Fritillaries poised to return to the shrub steppe for egg laying. Also present were Mormon and Hydaspe Fritillaries. Flashes of blue along the trail delighted some of the newer members as they learned that the male Anna’s Blue has a blue dorsal, while the female’s dorsal is brown with orange scallops or chevrons along the marginal edges. Several Milbert’s Tortoiseshells were seen nectaring on a large patch of pearly everlasting. And a very worn Hedgerow Hairstreak was netted. It was grand end to the butterfly season.

We were delighted to have Al Wagar join us on this trip. Once again we have one of his creative video recaps of a WBA trip. Video link: https://youtu.be/gpPO-n1w9lM

Watch Al’s video of the trip.

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