On April 30, 19 butterfliers explored the North Fork of Cowiche Creek, a new area for our group. After a few clouds at the onset, the day turned sunny. We slowly made our way to 4 different sites with myriad flower species, new to many of us, and counted the butterfly species that fluttered, soared and nectared around us.

There were numerous male Sara’s Orange Tips on patrol, Anise Swallowtails hill topping, Western Pine Elfins, Pale and Two-tailed Tiger Swallowtails, a Large Marble, several Oak Duskywings, in addition to others. A total of 15 species were detected. We also saw and “netted” a Western fence lizard. We were told that when ticks feed on this lizard, a protein in its blood kills the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. There is a lower incidence of the disease in areas where these lizards occur.

The hilltop offered grand views for lunch and some bluebird sightings. This was a day filled with color, beauty and camaraderie. Thanks to David James for organizing this trip and to his family for providing backup fun.

Sara’s Orangetip (Anthocharis sara): The most abundant species seen, proba- bly 50+ mostly males busily seeking females

Large Marble (Euchloe ausonides); maybe 6-8 Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice): Just one fly-by

Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon): second most abundant species

Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon): At least two seen, just starting flight Two-tailed Swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata): One seen

Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa): Just one seen on the forest road up to

Windy Point.

Anglewing (Polygonia sp.): Likely Hoary Comma (Polygonia gracilis) Echo azure (Celastrina echo): 2 or 3

Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus): two

Western Pine Elfin (Callophrys eryphon): Probably 20+ Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus): One

Sheridan’s Hairstreak (Callophrys sheridanii): 10. Mostly past prime.

Anise Swallowtail. (C. Clark)

Western Pine Elfin. (J. Baumann)

Bella and the lizard, held by Stewart Wechsler, are the center of attention on the North Fork Cowiche Creek trip. (R. Johnson)

Oak [Propertius] Duskywing (Erynnis propertius): Six.

Just beginning flight and tightly associated with the oaks.

Juba Skipper (Hesperia ju- ba): A single individual.

We may have also sighted a few Indra swallowtails and a Moss’s Elfin, but they eluded capture!

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