WBA members led by David Droppers met at the North Cascades Visitor Center/ Newhalem Campground for a June 1 field trip. We were greeted upon arrival by a freshly eclosed moth, Aplectoides condita, resting on the side of a map board. It seemed like a good omen for the day ahead. Along a trail leading down to the Skagit River, David pointed out that some of the western hemlock trees were parasitized by hemlock dwarf mistletoe, Arceuthobium tsugense. According to the Forest Service, hemlock dwarf mistletoe infests 21% of the western and mountain hemlock trees in the Pacific Northwest. Trees infested with mistletoe often have deformed branching patterns, called ―witch‘s brooms‖, and were easy to spot once we knew what to look for. We were advised to be particularly alert in this area, as mistletoe is the food plant for the elusive Johnson‘s Hairstreak. As vigilant as we were, unfortunately, the species remains undetected at this location. Given that we had a late spring this year, David suggested that we were probably too early for the Johnson‘s if they were in the area. And he added that just because we didn‘t see this species, it doesn‘t mean that they are not present in the area. On our visit the Visitor‘s Center and roadsides, rather than trails, had more flowering plants and were the most productive areas for butter- flies. Eleven species were detected including the Satyr Comma, Green Comma and Hoary Comma. Dreamy Duskywing was the most common butterfly for the day, and we all enjoyed seeing them in such abundance. A Persius Duskywing was seen, a new county record! Cedar Hairstreak and Gray Hairstreak were also present. A red- breasted sapsucker delighted everyone, along with the hole-boring handiwork in the trees. A grand day was had by all. The stunning scenery in the area was an added bonus and, along with butterflies, placed this location on my 2022 favorite new sites list.

All photos by Melanie Weiss.

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