WBA volunteers returned to the beautiful Wolf Haven Patrick Dunn Prairie in Thurston County for two additional surveys this spring. We performed 3 surveys in 2023 beginning in late May, but the timing excluded early spring fliers. On our first return visit in April, the flower show was magnificent. Camas and Golden Paintbrush were in full bloom along with Early Blue Violet, Lomatium, Shooting Star, Blue-eyed Mary and many others.

There were numerous birds present including the White Crowned Sparrow, Tree Swallow, Violet Green Swallow, Scrub Jay, Western Bluebird, House Wren and others. One of our group made the comment that so many birds were present, the insects didn’t have a chance. But insects were, in fact, present. Large patches of Kinnikinnick grow throughout the prairie. Hoary Elfins were busy on one patch I observed for a while. There was much chasing, spinning and circling around each other as they went about the spring ritual of finding a mate and egg laying. Along the edges of the patch were flowers, and sometimes an individual would leave the patch to nectar, then return to the center of activity in the Kinnikinnick.

On our three surveys last year we detected 11 species. We found five additional species this spring including the Anise Swallowtail, Julia Orangetip, Brown Elfin, Two-banded Checkered Skipper. This brings the total species seen on our five visits to 16. The four surveyors participating this spring were Melanie Weiss, Laura Payeur, Liz Kuehn and Tanna Knouse. Eight WBA volunteers participated in the five surveys 2023-2024. Thanks to all for sharing your time and your knowledge. The survey reports included butter- flies and also plants, birds, bees and moths depending on the expertise of those present. Wolf Haven’s staff was appreciative of our reports, and asked if they could use the photos from our visits for their own reporting. In addition, we were asked if we would be interested in surveying additional prairies! Plans are in place for next spring.

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