The sun was trying hard to peak out between the clouds, and the temperature was only in the low 40s when I left home. There was not much chance of seeing butterflies unless the sun worked its way out and the temperature rose.....but we tried anyway.
One woman on the walk turned over a large rock and found a Red-bellied Snake. I never saw one of those before!
We walked from about 11:30 to 1:30 (after arranging parking and carpooling to the far end of the power lines, leaving half the cars at the start. We immediately saw a couple Eastern Bluebirds and several Field Sparrows and heard a Pine Warbler, although I never saw it. About halfway into the walk, it did warm up enough that I took my jacket off. We saw a couple of Eastern Phoebes, a Northern Mockingbird and several Red-Tailed Hawks.
Eastern Phoebe
Red-Tailed Hawk
Barbara spotted a Spring Azure. I was surprised at how well my photo turned out, because it was in a tricky position under some branches.
Spring Azure
A little bit later we saw a Mourning Cloak, but it flew off before everyone could see it. Then, we did all see one that was a little tattered and worn and cooperated for a photo.
Mourning Cloak
It was nice to be outside, but compared to last year at this time, the butterflies were few and far between!
Pussywillow
Preying Mantis egg case
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