Big Bend National Park, 6/24-5/13

Earlier this week I ran up to Big Bend to look for the Flame-colored Tanager that has been present for several weeks in Boot Canyon.  While birding I made it a point to keep my eyes open for butterflies.  In the couple of days I was up there I saw about twenty five species.  A treat for me was finding thirteen Juniper Hairstreaks, all in Boot Canyon and all but two were nectaring on bear grass blooms.

The only other hairstreak I was able to find was this great Purple Hairstreak.  The blooming bear grass below the high country was devoid of butterflies.

Also in upper Boot Canyon was this busy Mounring Cloak.

And several Mexican Yellows.

The next morning, sore from the previous day's hike up to Boot Canyon, I hobbled down the Window trail and was pleased to see several Golden-headed Scallopwings.

Al least three Streaky Skippers flushed along the trail.

As I left the park after noon there were many small blooming forbs along the road but very few butterflies.