Upcoming events
Come and join us for some superb summer butterflying in the cool and attractive White Mountains. Though there will not be as many butterflies as in July, there is a good chance for some scarcer bugs, such as Aphrodite Fritillary and Peck’s Skipper. On Saturday, we will cover US 191 from the Mogollon Rim to Alpine. We will be visiting meadows and streamsides in search of such special bugs as the White Mountain race of Mormon Fritillary and Queen Alexandra’s Sulphur. We could see as many as 50 species. On Sunday we will head west from Springerville towards Big and Crescent Lakes to visit a set of alpine meadows, looking for Common Ringlet, blues, and numerous skippers, among many possibilities. This will take us back in the direction of Phoenix. People can leave as they wish, but it is likely that clouds/rain will bring an end to our day. The locations to be visited are tentative and will likely be affected by pre-trip scouting.
We will meet Saturday at 7:00 AM at the Bashas in Eager (next to the Best Western) to head off for the Rim, working our way back to Springerville/Eager over the course of the day. You will need drinks and something to eat, as there is not much except butterflies south of Alpine. The departure time on Sunday will be determined on Saturday. Camping is available at various places and there are numerous motels in Springerville/Eager, as well as options in Greer. Please be prepared for the possibility of clouds and rain, which could impact our ability to look for butterflies. There will be little strenuous hiking, with most of the butterflying being done along the roadside or in meadows. However much of our trip will be above 8000 feet, so it may feel more strenuous. Leader: Dave Powell
We ask for a $10 donation per person.
read more »
Join us at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum on Saturday September 12 as we tackle our 3rd Annual Butterfly Count. Counting starts at 8:30AM sharp, so try to arrive a little early. 77 species of butterflies appear on the Arboretum's checklist, while the record for most species observed in a single day is 38 by John Saba in October, 2005. Xami Hairstreak is one of specialties that can be found at the BTA.
Chris Kline, a long time butterfly enthusiast and Monarch researcher, will fly in from Ohio this Fall to lead the annual butterfly count and also spend time tagging Monarchs for the SW Monarch Study.
The Arboretum is located on US 60, about 20 miles east of Apache Junction. Hope you can join us!
read more »
At this meeting we will evaluate our efforts, fieldtrips and meetings of the past year. We also will talk about the upcoming election of the board and membership related issues. Members and non-members will be able to show-off their most beautiful, interesting, cutest photos of butterflies, moths or caterpillars in a photo presentation. We will be selling our 2012 Butterfly Calendar, fieldguides, jewelry and some butterfly related art on our "booktable". There will definitely be time to socialize with drinks and munchies provided.
read more »
Recent events
Come and join us for some superb summer butterflying in the cool and attractive San Francisco Mountains north of Flagstaff. This is an excellent time to visit the high country and we have a chance to see a wide variety of high elevations species. We will be working the Schultz Pass road and the creek which crosses this road. If the weather cooperates, we may also visit the inner basin between the mountains. There is also a road around the north edge of the mountains that may be worthwhile.
We will meet Saturday at 8:00 AM at the Denny’s near the end of I-17. This is just after you cross under the I-40. For those wishing to drive up in the morning, it is approximately two hours from the junction of I-10 and I-17. You will need drinks and something to eat, as there is not much except butterflies once we leave Flagstaff. For those who wish to come the night before, there are numerous motels in the Flagstaff area, as well as camping. Please be prepared for the possibility of clouds and rain, which could impact our ability to look for butterflies. There will be little strenuous hiking, with most of the butterflying being done along the roadside or in meadows. However much of our trip will be above 8000 feet, so it may feel more strenuous. Leader: Dave Powell
We ask for a $5 donation per person.
read more »
On Saturday June 12th we will hike a part of the AZ/Highline trail in pursuit of colorful butterflies. As the temperature rises, the flowers start to bloom higher and higher in elevation. Butterflies follow this nectar flow “up the trail” and June is the perfect time to check them out. An abundant plant along the trail: Bergamot attracts the pretty Fritillaries. Butterfly Weed and Arizona Thistle are also popular amongst the nectaring butterflies. Other butterflies (like Blues) are more interested in mudpuddling at one of the three springs we will pass. Yet another group of butterflies like California Sister and Weidemeyer’s Admiral are mostly found perched on trees.
Please wear sturdy shoes and a hat, bring water, snacks and a sacklunch. A pair of close focusing binoculars will be handy too. The trail is moderately steep in places, but we will take our time. Trip leaders: Marceline VandeWater and Wendy Hodgson. Meeting place is Denny’s on Shea Blvd in Fountain Hills at 6:30am or at the trailhead at 8:15am.
Details to get to the trailhead: Drive to Payson, go straight at the hwy 260 intersection. After 3/4 mile turn right onto Houston Mesa Road. Cross all 3 "water crossings", and after about 8 miles turn left at the stop sign. The road now turns into a dirt road. After about 1 miles turn right towards Shadow Rim Camp and Washington Park Trailhead. Follow this road up for about 5.5 miles until the right turn-off to the Washington Park Trailhead (marked). After a bit turn left (signs again) and you will find the trailhead well marked.
We ask for a $5 donation per person.
read more »
We will start at 8am at the Visitor Center of the BTA. There will be lots of flowers so plenty of butterflies to ID. This is a good place to take photographs. Please bring close-focus binoculars, sturdy shoes, water & snack. You can use the nice pinic area If you bring your own lunch , or drive 2 miles to Superior to visit one of the local restaurants. Leader tbd.
read more »
Meet at 7:30 A.M. at the southeast corner of the junction of the CaveCreek Road and the road turning off to Bartlett Dam (about 8 miles East of Carefree). Bring a lunch, water, and close focus binoculars. On a butterfly trip to this area in the same month last year, we recorded 28 species of butterflies, including the amazing Yucca Giant-Skipper. There was also a stunning display of wildflowers in the area which we will hope for again this year.
Janet Witzeman has been observing and learning about Arizona butterflies since 1982 when she began going on the southeast Arizona butterfly counts with Richard Bailowitz and Doug Danforth. After learning more about butterflies in Maricopa County from Killian Roever, she has been leading butterfly field trips for the Maricopa Audubon Society since 1994.
We ask for a $5 donation.
read more »
Due to the cold and wet weather, the butterflies are later to come out this Spring. This made us postpone the fieldtrip with a few weeks. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Meet at 9am at the C4 Coffee shop on 6033 E. Cave Creek Rd (just SE of the Spur Cross Rd intersection) or at 9:20 at the P-lot at Spur Cross Conservation Area.
We will explore the Spur Cross area North of Cave Creek. The abundant vegetation along the creek provides a rich habitat for wildlife and potential for wildflower displays in the spring. March is probably the best time of the year to visit, as the temperatures are nice, the creek is flowing and the seeps in the side canyon attract an array of butterflies. About 25 species in a few hours is not uncommon. A specialty found here is Wright’s Metalmark attracted by Sweet Bush. Please wear sturdy shoes, bring water, a snack and close focus binoculars. Difficulty 2. Leaders Ron Rutowski and Marceline VandeWater.
We ask for a $5 donation.
read more »