Experience the enchantment of the Monarch butterfly migration in
the serene mountains of Michoacán, Mexico. Amidst the tranquility
of the forested landscape, witness the graceful dance of millions of
monarch butterflies as they flutter through the air. While the terrain
may pose challenges for some, we have a solution that ensures
everyone can enjoy this natural wonder. For those seeking a more
leisurely exploration, we offer the option to glide through the trails on
horseback. Our friendly guides will lead you on a gentle ride, allowing
you to savor every moment of the journey. 8 Days, 7 Nights.
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Eight butterfliers participated in the 2024 annual fall count at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum on Saturday, 14 September. This fall count began in 2007, so this was the 18th. Three teams tallied butterflies seen at six areas: Grounds of BTA, Picketpost Trailhead, Queen Creek near the airport, in the town of Superior, Upper Devil’s Canyon, and Oak Flat. In total 820 individuals were tallied in 27 identified species. This was more than expected given how little monsoon rain there has been this year, although 662 of the individuals counted were on the grounds of the Arboretum. The wilder desert areas were another story. Many thanks to the counters! Here are the count tallies by species.
Pipevine Swallowtail 52, Giant Swallowtail 1, Two-tailed Swallowtail 2, Checkered White 3, Orange Sulphur 1, S. Dogface 4, Cloudless Sulphur 55, Mexican Yellow 1, Sleepy Orange 109, Dainty Sulphur 7 (pictured), Gray Hairstreak 4, Western Pygmy-Blue 4, Marine Blue 6, Ceraunus Blue 18, Mormon Metalmark 2, American Snout 162, Gulf Fritillary 1, Common Buckeye 1, Viceroy 1, Empress Leilia 18, Queen 347, Northern Cloudywing 1, Golden-headed Scallopwing 1, Arizona Powdered-Skipper 3, Funereal Duskywing 5, Common/White Checkered-Skipper 1, Erichson's White-Skipper 1. Unidentified: Sulphur sp. 3, Blue sp. 3, Butterfly sp. 2, Duskywing sp. 1.
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On Saturday, August 17, Pivot Rock Canyon on the Mogollon Rim provided a welcome respite from the high of 110 degrees in the Phoenix area. The weather was sunny but cool given it had clearly rained the night before. Six butterfliers visited the area starting at 9AM until 1PM when clouds started to form and block the sun. Highlights of the trip included a visit to the Pivot Rock on its impressive pedestal, and the decaying remains of a deer or elk that Arizona Sisters found attractive as a food source. We identified at least 13 species, which was twice as many as we saw on last year’s visit to this lush canyon. Here is the list: Two-tailed Swallowtail, Western Tiger Swallowtail, Orange Sulphur, Southern Dogface, Marine Blue, Spring Azure, Northwestern Fritillary, Mylitta Crescent, Field Crescent, Painted Lady, Arizona Sister, Common/white Checkered Skipper, Taxiles Skipper (pictured).
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