Sighting for May 29, 2022

Brian McGurgan

Chase Trail, Talkeetna (62.32844° N, 150.12089° W)
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK

Sunny and 77° with a light breeze, from 2:40 to 4pm. Butterflies were scarce considering the warmth and sunlight, but pollen sources were limited along the trail through woods primarily consisting of large cottonwoods and still-unfurling ferns. I found a couple of Tiger Swallowtails by the edge of the rapidly flowing Susitna River, and got fleeting glimpses of an Anglewing in flight. When returning down the trail I checked the spot again and found the Comma more cooperative, allowing me identification photos between skittish bouts of flight and several moments perched on my hat. A Mourning Cloak also insisted on sitting on my hat and on my shutter finger too making photos a real challenge. I saw a light-colored butterfly cross the trail but at too great a distance for identification (probably a Mustard White).

  • Canadian Tiger Swallowtail 3
  • Green Comma 1
  • Mourning Cloak 2

Mourning Cloak

Green Comma

Green Comma

Green Comma

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail