Roaring Fork Valley Phenology | July 8, 2013

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Strawberries are just beginning to ripen above 9,000 feet. Judging from the abundant flowers early in June, this could be an amazing berry season. Have you seen the ripening fruits on the serviceberry and chokecherry lately? Fledgling birds and fawns are out, and so are butterflies: mating and laying eggs. 

This Weidemeyer’s Admiral, Limenitis weidemeyerii, was photographed up Hunter Creek near the old dam site. According to Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA), males perch on trees looking for receptive females. Females lay single eggs on the leaf tips of host plants. Aspen, willow, and cottonwood are all host plants and are all found in great number up Hunter Creek. The flowers are going from good to spectacular above 9,000 feet, and the best flower viewing should be over the next four weeks. Hire an ACES Naturalist guide to take you some of the best areas to view and learn about flowers.

~ Jim Kravitz, Director of Naturalist Programs