WANDA DAMERON - November 23 – 30, 1999 -- 225 listed species plus more to be identified (species accounts listed separately)

Participants: Mary Shepherd, Bev Steveson, Barbara Turner, Ken Warner, Kim Garwood, Carolyn Curione, Fred Heath, Molly Pollock, Maja Block, Paul Opler, Evi Buckner and coordinator Wanda Dameron

We had a very congenial group and our best trip yet ticking 225 species with several others yet to be identified. It was a drier than usual year which caused us to roam a bit further afield to get to good habitat. The area to the right of the highway bridge outside of the La Jolla de Mismaloya Resort was surprisingly good even though some areas had been fenced and others cleared in preparation for more homes. With several of the participants becoming more experienced, sharing the three upgraded homemade field guides, and particularly the expertise of Paul Opler, allowed us to move faster compared to our first year when we had to ponder the marks of each bug! We were able to see more and appreciate a greater variety this year and were able to start enjoying the gorgeous Hairstreaks and Skippers and even identify some grass skippers. Interesting how each year we find new species with differing species in abundance. Yellow-tipped Flashers, Viardi Whites and White Morphos seemed to be everywhere, with Clearwings, Blomfild's and Dirce Beauties, Tiger-striped Clearwing and Tiger Mimic-Queen around often enough to feel comfortable separating them in flight. Highlights were the Blinded Eyemark, the unique Arcius Bluetail Metalmark, both Purplewings, Gold-rim and Steely Firetips, Gold-tufted Skipper, Wind's and Dyson's Silverdrops, the Blue Window-winged Skippers, Sito and Intense-blue Stripestreaks, Gold-bordered Hairstreak, Morgan's Clearwing, Pale Leafwing, Crackers, Glorious and Hippodrome Patches, Red-bordered Pixies, turquoise spotted Mexican Cycadian and the always popular blue Two-barred and Gilbert's Flashers.

11/23 - Most arrived late afternoon and were able to do a bit of butterflying on the bougainvillea just inside the resort gate to the right. Most of the grounds (G) are well sprayed, though 2 species of Owls are regularly seen at dusk near the palms.

11/24 - 1 mile walk through Mismaloya Village and up canyon (MC) with forays, to the stream where possible. A late very leisurely lunch at Cisco's Paradise and butterflied back. Easy area to become acquainted with many of the common species: Malichite, Daggerwings, Crimson-patched Longwing, Red Peacocks, Zebras, Flashers, Sulfurs, Morphos patrolling the stream, maybe a Fabulous Leafwing or Damo Hairstreak etc.

11/25 - Took cabs to El Eden (E) (3 mi. up cyn.) butterflying that area along road and wonderful gardens at end. Paul butterflied the spur to the left to greatly increase our BF Count numbers, while most of us had a late lunch. Great place to see and/or get photos of good variety of species.

11/26 - Again to productive El Eden Gardens (E+) until the sun hit the canyon then up the right spur, across the stream to many flowering trees, and trail beyond. Goodies here included Purplewing, Hammock Skipper, Clearwing, Window-winged Skipper, Blinded Eyemark, many more. Had lunch in the field, then the left spur, checking out the weedy "Y" area (Nearea Banner) and stream crossing.

11/27 - Took cabs to the Pina Blanca area (bridge above Chino's Paradise) through the village on the right, crossing the river on the suspension bridge and going right of the fenced area up canyon. Found a way to get over large rock area to suspension bridge to restaurant for our best lunch--delicious and only efficient service, even splitting bill among many. May also be reached with 2 to 3 block walk along road from that side. 2nd Butterfly Count

Because some would be leaving at differing times the remaining days, the group split going different directions to allow timely return to the hotel for cleanup and checkout. Most spent their last a.m. exploring the area to the right of the highway bridge across from the resort, going through the white arches. Another near area is the bougainvillea on the wall outside the resort on the road along the stream to the ocean. It's possible to sit on a facing short wall in afternoon shade for lazy and often productive butterflying attracting Swallowtails, Cattlehearts, Flashers and others. This area and the bougainvillea at the first store in the adjacent village have turned up most of the fantastic Window-winged Skippers. We never made it to opposite side of Boca de Tomatlan stream going inland (take suspension bridge at end of main street).

Since I didn't separate the butterflies by area when doing the list for the following two days, will use the dates, though most species from El Eden and trails nearby; location noted instead when known.

11/28 - Two took usual walk above Boca de Tomatlan and Chino's Paradise, across bridge through the village to left for about a mile to the soccer field to do birding and butterflying. Quite dry here this year, and mostly common weedy species, but did have Gold-bordered Hairstreak on the soccer field. Check nectaring plants and stream crossings along the way. If early may have Scarlet Macaws flying over. From soccer field, may continue on road to the right or cut across soccer field on left to adjacent stream in a couple of places. Understand the owner doesn't mind if you cross the stream on foot to butterfly. Six others went to El Eden and 3 across from resort.

11/29 - Most went to the ever productive El Eden for first couple of hours (8:30-10:30 or so) with the participants splitting to explore the two trails. (early morning Firetips, Blue Metalmark, Hairstreaks and Flashers were highlights) Going uphill across from the helicopter pad near El Eden is quite good for Skippers, grass hairstreaks and had several Dirce Beauties, Morgan's Clearwing and the impressive Red-striped Leafwing and the elusive Cyna Blue--behind and beyond the Predator movie set. A shortcut to gardens is to take the fork to right in front of movie set.

11/30 – The last day we butterflied nearby just outside the gate (N) (highway side) on the bougainvillea (a Damo hairstreak on grass+) then through the arch areas across the bridge, with highlights of White-tailed Skipper, several Hairstreaks including Intense-blue Stripestreak and the incredible iridescent green Regal Hairstreak, another Gold-bordered HS, Mexican Cycadian, Morgan's Clearwings and an Elegant Trogon!