The sun was out full force today after at least two weeks of below normal temperatures and record rainfall. The weather forecast is calling for near record temperatures and sunny weather pretty much through the Memorial Day weekend. Most birders in Oregon will be headed off to eastern Oregon and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge for 3-4 days of eastern vagrants and Great Basin specialties. Me? I'll be going to my daughter's dance recital and doing some butterfly censusing.
But to be honest, I'd rather be at Malheur...
Speaking of butterflies, the OCHRE RINGLETS have finally emerged and they've awakened to an amazing display of flowers, all brought on by the late rains. I did a count on the Clatsop Plains near Gearhart yesterday and was astounded by the lush floral array: Westerrn Buttercup, Field Chickweed, Blue Violets.
And I hope to get up to Saddle Mountain before the weekend "hikers" trash the place.
Posted by mbalame at May 25, 2005 2:45 AM