Date & Time:
October 21, 2018 - 8:00am to 2:00pm
Meeting Place:
8:00 AM at Safeway on Continental Road of I-19 in Green Valley - or - 8:45 AM at White Rock Campground restroom near Pena Blanca Lake. The campround is 9.7 miles west of I-19 on Ruby Road (AZ 289)
Special Notes:
Due to recent rains on Ruby Road and the prediction for a windy day with 40% chance of rain on Sunday, the Sycamore Canyon Filed Trip has been cancelled.
Trip Description:
If you want to visit one of the premier canyons in SE Arizona, this is it! Although it is a long drive (approximately 1.5 hours from the 1st meeting place), most years it is quite productive and at the very least extremely scenic. We don’t know what’s blooming now or what species we might see, but it’s always possible that some strays may have flown in from the south.
We will be walking for approximately 1.0 - 1.5 miles down the canyon alongside the streambed. We will spend the majority of our time walking in the canyon away from our vehicles, so be prepared to carry a lunch and enough water for 4-5 hours. There is permanent flowing water in the canyon, beautiful rock formations, and high canyon walls to stimulate your senses. We will be looking for many species of butterflies, including Blues, Sulphurs, Admirals, Ladies, Checkerspots, Duskywings, Skippers, and possible tropical strays.
Walking will be on a narrow dirt trail alongside the streambed with a couple of stream crossings. Some areas are brushy and a few areas have moderately difficult rocky terrain. Sturdy hiking boots, long pants, and insect repellant for chiggers are recommended for this trip.
Photo: Dark Tropical Buckeye (Junonia genoveva nigrosuffusa)
Leader email:
seaba_publicity@yahoo.com
General Information
Beginners are welcome on all field trips! Experienced members will share their butterfly knowledge and expertise with all field trip participants. Children accompanied by a responsible adult are welcome on SEABA field trips. A donation of $5 per person to benefit SEABA will be appreciated. Carpooling from the meeting place is encouraged and it is kind to share gas expenses. If high clearance vehicles are required for a trip, it will be noted in individual trip descriptions. Dress for the field with sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Bring your own water, snacks, and lunch. Close-focusing binoculars, cameras, and field guides will be helpful aids for butterfly observation and identification. Trips usually end by mid-afternoon unless noted differently in individual trip descriptions.
Please be aware that:
1. Collecting or netting is NOT allowed on SEABA field trips.
2. Pets, with the exception of service animals, are NOT allowed on SEABA field trips.
3. All field trip participants are required to sign SEABA's Release and Assumption of Risk form at the beginning of the trip. The form may be viewed at SEABA Release.
4. Please arrive a few minutes prior to the meeting time posted for trips to facilitate paperwork and introductions to other trip participants.
5. Field trips may be cancelled or rescheduled on short notice due to changing weather or road conditions. Please check the website for updates prior to the Field Trip.
Our Southeastern Arizona Butterfly Checklist can be downloaded here. Please note that the SEABA checklist is copyrighted.
Local NABA Butterfly Counts are listed at NABA Counts
Field trips organized by the Central Arizona Butterfly Association are listed at their website: CAzBA.
