report from GRSF - Sunday March 22 2026

[waltp...@gmail.com]

On Sunday March 22, 2026 I drove out to GRSF, arriving about 11 am.

Temperatures were at about 56f when I arrived at the overlook.

It was sunny all day and temperatures climbed rapidly.

By the time I left at about 2:30 temperatures were approaching 90f

and it was very windy.

The first thing I saw at the overlook was a white butterfly nectaring on Veronica blooming next to the steps.  It turned out to be a Cabbage White, the first I have seen this year.

It was the spring form with reduced black markings.

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/344543894

I walked the overlook area and down the road a ways for an hour or so and didn't see any other butterflies flying.

I headed over to Elfin Elbow. 

I saw an unidentified anglewing (probably Eastern Comma) fly across the road.

I saw another butterfly flying along the road embankment and landing repeatedly. 

I was able to photograph it, and it turned out to be a fairly fresh American Lady.

I presume it was laying eggs. 

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/344546959

I didn't see anything else after an hour or so, and drove back to the overlook.

(I did not try to drive down Cliff Road, my car did not have the ground clearance)

Barry Marts was there and he reported seeing a mix of several white butterflies, both Falcate Orange Tips and possible Olympia Marbles.

We both saw one white that we agreed was probably an Olympia.

We saw 2 more whites that we both saw orange wing tips, so Falcate Orange Tips for sure.

One Azure flew by high overhead, no ID on that.

We stayed at the overlook until about 2:30. 

I drove down to the sawmill campsite but didn't see any butterflies there.

Carroll Road down to that campsite is rough but passable, apparently still has culverts washed out past that point (according to Barry).  Going further on that road requires high ground clearance.

As I was driving out past the Overlook I saw my only Mourning Cloak of the day.

Butterfly numbers were low, but it is early yet and more will emerge.

A cooler less blustery day would be better for photos and IDs.

Walter Gould