Mount Washington - Radiator Spring Milbert's Tortoiseshell

[Sharon Harvell]

Decided to see what might be found on a gorgeous September day on Mount Washington - warm temps and little to no wind! 

Did a quick check (well as quick as one can get down to the Alpine Garden Trail carefully) and the only butterfly noted was a Mourning Cloak I flushed and it took off before I could snap a photo! A few insects, most notably grasshoppers,  however very few blooms remain so not surprising lack of activity. 

Upon descending the auto road stopped at assorted pull-offs to check out what might be around.

Hit the jackpot at Radiator Spring parking area! Some of the best variety of September butterflies on Mount Washington no less!

Parking lot comes right up to an area that is hosting a couple varieties of goldenrod and what took place was crazy - butterflies and birds zipping thru for about 15 minutes! And just briefly managed to catch a Milbert's Tortoiseshell:

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/313007948

Also, for this year in particular, great to observe a Red Admiral:

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/313007958

Sharon