Mid-summer has arrived along the Kirkland Trail (all photos from the past few days); the heat of early July has accelerated seasonal changes. Field mustard and soapwort are currently the most abundant flowers, and raspberry and honeysuckle fruits are ripening. Beware of wild parsnip on trail edges; in the presence of sunlight, its sap can cause a bad rash. Yellowthroats, song sparrows, and catbirds sing all along the trail, and on each walk I almost always hear an indigo bunting singing at #12 and a scarlet tanager at #23 (29 species of birds in total on July 13; hooded warbler was a special find). Bullfrogs are harrumphing near #10. Chipmunks are everywhere along the trail (as are deer flies), and numerous butterflies are out in open areas, especially north of Dugway. Look for monarchs!
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