Emergence

Yesterday Alan and I joined Helen and Noel Snyder for a Short-tailed Hawk vigil above Barfoot Park in the Chiricahua Mountains, and along the way we were distracted by a splendidly-colored Colorado Hairstreak, just emerged from its chrysalis and attempting to expand its wings.

Emerging Colorado Hairstreak (Photos by Narca)

The hairstreak is very scarce this far south, and I had never seen one before. Its host plant is usually Gambel's Oak, which thrives at higher elevations in the Chiricahuas. What a glorious butterfly!

Batman pose