May 4, 2025 - Rockin' River Ranch State Park Butterfly Count

I was joined by 22 folks on Sunday, May 4th for the first Rockin’ River Ranch State Park Butterfly Count.  All Verde Valley communities were well-represented and one person even came up from Phoenix to participate in the count.

A cold front was forecasted to move in by the afternoon, but we mostly lucked out weather-wise. 

Three butterfly species were observed: Dainty Sulphur, Viceroy and Cabbage White. The highlights of the walk were a Green-tailed Towhee that popped up to the top of a shrub, giving nice views of itself. And later in the walk, many were enthralled with several Northern Rough-winged Swallows and one Violet-Green Swallow flying at eye level, catching insects and swooping down to the river for a drink.

After the walk, we all jumped in our cars to go to the Shady Acres trailhead parking lot, where attendees were shown the newly seeded and planted 12,000 square foot butterfly garden.

This was the first of a six-count series.  Be sure to join us for the next count on Sunday, June 1, 9-11 a.m.