Johnson's Hairstreak

Consider yourself lucky if you see this butterfly. Endemic to the Pacific Northwest, Johnson's Hairstreak spends most of its life in the canopy of old-growth forests, specifically in pines where the mistletoe parasite also makes its home. Johnson's Hairstreak lays its eggs in the mistletoe where the the larvae then eat the new shoots. Once they are strong enough to venture off, they look for mates and collect their nectar from a variety of plants. Unfortunately their numbers are thought to be declining due to the logging of old-growth forests, development, and other factors.

As I bask in the new rays of the June sunshine I know that these butterflies are also taking in the sun, fluttering their way through the tree tops of whats left of our old-growth forests. And wherever you find your "wings" taking you, I know it is someplace magnificent. May I suggest stopping awhile and watching the life going on around you. Each with their purpose in life, living and dying, unselfishly making room for another life to begin.

And just as the sun begins and ends, on this day my independent contract ends and my summer begins. With my newly gained tree climbing skills I plan to venture into many tree tops. I plan to also partake in some smaller tasks in life I've been meaning to incorporate. Tasks such as knitting, or charcoal drawing, reading a good book, jump roping, backpacking, and making jewelry. Will keep ya posted!