Observation date: January 16, 2014
Submitted by: Ralph S. Carlson
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: This rather ragged Mourning Cloak settled briefly in a tree in the pedestrian mall area of the Azusa Pacific University Easy Campus. The temperature was about 72 degrees Fahrenheit, wind ranged from nil to 3 miles per hour at ground level. Humidity was less than 10%. The location was approximately 1 1/2 to 2 miles south of the wildfire that had been working through the Azusa & Glendora foothill areas. Air quality was poor -- smoky -- and ash drifted about the campus randomly. Authorities warned anyone with asthma or other respiratory problems stay indoors. The specimen was first noted at the 15 to 20- foot level on the twig of a tree. It settled, lofted and circled three times and settled again. Its identity was obvious when it settled in good light. The fact that it was the only Mourning Cloak I have observed on the campus since October 2013 has prompted me to post the photo. I'm intrigued to see the specimen this time of year (though there have been several unusually warm spells in recent weeks), and I speculate that it, like other creatures and people, might have been fleeing the wildfire.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Ken Davenport
Verified date: January 18, 2014
Coordinator notes: None.
