storm_petrels bestämningar

With cool temps and no nectar around, there was no way I was going to get an underwing shot. I recognize how this photo is pretty useless, but it still seemed so late in the season and surprising for any of these here, I'm posting it anyhow

1.5 miles from Oklahoma! I spent the next few hours trying to find one south of the border, but all the trails/roads had selenite gravel that formed a hardened crust that didn’t seem to work as purpurea habitat, or were pure clay that also doesn’t seem ideal. These appear intermediate between ssp. purpurea and audubonii.

I think, as default anyway? But I have no experience with Sierra, and this seemed tiny compared to the Nevada Skippers I see in the Carson Range. Using Nevada as a placeholder in the meantime, and would be happy to be wrong!

A little over 11,200' elevation

@storm_petrel, @robberfly , @euproserpinus

Just hunting in the woods, but prob. breeding at Lily Pond, nearby. 1st documented Tahoe Basin record that I know of, but almost certainly have been here all along. Bummed I didn't get a better photo!!