"There really is no correct way to hike the trail, and anyone who insists that there is ought not to worry so much about other people's experiences."
― Adrienne Hall
I hadn't been to Governor Dodge State Park in almost two decades and was looking for a change of scenery — something with fewer people. Up until Saturday, bird migration had been held in check by the prevailing northwest winds.
I opted for Driftless Horse Trail, located just west of Twin Valley Lake. Despite overwhelming number of paths to choose from, I stuck with one I knew reasonably well. While the bird sightings were sparse, the abundance of butterflies gave me plenty of opportunities for Nature photography.
This is a Pearl Crescent Phyciodes tharos.
There were multitudes of Juvenal's Duskywings Gesta juvenalis.
Naturally ...
Spring Azures Celastrina ladon were plentiful as well.
Other butterflies present that escaped my lens were:
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Black Swallowtail
Eastern Comma
Question Mark
This is a Sharpshooter Leafhopper in the genus Draeculacephala, but I'm unsure of the exact species. I had to kneel in the grass to capture this image, all too aware that it's shaping up to be a banner year for ticks. While I've managed to avoid them so far this season, I know plenty of friends and colleagues who haven't been as lucky.
The tick uptick even made our local news.
Nasty little creatures!
To my surprise, tiger beetles were entirely absent from the day's observations. I kept a sharp eye out for Six-spotted given the ideal habitat, but it may simply be a week or two too early for their emergence.
The only bird I managed to get a good look at was a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, which was busy fussing about for insects. To my ears, their vocalizations always sound like they're airing a list of grievances.
I eventually ended up on Lost Canyon Trail, which was also bereft of birds. Long ago, I remember finding Louisiana Waterthrush here, which should have been on territory by now.
Spring birding's peak is coming up!
All images © 2026 Mike McDowell