Observation date: April 23, 2022
Submitted by: jamesvonloh
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: On a very windy day (W-to-E straight line and gusts in the 40-50mph range), viceroys used coyote willow along the Rio Grande as both a windbreak and habitat for various behaviors including perching, nutrient uptake, territory disputes, courting, and mating. The behavior in this series of images is presumed to be courting, occurred over a two-minute timeframe, and failed as one remained feeding for the entire time. The afternoon was warm, under full sun/partial shade from willow leaves, and on the lee-side of gusting wind.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stevecary
Verified date: May 05, 2022
Coordinator notes: terrific, Jim! this is subspecies obsoleta (Desert Viceroy), as you know. I've copied these images to my files for later use; thank you!
