Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Butterfly Garden Update

Yesterday, there were at least three butterflies in my garden at any given time. I counted as many as nine at one time and saw many new species visiting. I was able to get pictures of SOME - but some refused to cooperate and flew away when I grabbed the camera.

This is a Buckeye! I don't know if it is a male or female, but pink seems to be it's favorite color! Could that be a hint?
This is a Gray Hairstreak!

And - I have been unable to identify this one! It likes keeping it's wings tightly closed so I can't see it's markings clearly!

And no - this isn't a hidden pictures puzzle. Just my Crepe Myrtle which I am happy to see in full bloom. It was sort of sickly when I bought it, but it was on sale and I hoped to be able to nurse it back to health. I didn't expect it to bloom this year, but it has and it's beautiful!

And, I think it is courting season in the butterfly world. Here are a couple of field cresents trying their best to impress one another.

The moths are even joining in on courtship rituals. I think these are ordinary skippers.

Mylitta Cresents - characterized by the row of black dots on their wings.

Mylitta Cresents again. These are my most common visitors! They are also the least afraid and the most cooperative. I wish they would mention how harmless I am to the big black swallowtail and the bright yellow and pale yellow butterflies so I might get a picture of them, also. And while they're at it - the hummingbirds need to get that message, too. They seem to hit the feeders in full flight and then high tail it out of here like a rude dinner guest.
Is expecting a few manners, expecting too much?

5 comments:

  1. The first one and last one are my favorites!

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  2. Gorgeous! I wish we had butterflies. I guess it might help if we plant butterfly bushes... I once got a picture of a hummingbird. Those little buggers are hard to get!

    I saw Heather's house on her site that you guys helped them pick out... Beatuiful!!

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  3. I just love butterflies. It is hard to decide which is prettier, the butterflies or the flowers.

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  4. Soooo beautiful! I wish butterflies will visit my garden even once in a while. But I think butterflies do not like peppers and herbs. LOL. If only I had flowers in my garden. Got to try planting flowers in the back yard! LOL. Thanks for sharing these photos. This is so relaxing.

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  5. Your photos are so beautiful. The butterflies are really cooperating in your photo shoot. Lol! I wished that butterflies can visit my garden too.

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