Backyard Butterfly Break

After several less than active seasons, the butterfly bush has been all a-buzz this summer. So I broke in the new lens for my Nikon and got into the bush to photo-stalk some of the feasting creatures. Like this Monarch butterfly, a big flirt who seemed to content to playfully flutter in front of my face repeatedly. I love that polka dot face.

Someone must have said something naughty to the hydrangeas as they are blushing. But really the color change has something to do with the minerals in the soil. 

I had to consult the book on this one: An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail… and my shadow. 

Also part of the fun, bumble bees. They are all about the nectar. So much that they don’t mind my camera in their faces. Delicate stained-glass wings. 

It is the moths who are most plentiful. All different kinds of Underwing moths. This one’s wings looked clumsily torn and his markings were not symmetrical. He looks like a dirt bag butterfly, like Snoopy’s brother Spike.

This moth was my favorite. 

Close-up on the drinking.