An Unusual Year

By the end of July my photographic library usually has a myriad of colorful photos of the butterflies that grace the gardens.  This year they are few and far between. Perhaps it was the many March snowstorms or the early heat followed by a cold snap.  Maybe it is the lack of some larval foods as seven oaks fell during a wind storm. 

But last week a few began to appeared.  It led me on a quest to locate their caterpillars.  A of today I am raising six monarch and six black swallowtail caterpillars.  I hope to help increase the population!

Cabbage white on white cone flower

Red admiral on pink cone flower

 

Monarch on pink cone flower

Silver-spotted skipper on white cone flower

Black swallowtail caterpillar on dill

Mature Black swallowtail caterpillars on dill

Certified Wildlife Habitat 139,583 – The Creatures Sharing This Space

Mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, arachnids and birds all live within the balance of the web of life.

When human kind enters and tries to control and change their environment to suit their needs the interconnectedness of the web is destroyed. Non-native species may enter, an imbalance of natives may occur. If we focus on the interconnectedness and provide the essentials needed for those who live here, food, water, cover and places to raise young, we can restore the balance.

During daily excursions into the gardens I am greeted by those with whom I share this space.

Guarded but not afraid, they allow me to be the caretaker for this moment in time.

As my reward they tolerate a close encounter.

Their likeness forever captured.

I encourage you to go out into your shared space and photograph the creatures you encounter!

Butterfly Wings – Red Admiral

A moisture laden fog has over taken us

The sun’s warm rays are unable to pierce these low-lying clouds

I close my eyes and dream of summer

Fog

http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Vanessa-atalanta