One or two "admirals"?
(Click pictures to enlarge)
“The world is a looking-glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it, and it will in turn look sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly kind companion.” ~ William Makepeace ThackerayI have been trying to write this post for three days... in between small odd chores. It hasn't happened. Sometimes the thoughts just dry up and the brain goes into hibernation and everything else simply switches to automatic pilot mode. It didn't matter the time of day or the day of the week or whether I was rested or tired.. there just wasn't anything there. Almost everything is revolving around these butterflies right now.. well, not THIS butterfly, as it is a Red Admiral.. but around the Monarchs. I had 91 chrysalides and they have been emerging for the last week.. between 6 - 10 a day. Twenty or so of them should emerge just at the right time to begin migration on the 20th. As they emerge, I put them in a makeshift drying area where they can flit off up to the trees whenever they feel like it. I think that several have felt the way I do... they really cannot get their act together in the usual two hour slot of time that is average for wing pumping and drying. In fact, a few would hang around forever if not pushed just a little bit.
I saw this Red Admiral butterfly out on the flowers of the butterfly bush (buddleia) and when I tried to take his picture, he flittered up to the railing of the deck. Our railing is a powder coated aluminum and has a shiny top coat. Surely, the butterfly did not see this other critter at his feet... but I did. How interesting to see the butterfly prance its delicate feet with a perfect dance partner. He sat and stretched his wings, giving a great perspective... the camera could see both sides of the wing at once. Perhaps he could see his reflection in the white fencing... making me wonder... did he admire those bright stripes?
An "admiring admiral" indeed.
(end of post)
Carmi's Theme "Reflective"
5 comments:
i am sitting here with a big goofy grin on my face. these are priceless in my book! the first one looks like a child that plays and kissing themselves in the mirror. I truly would have loved to see that dance. nature always, always amazes me.
This is amazingly unique and beautiful!! You should put these in a double picture frame and set it out. Why are the butterflies coming out so late towards fall? I see lots around here now, and i was just wondering how long they'll be around. I always think of them as a hot summer insect, but maybe I'm wrong!
I'm so glad your words came to you. These photos are wonderful. Your efforts have certainly been rewarded with all the butterflies that have emerged this summer in your garden.
so delicately beautiful
Excellent photos - you have such a good eye! I just bet he did admire his stripes.
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