My title is from the opening line of an article in the Washington Post by Darryl Fears, published in the Syracuse Post Standard, a local newspaper, on 9July13. Fears connects the health of butterfly populations with that of the environmental with alarming statistics and quotes from experts around the country. Habitat loss, pesticides and other mortality factors are decimating butterfly populations. Nineteen species and subspecies are now listed as endangered or threatened in the U.S. alone; at least one species and two subspecies are presumed to be gone. I think that means forever.
I spend a lot of time observing and photographing butterflies and feel compelled to engage in this environmental wake-up call by blogging about my butterfly experiences in the Northeast, largely New York state. July is butterfly month. I’ve see six or eight species in as many days (a lot for this area), nectaring, perching, chasing and breeding in meadows and brush lots.
Baltimore Checkerspot, perching on an unoccupied songbird nest box.
My first dedicated butterfly post features the Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton), one of the more abundant and accessible species in early July.
Baltimore Checkerspot caterpillars on Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), an alien wildflower
Baltimore Checkerspot; emergence coincides with the bloom of Knapweed (Centaurea; the pinkish glow in the background)
Baltimore Checkerspot
A pair of Baltimore Checkerspots; they’ve just perched together following an aerial chase/courtship and are about to mate
Baltimore Checkerspots, mating
Turtlehead (Snapdragon family; Chelone glabra); wetland wildflower; preferred species for adult egg-laying and caterpillar feeding.
Photos by NB Hunter. © All Rights Reserved.
Nick, these may be your best photos yet. They are breathtaking! Your skills are wonderful and your passion for nature and the need for its preservation are so admirable. I would really love to share your blog link on my Facebook page but I want to ask permission first. I would do so to the beauty of your photographs and your message to love and take care of the natural world.
Thanks for the very thoughtful and kind comments. Timing was superb! I have retreated from Facebook. But I’m also frustrated over my weak readership/following. I realize that I have much to learn and do with regard to marketing if I ever hope to get my work and my message out there. So go for it. Why not.
Wow.. these are stunning.. me thinks you are going to have to get a lot more comfortable with self promotion my friend.
Ha! Thanks – for both ends of your comment line. Could be the shove that gets me off the fence.
Beautifull pictures Nick
I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but I simply have to say it again: Your pictures are Fantastic!! I love them all. 🙂
Thanks Calee. A broken record can be a good thing! Human nature being what it is, supportive and enthusiastic followers like you keep the shutter clicking. 🙂