Unprecedented numbers of Painted Lady butterflies fluttered about in fields of goldenrods and asters this month. They were everywhere, sometimes two to a flower cluster, presenting ample opportunities for environmental portraits. On more than one occasion they actually photo bombed a monarch shoot!
Photos by NB Hunter. © All Rights Reserved.
There are more of them this year. Warm weather or hurricane winds pushing them around, perhaps. You have captured them beautifully!
Absolutely gorgeous photos!
Thanks Laura. They disappeared from the fields 24 hours before a cool front arrived…was that a coincidence, or did they know it was coming?!!! In any event, I feel fortunate to have been able to document and share the event.
I feel like they must know. The butterflies I see in this garden I go to are only there on the warmer, sunny days. I have no idea where they disappear to on the cooler ones.
I rarely ever find butterflies at rest when the weather takes a turn for the worse but a recent sighting of a monarch shed light on the issue. It was suspended under foliage, with wings folded tightly – in a torpid state. It was virtually invisible to a passing predator like me! Incredible survival strategy.
Your butterfly pics are so exquisite Nick. Their species are showstopper pollinators, so vibrant in colour and design.
Lovely photos, Nick. We are seeing a lot of Painted Lady butterflies this year. I am always surprised at their camouflage capabilities!
Such beautiful butterflies! You did a superb job capturing them. What know all too well what a challenge that can be!