A Butterfly in Motion!

Silver-Spotted Skipper      Epargyreus clarus      

Well I wish I could say that I planned this shot but I snapped the shutter just as the skipper decided I was a little too close. You might say that I did plan the shot, but this was not the outcome I intended. But hey, sometimes we get lucky and while it was an accident it is a very unique look at the wing motion of the butterfly taking off from it's perch.  At least I was standing in the right place! See quote below.

" A good photograph is knowing where to stand."

               Ansel Adams(1902-1984):American Photographer and environmentalist

On Heavens Breath!

The butterflies are out in force in the deep south and

while clicking the shutter on a few flutterbys last week

this little guy happened along. Although it has obviously

been through a tough time, it was still trying to carry out

its mission here on earth. I couldn't help but feel a little

sorry for it and wonder what happened to cause the wing

damage. Did it get caught out in the storm and wind? Did

it have a bad encounter with a predator? Or perhaps did

it have a run in with a motor vehicle on a highway? It is

really amazing if you notice the number of butterflies that

meet their demise on the highways and byways.

Pipevine Swallowtail     Battus philenor

Although its damage is pretty severe, it still carries on!

I wrote this poem and used on another post some time ago

but thought it was just too fitting for this little fellow.

On Heaven's Breath

On Heaven's Breath I flutterby
Pressed against her deep blue breast
Over lake and stream I tarry nigh
Through field and wood I rest

True course I hold through wind and storm
A journey far from start to end
Constant dangers are endless born
Waiting, lurking, round every bend

I cast my lot upon the breeze
And pray a gentle hand it give
By fate it carries me where it please
Through countless battles I must live

And when I cross your path one day
On Heaven's Breath I flutterby
Cast your eyes upon my way
And say a pray for butterfly

Randy Schultz August 24, 2010

Clear-Winged Sphinx Moth

Growing up on a farm in central Alabama I was taught at an

early age about wasps, bees and other not so friendly insects.

As young boys my brother and I were always exploring and playing

in the woods, fields and yes, mothers and grandmothers garden. One

of the most vivid memories I have as a young lad was being stung by

a bee for the first time. I remember learning that bumble bees could

really hurt. One day while playing I happened upon what I thought at 

the time was a bumble bee on steroids. It was the biggest bee I had

ever laid eyes on and I ran for cover every time I saw one around the

garden. To a bright eyed kid it looked like a bumble bee, just larger!

Much larger! I didn't learn until many years later in a entomology class in

college that what I thought was a bee was actually a moth. Well I have

overcome my fears of the creature and was delighted to find a couple 

going about their business in a nearby state park. The moths are very

hard to photograph because they just won't be still long enough for a 

shot. So if these seem a little blurry, I gave it my best. 

Clear-Winged Sphinx Moth - Hemaris thysbe

It is almost the size of a hummingbird.

Also called Hawk and Hummingbird Moth

I don't know if this color variation is a different specie

or just a color or age thing, but it sure is pretty.

"Between our birth and death we may touch understanding, as a moth brushes a

window with its wing."

         Christopher Fry(1907-2005): English Playwright

Mushrooms

We had a little rain late last week and on a venture in the park Saturday I happened upon these Shroons in several different parts of the park. I don't know their names but I thought them worthy of a view as they do make up a part of our creation.  Mushroom identification goes to another level and I didn't attempt to name these for fear of falsely identifying them.

This one was growing a couple of feet from a beaver pond and was the only one around.

I spotted this orange beast from my vehicle and was pleased when I approached and snapped this shot of them bursting through the pine straw and litter.They were on a dry mid ridge overlooking a lake.

And this coral looking beauty was also on a dry mid ridge but it was coming from the base of a dead tree stump and well shaded.

It is amazing how fast they can grow and then how fast they are gone. I went back to take their picture again late the next day and they had begun to wither rather quickly.  They didn't look nearly as good as the day before.

"Cherish each day, each moment, for there is no promise of tomorrow, and if tomorrow does shine it's blessings upon you, the things of yesterday may only be a memory."

           Randy J. Schultz



Tiger Swallowtail!

I spent a little time at Tishomingo State Park this weekend and I found a small area with a few flowers blooming, not an easy feat in late July in the south. Needless to say the butterflies were enjoying their selves immensely. Here are a few pics, more to come later.

 Such beautiful patterns and colors.

And the sun added a little light at the right time to illuminate this fine specimen.

They are so delicate and beautiful, both the butterfly and the flowers! 

"May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun

And find your shoulder to light on,

To bring you luck, happiness and riches

Today, tomorrow and beyond."

      Irish Blessing