While I was admiring and photographing the the Red Admiral butterflies in my garden a Danaus plexippus landed right next to them on one of the remaining poppy flowers in my garden. This Monarch Butterfly landed for a few seconds allowing me to capture a couple of shots of it before it took off.
I first noticed a dark shadow out of the corner of my eye and then it was there right in front of me. It was as if it was taunting me and saying "This is what a real butterfly looks like!" before it fluttered off into another garden.
This morning I got up early hoping to catch a few more butterflies but I only noticed the shadow out of the corner of my eye and by the time I spotted where it was it had decided to go off somewhere else.
I know Monarchs aren't uncommon but this is the first time I've seen them stop in my garden even if for a few seconds. Next year I plan to add a lot more plants that will give them a reason to stay a little longer in my garden.
You can read more about them on the Wikipedia page for Monarch Butterflies.
Monarchs are the most prevalent in my garden, followed by the little Commas. I love any that I see and am happy they enjoy the dinner I planted for them. Great photo!
ReplyDeleteNice photo catch! The Tropical Milkweed/Ascepias curassavica is a host plant that Monarchs like in my Austin garden. They came for the orange milkweed/Asclepias tuberosa in my former IL garden, and also went crazy for Eupatorium coelestinium/Mist flower.... but watch out Mr Brown Thumb.. that plant is a bit of a thug!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog for Garden Muse Day and complimenting 'Thalia'- another plant I've loved in both Illinois and Austin gardens.
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Nice shot! I see quite a few of these myself, and try to keep flowers that they enjoy. I see several others-mourning cloak, tiger swallowtail, and the most numerous this year-northern crescent.
ReplyDeleteJust can't find the words to express how wonderful your photos are.
ReplyDeleteThey are certainly impressive butterflies, nice shot too.
ReplyDeleteCheers Mark
I'll admit, my favorite butterflies are the ones that have blue in their wings. Can be any kind, as long as it has blue.
ReplyDeleteThat is just an awesome photo! Butterflies are a challenge to capture, as they flutter away so quickly.
ReplyDeleteHi all thanks for stopping by and commenting. Glad you liked the butterfly.
ReplyDeleteYesterday I found a new one in the garden that I will have to post soon. Although it didn't cooperate when I tried to take a photo of it.
How do you get those butterflies to sit still??? :) Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteI just keep getting amazed with the abundance of wildlife in your garden, not to mention the beautiful photographs.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work!
Beautiful photos with the butterflies. I am trying some dwarf nasturtiums this year too. They are just starting to bloom in my Canadian garden.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos. I'm just starting to see Monarchs in my garden, but have seen a few others. Do you have a Butterfly bush (Buddleia sp.)? They are quite pretty and an easy way to attract late summer butterflies.
ReplyDeleteIowa Gardening Woman,
ReplyDeleteI haven't done anything to them but for I'll post a secret that I was just told by a photographer on them in an entry.
Crafty,
I hope you have a ton of blooms and post your pictures.
Carolyn,
I bought one last year for that reason but it didn't survive the winter. I may buy another one this year.