This week's PhotoHunt theme of 'beautiful' was perhaps one of the easiest for me. I will admit I cheated just a tiny bit on my normal pattern of trying to use photo's from around the pond. Now it was just a little bit. This particular photo was taken at a nearby outdoor produce market that also sells flowering plants.
I didn't feel too bad about the 'cheating' since I had the camera with me only because I had been out taking pond photo's just before we went to the market. Once there I happened to see a couple of butterflies flitting around the flowers and retrieved the camera to try to capture a few shots. I was lucky this Red-Spotted Purple stayed around just long enough for a few good captures.
Also, I have several photo's of this species around the pond, but almost all of them are from above. This species generally prefers to feed on rotting fruit, decaying plant matter, and such more than flowers so it is seen landing on the ground most frequently and often keeps its wings spread open or partially open. Like many butterflies they have a bad habit of flitting away when one approaches too close.
This particular butterfly moved back and forth between flowers and the ground over and over providing several photo opportunities. Here's a shot of it from above.
Normally around the pond they will land on vegetation near the water or even on bare ground. Some species land on the ground to obtain particular minerals they need in their diet I understand.
It is amazing how butterflies can look so different when viewed from the top or the bottom, yet each side is equally beautiful in its own way.
PhotoHunt
3 months ago
.jpg)
Oh my goodness - that blue butterfly is incredible! :)
ReplyDeleteOh Baker..the red-spotted purple was recently named the NY state butterfly and you got wonderful photos of it. I think it's OK if a post isn't about the pond directly as you could have that butterfly near you. Mine has nothing to do with nature...
ReplyDeleteWhat a beauty.....her wings look as though they are made of blue satin.......did you stand there for a while and absorb her beauty....I find I become entranced with such creatures......what is this life if full of care....we have no time to stand and stare....I always make sure I have the time......
ReplyDeleteWow! Those are fantastic photos! That is definitely one beautiful butterfly.
ReplyDeleteOoh thos photos are superb. THe first one is truly a feast for the eyes. Happy weekend
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! Baker, these are such beautiful photos! that butterfly is like a painting! Beautiful indeed! Drop by if you got a chance in my BEAUTIFUL here.
ReplyDeleteBreathtakingly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMy beautiful bride photo is posted for this week. Happy Saturday to you. Stop by my blog if you have time....
I’ve been chasing the butterfly but no luck. I was hoping that they’d have the butterfly exhibit at the science center, but when I called they said that they have it every other year, and they’ll have another one next year. Yours look real pretty, I especially love the colors. Maybe I’ll have better luck next time.
ReplyDeleteGreat job catching the butterfly in the daisies. Wonderful color. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of the butterfly! You take beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteI did Photo Hunt today, too. Please visit and leave your link! http://newyorktraveler.net/photo-hunters-beautiful/
I really love how the white flower in the first shot is glowing!
ReplyDeleteThose are fabulous shots for the beautiful theme.
ReplyDeleteLord! your pictures are unreally beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots! The butterfly does look so different from above. I am glad you posted pictures of both views.
ReplyDeleteThese are stunning! One of the things I love about nature photography is that the best composition is almost always done for you. And there's no way to improve on the colors... right? Love, Love, Love!
ReplyDeleteDo stop by if you get a chance!
http://flamingofotos.blogspot.com/
I wouldn't call it cheating Baker. You always have beautiful photos from your pond. I think your allowed to post photos away from the pond once in awhile. I LOVE the intense shade of blue in the butterfly!
ReplyDeleteMother Nature is quite the artist, isn't she?! Those are wonderfully beautiful photos. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Butterflies! Great shots, as it is hard to get a shot of butterflies because they don't sit still for long! Happy Photohunting :)
ReplyDeleteGosh that blue butterfly just shimmers! And how did you mnage to get such a good shot of the butterfly in amongst the flowers? You are a really good photographer.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for visiting and for the kind comments. They are much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI try to visit everyone who drops by and comments. I hope I didn't miss anyone.
Baker
lovely!
ReplyDeletehere's mine. thanks.
AbFab! The RSP is one of my favourite butterflies! Your first (underneath) shot is a rare treat. Many of my captures include something nasty. They do like to eat some disgusting (to us) things. )*;*(
ReplyDeleteFantastically amazing photos. I love your blog and these photos are simply amazing sometimes.
ReplyDeleteSure does make one want to leave the concrete jungle for more nature-esque environs.
Baker, your photographs are simply amazing! I wish I could just shadow you are you move around quietly spotting all these beautiful creatures.
ReplyDeletejo. sophiemae, wayne, avril
ReplyDeletethanks so much for the kind comments - that happened to be one of may favorite photo's from this summer
Baker
Hello Baker these butterfly shots are fantastic and so vibrant colors.
ReplyDeleteDidn't get a chance to come by last week because I was rather busy. Love these photos, I don't really know if you this counts as cheating or not, but I'm glad we benefited having seen such gorgeous butterflies.
ReplyDeleteHmm... I know what you mean... butterflies do look beautiful however way you look at them... each in their own special way. :)
floyd - thanks for the visit
ReplyDeletephilos - it was just a tiny bit of cheating based on my own terms, lol