More Butterflies!

Hello!

For reasons unimportant, I decided to celebrate today with a little photo jaunt.  It rained hard all morning and when it cleared in the afternoon, I was hopeful that the butterflies would be taking advantage of the improving weather.  They were, and I ended up with a few nice surprises.  It's a long one today folks, you might want to settle in.  Here goes:

Monarchs.  Always good.  One obligatory shot:

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

While following the Monarchs around I was pleased to spot a Silver-spotted Skipper.  Doubly pleased because it's probably the only skipper I can positively identify in the field.  What's a skipper you ask?  Exactly.

Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)

If you look closely at the above photo you may notice two little mites (small reddish dots on the body near the base of the right forewing).  Poor guy!  Though I've certainly seen insects carrying many more than two.  One more showing the silver spot that gives them their name:

Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)

The next critter to wander into view was one of my favourite flower visitors.  Like a cross between a butterfly and a hummingbird, this little fellow is actually a species of hawk moth.  They never land, and I find them incredibly tricky to shoot!

Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe)

Those wings move a mile a minute!  1/200s doesn't even come close to nailing them down.

Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe)

Look at those clear wings, totally lacking the coloured scales that define most butterflies and moths.  I wonder if the scales would inhibit the hovering...

Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe)

Butterflies and moths are not the only pollinators about.  Let us not forget the humble Bumblebee.

Bumblebee (Bombus sp.)

Just as I was about to leave, one more little gift - a very cooperative Red Admiral.  I find this species usually very flighty and quick (maybe just my bad luck) but this individual hung around for a couple of shots.  Rather nice of him really.  He is quite fresh, and his colours are brilliant!

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Gotta love the crazy underwing patterns on those admirals!

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Well that's all for now.  All-in-all, a productive hour of shooting!

Cheers!
Kyle