Thursday, August 23, 2012

A hummer-free day!

In an effort to break my hummingbird habit, I threw my camera gear in the car and took off to Hilltop Arboretum. Traffic was a nightmare due to a collision involving three 18-wheelers, an overturned car, and a chemical spill on I-10. The interstate will remain closed throughout the evening and into the morning. Several times I almost turned around and went back home. But I persevered. How glad I am that I stuck it out.

In addition to this Tiger Swallowtail, I got a Green Heron and a PINK dragonfly! I have never seen a pink one before; red yes, pink no. Those will have to wait because I really want to post the butterfly first. I love when the sun is bright and I can lower my ISO to get the most out of the big guy. The 100-400mm lens really needs good light to perform at its best.


Even colorful underneath


There's that darn bumble bee!







Mr. Butterfly bid adieu. The bee finally won. :/

Linking to Rural Thursday.

38 comments:

Gone Country said...

Lovely shots! You've inspired me to check out a somewhat local Butterfly Rainforest in the near future!

Brian King said...

Gorgeous shots, Gail! A beautiful butterfly. The third shot up from the bottom is my favorite!

LindyLouMac said...

What seriously fabulous butterfly shots, especially the last one. You must be so glad you sat the traffic jam out.

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful!!! You should submit the last one to Birds and Blooms with a short story...they would love it!!!! It is one of my favorite 'blogs'. It is so funny....this is the 4th time in a week that someone has mentioned or posted about a green heron....I have a favorite picture of this bird but never knew what it was until this week....I never would have guessed it was a heron. Can't wait to see your other captures...glad you persevered.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Wow, these are so beautiful. Love seeing the butterfly so close up!

Anonymous said...

Wow - such beauty and elegance. Your shots are fabulous - especially the last one.

Shug said...

Beautiful. Love that flowered plant too. I can't wait to be able to use my camera again. Still a little too heavy for me. I always enjoy your gorgeous pictures.
Hugs
Shug

TexWisGirl said...

love the close-ups of his face! :)

beth said...

his poor slightly mangled wings.....how did he ever fly?

but his beauty is breathtaking !!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous, Gail, absolutely gorgeous!

One lil question, tho... when you're shooting pics like this, I understand that you lower the ISO, but do you have to do more lightening of the pics when editing? How do you do it & brightly light the subject (flutterby & flower) but not blow out the background? Is it in the camera equipment or is there something I can do w/ the settings or whatever? That's the problem I'm having.

hootnonny said...

...what big eyes you have! Glad you endured the traffic to get these great shots!

Anonymous said...

These are wonderful captures, Gail!

Hilary said...

All wonderful images, Gail but I especially love that take off shot.

Looking forward to seeing your pink dragonfly.

Rosemary Aubut said...

Gorgeous Gail, love this series glad you stuck out the traffic!

Kathy said...

These are wonderful, Gail!

Jeannelle said...

Gorgeous shots!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

What an amazing series of images, Gail. Just when I think it can't get any better, it does. :)

Mary said...

Wow again..those are very pretty butterfly pics...the flying mid air..is a yahoo.

Bettey said...

Just a quick note to let you know that starting tomorrow, I will begin hosting a new photo meme on my blog. Please come join me at "Orange You Glad It's Friday", and post a photo displaying a little or a lot of orange, my favorite color! Hope to see you there!

the wild magnolia said...

beautiful blissful butterflies.

crisp clear captures.

Evelyn S. said...

Just truly amazing close-ups, Gail! Are you using that Raynox (?) accessory? If so, I'm kicking myself for getting two different macro lens attachments. Fabulous photos.

Georgianna said...

Just amazing photos, Gail. Lovely, lovely detail and look at that gorgeous background! I admire your persistence in getting to the location – that's what gets great images!

xo

NatureFootstep said...

wow, I´d love to see this beauty on my NF Winged meme. You are welcome if you want. :)

NatureFootstep

http://nfmemes.blogspot.se/2012/08/nf-winged-52-okand-fjaril-unknown.html

Nancy said...

Amazing shots Gail. Looking forward to the dragonfly. :)

Amy Burzese said...

All great shots, Gail. You do such a good job on small flighty creatures. I was very proud the other day to have one stay very still on the same flower for me to get loads of shots. Then I realized he was dead. So I deleted them.

rainfield61 said...

Hello, you are really handsome!

Anonymous said...

Amazing shots--I'm not sure I've ever seen such detail on a butterfly. Beautiful. Can't wait to see the pink dragonfly...I've never seen that, either!

Phil Slade said...

Just brilliant shots gail. How on earth you capture a butterfly in fight I do not know, but well done. I look forward to the pink dragonfly.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

You took some fabulous photos; well done!
Visiting via Rural Thursday Blog Hop.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Delightful Gail! The last two are my favourites. Traffic delays are very frustrating, hope no one was injured.

Suzan said...

All your shots are beautiful - but especially like the last one! The butterfly looks like it's coming in for a landing :-}}

Starla said...

THUD...AMAZING photos!

Charlotte Wilson said...

Glad you didn't turn around and go home! You got some lovely shots.

charlotte

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness. I just love these shots.. Every one of them are truly amazing..

Hugs~

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Fabulous Gail! I wouldn't mind if you never ever broke your hummingbird habit, but the butterfly one is good too -- just be sure you keep up with the photography one that's all!!!

Lisa Gordon said...

What a mess (on the highway)!
I am glad you stuck it out too, these are really wonderful.

Deanna said...

Stunning, just absolutely stunning. Glad you stuck it out and made it to the Arboretum.

Kerri Farley said...

Pure Beauty!