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.
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| Even colorful underneath |
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| There's that darn bumble bee! |
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| Mr. Butterfly bid adieu. The bee finally won. :/ |
Linking to Rural Thursday.
38 comments:
Lovely shots! You've inspired me to check out a somewhat local Butterfly Rainforest in the near future!
Gorgeous shots, Gail! A beautiful butterfly. The third shot up from the bottom is my favorite!
What seriously fabulous butterfly shots, especially the last one. You must be so glad you sat the traffic jam out.
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.
Wow, these are so beautiful. Love seeing the butterfly so close up!
Wow - such beauty and elegance. Your shots are fabulous - especially the last one.
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
love the close-ups of his face! :)
his poor slightly mangled wings.....how did he ever fly?
but his beauty is breathtaking !!
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.
...what big eyes you have! Glad you endured the traffic to get these great shots!
These are wonderful captures, Gail!
All wonderful images, Gail but I especially love that take off shot.
Looking forward to seeing your pink dragonfly.
Gorgeous Gail, love this series glad you stuck out the traffic!
These are wonderful, Gail!
Gorgeous shots!
What an amazing series of images, Gail. Just when I think it can't get any better, it does. :)
Wow again..those are very pretty butterfly pics...the flying mid air..is a yahoo.
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!
beautiful blissful butterflies.
crisp clear captures.
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.
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
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
Amazing shots Gail. Looking forward to the dragonfly. :)
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.
Hello, you are really handsome!
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!
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.
You took some fabulous photos; well done!
Visiting via Rural Thursday Blog Hop.
Delightful Gail! The last two are my favourites. Traffic delays are very frustrating, hope no one was injured.
All your shots are beautiful - but especially like the last one! The butterfly looks like it's coming in for a landing :-}}
THUD...AMAZING photos!
Glad you didn't turn around and go home! You got some lovely shots.
charlotte
Oh my goodness. I just love these shots.. Every one of them are truly amazing..
Hugs~
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!!!
What a mess (on the highway)!
I am glad you stuck it out too, these are really wonderful.
Stunning, just absolutely stunning. Glad you stuck it out and made it to the Arboretum.
Pure Beauty!
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