Monday, July 21, 2014

Silver-spotted Skipper

Alas, the plans to see the Wood Storks was axed. After some back and forth discussions, we finally decided that the threat of rain was too great to take a chance with our camera gear. Too bad we missed it because the local news was there to cover the story. The article can be found here. Our birding instructor, Jane Patterson, was the star of the interview, and I thought she did a fabulous job.

This Silver-spotted Skipper was gracious enough to anoint the lupine for me and my camera on July 16th at the local arboretum. Am I the only one that sees frightened/sad faces in some of the blooms?





Linking to
Our World Tuesday

51 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

I see the faces. We humans have quite a capacity to see shapes and patterns where none really exist. I do it all of the time with clouds.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh I love Anvilcloud's comment.
I also love all your beautiful photos Gail. Have a nice week. Hug B

you-wee because said...

In German we call this butterfly 'Komma-Dickkopffalter', literally translated into: 'comma thick-headed butterfly"...
If I were a little blossom, I would be frightened of that huge moth inserting its mighty proboscis between my stamens... ;-)

nookworm said...

I learn so much about the wildlife in your area that I am very thankful you show it so well! The video with rain told me you made a good decision not to attend the wood stork trip but the video was very instructive. Thank you. The photos of the skipper doing what skippers do are very impressive and beautiful!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

love those eyeballs. gorgeous moth. i am guessing that is a type of moth? ( :

FAB said...

Sorry to hear you 'dipped' out on the Wood Stork event as it looks like a FAB place to go birding.

Super images of the Skipper ... I'll be heading out on another foray to find our version over the next 2 weeks.

Irma said...

Beautiful series of photos of this butterfly, Gail.
I also see sad faces in the flowers.
Beautiful video too, although I do not understand the language.

TexWisGirl said...

the skippers are so cute. you're right about the faces! :)

Karen said...

Fabulous macros, and I DO see little faces!

hootnonny said...

They do look a little sad, but shouldn't they be happy to be part of the trail of life.

rainfield61 said...

The butterfly can hide no secrets from you anymore.

Sally said...

I do! And, wonder how many of us would have seen them without you pointing this out. :)

Have a happy day!

Wally Jones said...

Wonderful series of the Skipper!
All those flowers look happy to me. How could they not be happy they're so beautiful? I'm the same way. :)

Bas. said...

Gail wat zat je daar bovenop.

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

such a crime to hear only a couple thousand wood storks nest in the US. Now when I see one down here, I'll appreciate the experience that much more. They are need birds to come across.

barbara l. hale said...

Fantastic photos of this handsome butterfly! We've had some of these hanging around our yard this year. I've probably seen them in the past but just was able to identify them this year.

Indrani said...

Absolutely gorgeous captures. Those faces are trying to speak.

Breathtaking said...

What a shame it rained!:( Fabulous photos of the Skipper however, and those flower expressions are, a little scared, infact I think I see one wincing!:=))

Pantherka said...

Truly a wonderful series of photos.
Greetings.

Inspired By June said...

That last shot is just unreal, Gail! The way he's bending his "drinking straw" lol! I see the faces, too - that last shot looks like a smiley, though! Great series!

Charlotte Wilson said...

Awesome photos...and yes, I see the fearful faces.

Barb said...

Well - maybe flowers do have feelings? Most are frowning, but I think I see a smiler in the last photo. Great capture of the Skipper.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

What a gorgeous capture!

Hootin Anni said...

Sorry I was so 'short' on my commenting just a few minutes ago...I was on the phone with one hand typing with the other. LOL

These, dear Gail, are extraordinary once again. Looking forward to your birding shares on Wednesday.

Brian King said...

Gorgeous colors! Love the detail!

Fun60 said...

Those close ups show us things we would never notice. Wonderful photos of the skipper.

eileeninmd said...

Gail, lovely captures of the Skipper and flowers.. Have a happy week!

maryaustria said...

Wow! Fantastic shots! And a fascinating creature!

carol l mckenna said...

I see the faces in the blooms and your photography is beautiful of nature's gems for OWT ~ thanks, ^_^

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

carol l mckenna said...

I see the faces in the blooms and your photography is beautiful of nature's gems for OWT ~ thanks, ^_^

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

Valerie said...

Marvellous macro shots Gail. Thank you for sharing - and yes, I too can see the faces!

Carole M. said...

fabulous Skipper photos Gail - such a treat to see

Anonymous said...

Super closeups, very detailed. I see the faces too.

Shug said...

Hey there Gail.....
You have such an amazing eye for photography. This is exactly what it takes to be great like you.
Beautiful shot after shot....it tells a story!!

Blessings.

orchid0324 said...

Oh, yes; the blooms also have the expression i your gorgeous pictures♡♡♡
And I was so amazed with the eye balls as well!
Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

LC said...

Now that you mention it, there are blooming startled faces squealing, "Alert! Giant invader silver-spotted skipper!" I'm off to see the stork report.

Michelle said...

I also see those faces.

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Incredible images, Gail. You must have used a macro lens, 105mm? I love skippers but the flit so quickly I never get a good shot. Perfection.

Susan said...

Beautiful images. Yes, I see the sad faces of lupine. Great close-ups!

Spare Parts and Pics said...

I see the faces (and a dogs face!) in the lupine. Great macro shots, Gail!!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I love the eyes on the butterfly :)

Debbie said...

oh gail, you are so right about the faces!!!

these are just stunning....and the purple, lovely shade!!

Stephanie said...

Why yes, I see the faces :) How amazing and truly unique! God's creation truly is a work of art and beauty.

Lovely pictures, dear friend. Hugs!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Gail Fantastic macro shots of this Butterfly.

ed pilolla said...

stunning photographs, a real feast for my morning eyes. thanks:)

Slamdunk said...

Such a contrast--the bright colored flower and the more drab color of your insect.

Haha, I will never admit that I see frightened faces in blooms--I am really sane, at least I keep telling people that.

Laura said...

Absolutely gorgeous series! I do hope you will share with I Heart Macro too:-)

Unknown said...

Wonderful photos! Yes, I see tiny faces. :)

A Colorful World said...

Fantastic post! Called the grandson in here to see your photo of the alligator gar. All your photos are fabulous! And loved the video about the wood storks. Fascinating bird! I'd never even heard of it before. Sorry you missed it, but it does look like everyone got pretty wet. Maybe you'll have another chance to see them before they leave.

Suzan said...

Beautiful shots of the moth and the wildflower!! You show a whole new world!

Helma said...

Too bad it was raining so to see. Lovely storks
I have the whole clip is viewed, and it is really unfortunate that it keeps raining. As
Your butterfly is truly visionary in itself nicely. Sharp and full of detail.