Invasion of the Butterflies at Wolverine’s Den

Invasion of the Butterflies

08Mar06

Not satisfied with my results in a previous entry, I set out today to shoot better-quality images despite not being properly equipped, lens-wise. Chasing after these little critters with a 50mm prime is not easy. Some of the subjects didn’t seem to mind my presence whatsoever; others, like the prize I sought today - the Tiger Swallowtail - wouldn’t get near me.

All things considered, I’m much more satisfied with these shots. Although, I’m now really anxious to bring home more glass to simplify the task of shooting nature’s treasures.

Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)

1/320″ F/3.5 ISO 400

Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus)

1/1000″ F/3.5 ISO 200

Eastern Black Swallowtail (Papilo polyxenes)

1/400″ F/3.5 ISO 200

1/250″ F/3.5 ISO 200

The above female was missing a portion of her left wing, but it didn’t seem to impede her flight at all. She was the most cooperative of the lot, and didn’t object to me overseeing her lunch.

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Filed under: Nature, Photography |

9 Responses to “Invasion of the Butterflies”

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1 ~Z~ on Mar 9th, 2006 said:

Beautiful! I love the second photo of the Pipevine. And the little Juniper is sweet. Get more glass now! You’ve got a talent.
2 ~Z~ on Mar 9th, 2006 said:

Oh, may I use that photo on my blog? Pretty please?
3 sunil on Mar 9th, 2006 said:

now this is the most clear and digitaly sound quality of the photograph of the butterfly. infact butterfly are the nature’s special gift, and it also meets different flowers by keeping its juices in their antena towards the different flowers, they are just like the ambasaddors of the flowers, their designs are pretty marvelous one, and it gives a great joy to our eyes, butterfly looks quite innocent, and they again look more beautiful when they rest on the beautiful red, yellow, violate and other flowers.

very nice information and photos here.

sunil
4 Solar Flare on Mar 9th, 2006 said:

Oh gosh, you really make me miss my homeland and the fields filled with wildflowers and butterflies. Those are superb close-ups. If I had a scanner I’d show you an old butterfly image of one whom I chased around endlessly, as he seemed ravenous for every flower. At least your butterfly pals here stayed still for you.

What kind of camera are you using? I think I will break down and buy a digital because my zoom lens is such a pain to carry around everywhere (I feel guilty as heck for it though). It’s either that or a Coronado PST…decisions, decisions…not sure what to do. ???

Thanks Wolverine. You remind me that 3 hours is a world of difference, though I do get lots of herons, at least.
5 Wolverine on Mar 9th, 2006 said:

~Z~, go right ahead (I sent you an e-mail ).

Solar Flare, I’m using a Canon 20D — and the above shots were taken with this lens. After yesterday’s experience taking these shots, I’m most likely going to bring home this macro.
6 Wolf on Mar 9th, 2006 said:

Wolverine Excellent photos of the butterflys! Some awesome colors and details! Well Done!
7 Solar Flare on Mar 12th, 2006 said:

Wolverine, that Canon camera’s features are cool…drool, drool…I can’t afford it though. I guess I’ll stick with my 2 year-old Pentax SLR since I have a 320mm zoom lens and all. I don’t have a macro lens, so I have to get one. I suppose I could buy a cheap (but decent) digital camera, and then I’m still mulling over the Coronado PST. (As if you really care, lol.)

The carpets of Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush will soon be here, but flowers are much more interesting when insects are involved with them.

Cheers.
8 Monique ;-) on Mar 30th, 2006 said:

Very beautiful my friend. I do not expect such eye for beauty, such soul inside one so devoted to science. I am impressed.

— Zara