Drops of Beauty #121

August 4, 2023

As mentioned in Sunday’s post, these newsletters will be going out to everyone through the fall equinox. Enjoy!

“How narrow is the vision that exalts the busyness of the ant above the singing of the grasshopper.” - Kahlil Gibran

Hello friends! It’s midsummer and now that we are finally getting rain (and more rain and more rain), the bugs are coming to life! I love photographing dragonflies, those creatures of the wet and damp, which means going where the bugs are. So much beauty to be found - and thank goodness for insect shield clothing.

The overlapping photography seasons here go something like ice & snow, winter ducks, spring migration, warbler season, summer birds & flowers, baby birds, dragonflies & butterflies, fall migration and spectacular sunrises. Right now we’re in baby birds, dragonflies, and butterflies!

“ah, wise grasshopper…”

When I photograph tiny things, like this chickweed geometer butterfly, I am astonished by the intricate detail. Look at those feathers for antennae!

The little white butterfly really gets all the way into the flower.

This small butterfly was a new one for me! A local bug expert identified it for me as a Hayhurst Scallopwing butterfly. I learned that not all butterflies rest with they wings closed!

Giant swallowtail

“My what big eyes you have!”

Always trying to catch the light on the dragonfly wings. (widow skimmer)

Or the light through their wings.

Some bugs are just freakishly strange! (robber fly)

Eastern amber wings are small and I don’t see them as often.

He’s hiding from me, but what a perfect view of the twelve-spotted skimmers wings.

Honestly, they do look like they would eat you if they had the chance.

Fritillary on a cone flower

May you find some jewels along your path this weekend.