As mentioned in Sunday’s post, these newsletters will be going out to everyone through the fall equinox. Enjoy!
Happy birthday today to my dad! In honor of my dad, today’s photos are from the butterfly festival at Powell Gardens, the botanical garden near Kansas City. My dad volunteers there and was our family guide last week through the festival. Enjoy!
Snowberry clearwing moth - I’ve never seen so many of these little guys and they were posing SO NICELY. Look at that proboscis!
I’ve never seen this view before, coming straight at me - he’s kind of scary if you’re a flower!
Check out his antennae - they appear almost serrated!
Ok, yes, I took “too many” photos of the hummingbird moths but I am so fascinated. Look at that proboscis going deep into that flower.
Not to be outdone, the “other” local moth that’s sometimes called a hummingbird moth also hung out for a photo shoot. This is a white-lined sphinx moth.
I just loved this view - looks like a bullseye?
Full wing view at a fast shutter speed (1000 frames/second) - I adore the pink!
Compare that to 200 frames/second - those wings are moving!
One more because I can’t help it - they are SO COOL. You can ask my family, lol, I could have watched them all day.
They also had a contained area with tropical (non-native) butterflies. This one is a “gray cracker” butterfly.
I didn’t write down all the names at the time, thinking the AI on my phone would figure it out, but it seems confused by this one so I don’t know what it is!
According to the phone, this is “hypolimnas bolina” or the “blue moon” butterfly.
I find it interesting how many black butterflies there are!
Back to the natives, the little cabbage whites are always lovely to watch!
Ending with a monarch is always good, right? I love that they are the most popular butterfly, even as I worry for their future. I hope the grandchildren of my nieces and nephews still get to see them.
Whatever is happening in your week, may you find beauty and someone to share it with. I’m so glad I got to share this beauty with my dad.
These are such beautiful photos! Thank you! 💜
Magnificent photos! And happy birthday to your dad. Enjoy celebrating and thank you for your generosity