I was really surprised today when I saw the the familiar shape and color of a female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucus). Somehow I had expected to see them much later in the spring.
Normally I like to try to get photos of these beautiful butterflies perched on colorful flowers, but there are no colorful flowers yet in the marsh. Unfortunately, the butterfly that I was able to photograph decided to perch on the decomposing carcass of a snapping turtle (as you can see in the first photo). Most of my other shots were at least partially obscured by the grass.
Gradually the cast of characters is coming together that will probably play leading roles in my blog postings in the upcoming months, the birds and beasts, and the reptiles and amphibians, not to mention the plants and flowers. I can hardly wait.
Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Your photos are beautiful. It seems a little early though I appreciate there are a variety of factors that determines timing for their first arrival. I have Western Swallowtails in my garden, but I don’t expect them for some time. Thanks for sharing the photos.
Last year we had a butterfly drought here. I’m hoping this year will make up for it.
Wow, a Tiger Swallowtail already–this is a very good sign! All I’ve seen in the way of outdoor insects here are box elder bugs and a couple of flies. I want to see butterflies too!
This is actually the second species of butterflies that I have seen. A number of weeks ago, I saw Mourning Cloak butterflies on several occasions, but, alas, I was not able to get a single photo.
Lovely post and photos. I especially like the one with grass blades over the wings. Wishing you happy days chasing butterflies 🙂
Thanks. Chasing butterflies (and dragonflies) helps to keep me from getting too serious about what I am doing–I feel like a child when I am doing it.
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