Photographic Journey: Butterflies are magical creatures

To my delight, I was able to see the metamorphosis of  a caterpillar since it had been feeding on parsley in my garden.  I decided to capture it and provide a few sprigs of parsley for food and water in a container with proper ventilation.  Over the next few weeks, I watched as it transformed into a chrysalis and while in its cocoon, completely shut out the world only to emerge and take flight as a beautiful butterfly.  I opened the container and set it free.  As it immediately took to the sky, I was simply amazed as it fluttered about before settling down and feeding on  Buddleja (commonly known as Butterfly Bush)  and tall pink Phlox then going to work, polinating my garden.  It has a short life of only 6-8 weeks if its lucky enough to survive the perilous spiders and birds of prey and  finds a mate to be able to have its species thrive.   A Blue Swallowtail appears magical as its colorful wings of yellow and blue reach nearly 5 inches in diameter as if its sole purpose was to put a smile on my face.

An escape artist, this magical little creature appeared and fluttered about, provided a moment of happiness, however, short-lived.

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Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Welcome to my garden.  An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail visiting Joe Pye Weed.  Only a few minutes after it feeds and flutters about, off it goes into the sky, totally free. 

Let me dream and when I wake let me be free to fly and color the sky, let me feed on the sweet nectar provided for me, in your garden of Day Lilies, Phlox and Joe Pye Weed.

There’s a magical moment captured with a smile.

Silver Spotted Skipper

Monarch

August 15, 2011 | Categories: Poetry, Photography, Love | Tags: Butterfly, Buttlerflies, Gardening, Joe Pye Weed, Skipper, Swallowtail | Leave a comment