Thursday, August 28, 2014

...of butterflies and birds


Photos by Barry Wallace
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
This Eastern Tiger Swallowtail was spending much time at the dahlia flowerbed today.   It is in stage 4 of its life cycle, and here and now, it looks much the worse for wear.   It has gaping tears in its wings and a ragged rear-end where both of its distinctive swallowtails have been torn off.   Butterflies do not have an easy time of it in their late stages.


Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Unlike the Swallowtail above, this Ruby-throated Hummingbird is enjoying its summer with 10 nectar feeders to choose from in the backyard.   Seen above, it is approaching a brand new replacement feeder.   It has taken the several parent and adolescent hummers two weeks to work up there nerve to try this new feeder.   I guess they can afford the slow approach with nine other familiar feeders nearby.

   
Blackburnian Warbler
Passing through on its early southern migration to South America, a Blackburnian Warbler was once again the first warbler to stop off in the backyard cedar hedge.   For many years the Blackburnians have frequently been the first to pass through our King City backyard late in August.   Even in its early fall colours, it is a handsome bird.

Please comment if you wish.
BtheB

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