While walking around the yard yesterday afternoon with the 7D setup I came across a Monarch caterpillar apparently resting after a meal of milkweed leaf.
As I made a few images I felt something breeze by and it was an adult flitting around from plant to plant. It landed a few times and I was able to fire off a few compositions.
It then gave me a couple of other poses for good measure.
And then a peekaboo just to be sure I was still watching.
It’s been a slow summer for Monarchs in the yard but yesterday made up for that. I thought there were to be no more opportunities. Btw, yesterday I complained on Tom Whelan’s post of a Monarch cat that the season was winding down and they’d be gone soon. I was wrong and once again complaining got results. 😀
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Send them on down. Actually, most of ours come from the midwest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our population splits with some going directly south and most going through the midwest so this little lady might indeed visit you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great, I will be ready. One time when I was in Galveston, I saw quite a few on a bridge. The Monarchs were probably getting ready to head off to Mexico.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope that this and many others find their way through your yard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe I’ll see one or both of these passing through Austin on its way to Mexico.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderfully sharp shots of junior and the adults!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Belinda. A few happy moments. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
If I see her again I’ll be sure to say to look you up.
LikeLike
The peek-a-boo view is especially fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I made six compositions and was pleased that she allowed me that one especially.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh! How exciting! Sadly, it has been a poor year for butterflies here. I miss them…and I hope that there are more somewhere else to make up for it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here, Ann. I’ve not seen as many as usual but I have seen images from other folks in my part of the country with lots so they are out there but not to the numbers I usually see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful series of images Steve! In my condo community we used to see a lot of Butterflies & Dragonflies, but this year we hardly see any now. I think they are spraying the grounds way to much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Reed. I remember you mentioning that before. Lawn treatments are awful for insects and the other organisms that live in the soil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The firing of the compositions was a great success. It gives you a lift when the monarch butterfly lets you take pictures of its beauty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The few that I had seen earlier in the summer were always on the move somewhere and rarely settled down so until this time I came up empty.
LikeLike
That lovely might wing its way through my garden in the coming months. I’ll keep an eye out for it. 🙂 Nice set of photos, Steve!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope that she does, Tina. Thanks!
LikeLike
That’s exciting, Steve. Your photos are wonderful! Maybe you need to complain about something or somebody else you have been missing and another opportunity will present itself. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I complain plenty, Tanja. It doesn’t always work so well but once in awhile. 🙂 Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice captures, Steve. Glad you found them. Did you notice if the female was laying eggs? It will be a late eclose if she was, but with the weather staying warm further into Oct. they might just make it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Eliza! I watched her for awhile, chased actually, and although I did see her posture like she was trying to deposit an egg I never saw her abdomen actually touch a leaf. It may have been instinctual without any results.
LikeLike
They are looking cute ! Excellent captured! 👍👍👌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
🌹🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are absolutely on a roll with these complaints. I normally caution against excessive complaining, but in your case I think it’s good to keep going with what’s obviously working. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most often complaining gets us nowhere and sometimes increases our opportunity for solitude. 🙂 I try to pick my spots.
LikeLike
Caterpillar and butterfly on the same day, lucky you! Love your reply to Todd above. 🙂 I’m a consummate complainer so I get what you’re saying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Their season is long enough that one can find both stages close in time. I guess it would have been complete had I found an egg. I try not to complain much but sometimes it just can’t be resisted. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person