Howdy,
It was a lovely weekend in Rochester, MN and, now that Monday has rolled around again, it's time to share some macro photos from yesterday's caterpillar photo shoot.
Mr. Hungry Monarch
The milkweed plants have done the trick. Monarch butterflies have returned to the area! I haven't seen many monarchs over the last few years. Butterflies, in general, seem to have declined in numbers. It looks like that has begun to change for the better.
Do Those Things Pick Up UHF?
Milkweed plants attract monarchs and, apparently, is where they lay their eggs. Almost every plant has a monarch caterpillar, happily gnawing away at the foliage. They make very quick work of the plants' leaves.
Pretty With a Shadow
A shaft of light, streaming between the leaves of the trees above, illuminated this flower perfectly. The shadow caught my eye.
[OCD Swallowtail]
The swallowtail butterflies have also returned. Unfortunately, they would not stop flapping their wings, even to suck a flower. This one landed and still continued the incessant flutter, making photos tricky. My old 7D doesn't have enough dynamic range, so recovering the highlights in its carapace wasn't possible.
A.K.A. Porcupine Flower
Back in Mankato, it's time to start getting things ready for the upcoming school year. Those of us working as graduate and teaching assistants have a week-long introduction class, which begins on the 13th. I had also hoped to get something done on my capstone project this summer, which hasn't happened.
Yum... Fresh garden greens!
Thank you for taking a look! If you enjoy my work, please click the upvote button. Comments are also greatly appreciated.
@fotosdenada
