Thursday, May 24, 2012

Pipevine Swallowtail Caterpillars




When I went to take my photographs of the 
Pipevine Swallowtail eggs
I saw a Pipevine caterpillar.



I looked about and saw three nice sized cats.


Than I saw a small caterpillar.


I saw more eggs too.


This is the first time I have seen 
Pipevine Swallowtail 
caterpillars.

While I was watching the caterpillars
Pipevine Swallowtail came back
to lay more eggs.

The Dutchman's Pipevine
is blooming again.
I am so excited!
Gemini's archetype for me is the messenger.
My message is, "patience pays off".
 I have waited many years for Pipevine caterpillars!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Always the student

I was backing up photographs when I looked out the window.

I saw a Banded Hairstreak in the Bishop's Weed.
I had just read about the Banded Hairstreak.
I had never seen one.
The Gray Hairstreak is common in my gardens.
I am always learning.
I celebrate a new to my gardens butterfly.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

In the dirt

Spring has returned.

My nose is down and my tail is up.

I am here and there.

I am in the gardens.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

So much to learn

Each time I see the female Tiger Swallowtail
in her black dress I gasp.

I love her subtle markings.
She mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail.

The male Tiger came to the Chinese Lilac.
I do hope they mate.

The male Hummingbird is becoming comfortable
with me out on the deck.
I hope the females arrive soon.

The Snout is ready to mate.


I will see a second generation 
of snouts this summer.


I cut peonies for the house.
One bloom fills a vase.


The female Northern Cardinal
was resting on the glider.

I was happy to share my spot on 
the back patio.
I wanted to relax out of the sun.
I wanted to watch the Poppies.
I sat on the glider with the camera.

The immature Baltimore Oriole
is getting a bit of orange.

A Gold Finch came to the branch 
above the glider.
I think I am accepted.

I opened my book
and began reading.
There is so much to learn.
My student is pleased to be
surrounded by butterflies and birds.