I put this bed in, not for beauty, but for the butterflies...........they are everywhere in there but I am not fast enough....There were solid yellow ones all day (kinda pale yellow solid) and the one I see about 3 posts down from here....the black and yellow
The rain knocked all the blooms down but the butterflies love it anyway.....How do you all get those pics you do!!!!!!!!!
Try in the morning...most will perch on leaves to warm themselves. Elsewise, do what I do...pull up a chair and sit and wait :o)
~ Cat
Cat, you are great!!! only you would have the patience to pull up a chair and wait (LOL)
Thanks, though, for the advice about warming up in the morning.....
I don't know if anyone else has the same experience but I keep from casting a shadow on the butterfly. That must be an survival instinct for them... Notice how sheer the wings are in this light. You can see the outline of the Echinacea bloom.
Beautiful shot, podster!
There were plenty of these and they were not shy ~ again, I am careful of the sun...
The only other thing is to have the camera out and ready. My DC is soooo slow. I am able to hold it out one handed and take the photo which helps. Good luck.
Thanks ~ I am embarassed to say I love the butterflies, dragon and damsel flies and even the bumble bees but have no idea on ID. Guess DG will have to educate me on that next... : ))
Gail,
If you have fruit feasters like emperors, leafwings and admirals among others...you might put out some fruit trays or butterfly bait. Most will be so focused on the bait they don't move when you get closer.
As Podster noted, try not to cast a shadow on a butterfly...that often scares them away as well as chills them. But must say, I often do cast a shadow so I can get a good photo more so on whites and sulphurs that aren't washed out by the sun.
Patience...lots of patience...or you could raise your own. Most are very compliant when they first emerge.
~ Cat
This message was edited May 29, 2007 10:12 PM
I think you all may have solved the problem.....I alway go out in the afternoon........wrong!!! I have the west sun behind me so I am casting a shadow.......good information for me
