Nature – Beautiful Photographs

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Swash

Published on September 27, 2022 by Russell SmithLeave a comment

With a wave and a smile, Queen Pirouette’s carriage was off again, down the road toward Castle Rising. After just a few minutes, a clap of thunder shook the vehicle. The sky instantly darkened and then opened up a torrent of rain. To the passengers, it sounded as though they were being pelted with stones, but it was only the water.

The windows of the carriage began to steam, so Abigail drew a handkerchief from her sleeve and began to buff the window nearest to her. “My goodness! Such a storm!” She said.

When Pirouette heard the wheels of the carriage swash in the ruts that passed for a road, she took the handle on her cane and pounded the ceiling. “Stop!” She shouted. “Stop this instant!”

Butterfly: September 23, 2022

Published on September 23, 2022 by Russell SmithLeave a comment

I’m not sure if this is a swallowtail or a fritillary. Like so many of his brethren, by this time of the year, most butterflies start to look a bit rough for wear. Note the little pieces of its wings that are missing at the bottom.

Grasshopper: September 14, 2022

Published on September 14, 2022September 14, 2022 by Russell SmithLeave a comment

This poor guy didn’t seem to be feeling very well. I was rather shocked that it let me take as many pictures as I wanted. I took this photo yesterday. He wasn’t there today. Good sign?

Butterfly: September 9, 2022

Published on September 10, 2022September 12, 2022 by Russell SmithLeave a comment

God bless Queen Elizabeth II! I’m not even British and yet I’m devastated. I wish that I could lay some flowers at the gate to Buckingham Palace. We can expect to see a dramatic uptick in the number of babies (girl babies, that is) who will be named Elizabeth. I think it’s a nice name. It means, “My God is an oath.” I have a sister named Elizabeth, but none of us call her that. She answers to Babbette.

I captured this beautiful Diana Fritillary this morning when it was still fairly cool, especially for this time of the year. I’m not 100% certain that this is a Diana Fritillary. It could just as easily be a Black Swallowtail. Are there any Lepidoptera experts out there?

Any ideas? Please leave your suggestion in the comments section. Thanks to all for chipping in!

Butterfly: September 8, 2022

Published on September 8, 2022 by Russell SmithLeave a comment

I’m fairly certain that this is a member of the Sulfur clan. There’s a variety called Pink Edged, and they are fairly rare. Often, the outer edge fades, but the circle on the wing maintains its pigment longer. So as a shot in the dark, I’m calling this fellow a Silver Edged Sulfur. If anyone else has some input on this, please leave a comment! We love comments!

Butterfly: September 2, 2022

Published on September 2, 2022September 2, 2022 by Russell Smith1 Comment

This is an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. The poor thing has definitely been through some trauma, but it can still fly. I thought it was being surprisingly friendly, willing to pose for me with my intrusive iPhone 11. Now I realize that it’s probably just a bit worn out. It’s probably a bit more difficult for it to get about as compared to one of his own with wings that are completely intact. By this time of year, I start to see many butterflies with wings that have seen better days. It was small for an adult, but perhaps that’s to be expected. It may not be able to harvest as much nectar as a healthy Eastern Tiger.