On Buckwheat

On August 11, 2021August 9, 2021 By Mike and Christy3 Comments

A few weeks back the wild Buckwheat plants we in full bloom along a trail we were hiking and they proved irresistible to a wide variety of butterflies seeking a nice sip of nectar on a hot summer afternoon. With both the Sulfur-flowered and Yellow-flowered species both in full bloom there was a buckwheat to meet the tastes of even the most discriminating species. While the Acadain Blue and Juniper Hairstreak we more partial to the Sulfur-flowered buckwheat….

The Fritillaries, Checkerspots and this beautiful Field Crescent favored the Yellow-flowered variety.

A beautiful collection of butterflies all within the span of 50 meters along the trail.

Outside-Inside

On August 3, 2021August 3, 2021 By Mike and Christy5 Comments

It’s always an amazement to us how different so many butterflies look with wings up versus wings open and this little Blue Copper is no exception yet just as perfect on the outside and on the inside so to speak. A subtle color or specific pattern on one side to avoid predation or perhaps signal toxicity to predators and a more showy side thought to function predominantly to signal availability to mate.

Wow!

On wildflowers

On July 29, 2021July 28, 2021 By Mike and Christy3 Comments

Late July and the birds are quiet, the landscape is parched in many places as drought has tightened its grip, yet along a creek where the last water flows wildflowers are still in bloom the flowers are topped with beautiful butterflies.

While the Checkerspot photographed above is a species we frequently see each summer the butterflies below are ones we either have never seen or perhaps never noticed.

The Black and White species above is anything but black and white sporting iridescence that glows like a rainbow in the proper light. In addition to being beautiful this species was also fairly small measuring about 0.75 inches in length.

Another small and iridescent species measuring just the length of a petal on a wild sticky geranium. This individual was difficult to photograph always darting from flower to flower. Luckily they found what they were looking for on this flower and stayed long enough for a photo.

The smallest butterfly we have seen this summer was perhaps this species which seemed to favor the white sticky geraniums along the creek. Perhaps half the size of the flowers petal, small indeed.

Now that August is near the wildflowers are quickly drying and dying for the season and along with the flower the butterflies go as well. Well, next summer is just around the corner.

Another Small Bouquet

On July 26, 2021July 25, 2021 By Mike and Christy1 Comment

Wishing you a great week.

Rocky Mountain Penstemon, Firecracker Penstemon, Yellow Columbine and a lovely pinkish painted Brush.

just hanging out

On July 25, 2021June 22, 2021 By Mike and Christy1 Comment

A little Yellow Jacket just hanging out doing what Yellow Jackets do.

I wonder if looking at the world upside-down makes it feel right side up. Might have to go lay in grass and give it try.

Worth the effort

On July 18, 2021June 22, 2021 By Mike and Christy1 Comment

An Ornate Checkered Beetle climbs the milkweed in search of pollen and his efforts are fully rewarded.

Just Right

On July 11, 2021June 22, 2021 By Mike and Christy2 Comments

Something about this dandelion must have been just right.

Pasque morning

On May 22, 2021May 7, 2021 By Mike and Christy2 Comments

This is the time of year for the magnificent Pasqueflowers to bloom and brighten the hillsides, forests and meadows near town.

These flowers are part of the genus Pulsitilla family which contains numerous species spread across the globe and are the state flower of South Dakota. We noticed two distinct species while on a recent walk with both growing along the sunny hillsides and one growing just about everywhere in both sun and shade.