We have had an exceptionally and thankfully very mild fall this year. The insects are enjoying the last of the warm days taking advantage of the warming of the sun.I am always inspired how Mother Nature provides for her own. Fields of late blooming flowers are available as Monarch Butterflies arrive on their migration trek. It was a beautiful sight to see thousands of flowers in bloom only to be matched by an almost equal amount of butterflies.
The contrast of the bright yellow of the flowers with the brilliant orange of the butterflies was quite striking.
They are the only butterfly that like birds, make a two way migration. The eastern population of North America generally over-winter in Mexico and the southern most part of Florida until late March when they begin their return journey.
I saw more Blue-eyed Grasshoppers (Orchelimum pulchellum - male) yesterday than I can remember seeing in some time. They are very striking in color with their blue eyes and red legs.
Sort of alien looking when you look at them close up.
This grasshopper jumped in the car and tried to hitch a ride home. They always remind of the Jiminy Cricket character even though it is a grasshopper and not a cricket.
Nifty photos, Paula. That blue-eyed grasshopper almost looks like a fish when viewed up close.
ReplyDeleteHow are the leaves up your way? Turning yet??
Hi Gladys, Thanks. I took a quick trip down to Mattamuskeet yesterday to see what was coming in. Here, the dogwood leaves are turning red and some of the maples and redbuds are beginning to turn a little. Seems fairly slow though. It is hard to believe it is almost the end of October.
ReplyDeletePretty photos Paula. I love the monarchs on the yellow flowers, beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz, It was very cool seeing hundreds of butterflies in flight at one time.
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