A few butterflies

[Maestro]

I am so behind on processing photos it isn't even funny. But I had the chance to focus my lens on what has been an ignored subject for me for the past two years. I need to rectify that. The species are the butterflies.

First, here are some pipevine swallowtails.

This one is from two summers ago. It is sitting on a butterfly bush.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/maestros/Nature/Butterflies%20and%20other%20insects/black_swallowtail.jpg

The next ones are from October.

In this one the body is obscured but I like the unobstructed view of the vibrant color on the wings.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/maestros/Nature/Butterflies%20and%20other%20insects/BlackSwallowtail3.jpg

Hanging on...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/maestros/Nature/Butterflies%20and%20other%20insects/BlackSwallowtail2.jpg

Lift off...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/maestros/Nature/Butterflies%20and%20other%20insects/BlackSwallowtail1.jpg

Again, back to two summers ago. This is a tiger swallowtail I think.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/maestros/Nature/Butterflies%20and%20other%20insects/swallowtail.jpg

Back to last month

This skipper, I do not know which type, was checking out the bushes and flowers in the front yard.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/maestros/Nature/Butterflies%20and%20other%20insects/BrownButterfly1.jpg

I laid down on the ground to get this image.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/maestros/Nature/Butterflies%20and%20other%20insects/BrownButterfly2.jpg

Last summer I found these two monarchs, well, making more monarchs.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/maestros/Nature/Butterflies%20and%20other%20insects/Monarchs_mating.jpg

[dlplumer]

Very nice series Stephen :thumb :thumb

[Ric Grupe]

Nice, Stephen. :D

Like you, I've ignored these guys in favor of other subjects. Looking at your images brings back memories of prairie walks with my 300 f/4. I need to do this again...a very enjoyable...less stressful and rewarding pursuit.

[JenGrace]

The swallowtail shot is really great!!!