I spotted one of those in my yard once last year and had to look it up also. I haven't seen any this year at all. Did you have trouble getting a photo with the wings open? If I remember right, I spent quite a bit of time trying to get a good photo but it kept closing its wings when I clicked. lol

I've been seeing these a lot this year. They like my butterfly bush and some melon chunks I threw out:

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I think they are Red Spotted Purples. They aren't camera shy at all. I've been able to get pretty close for photos without having them fly away.

It seems that there fewer butterflies this year. Is this possible or are they just emerging on time

It seems there fewer butterflies in northwest Jefferson Co. this year. Is this possible or are they just emerging on time? I have seen the little white guys but have not identified them.

I am sure there are fewer humming birds. Goldfinches are very abundant.

What are you feeding your goldfinches? I am not getting many with sunflower seed; thistle seed is expensive. You have reminded me to make a little puddle for the butterflys. I get to bury a coon this morning; my dogs were bad boys. I guess it is OK since it may have been a threat to my cats.

good picture and an unusual butterfly.

since you started this, is this a hummingbird moth?

william

I've never seen one going that slow. I like them almost as well as the little birds, but I think they make bad babies. Good pictures nature lovers.