Sunset on the Monarch

This may be the last one for this year but hopefully not forever.

The Monarch is definitely in trouble. With all the problems because of their low population numbers still trying to rebound and habitat loss all along their range, these beautiful animals have a hard road ahead and we may be their only hope.

Plant Milkweed, stop over mowing and discontinuing the use of dangerous herbicides will help bring back their numbers. All of these actions are attainable and will make a difference in their population as well as making a better life for all wildlife.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look.

The Zebra Swallowtail

Here is an image of one of my favorite butterflies, the Zebra Swallowtail. I photographed this wonderful specimen at Splinter Ridge FWA here in Madison Indiana.

The Zebra has such a unique appearance and their sometime ferocious defense of their territory make them such an amazing species of butterfly you can’t help but admire them.

I once watched a beat up male chase away every other butterfly trying to feed on a patch of butterfly weed and after running them all off he turned his attention to me lol !!

And if you ever watch one flying thru an open field with it’s beautiful tail twisting in the wind you would understand what a wonderful animal they are. So if you ever get a chance to be out and come across the Zebra, take some time to sit and observe this great wonder of the natural world !!

Halloween Pennant

The Halloween Pennant is a great dragonfly with a very distinct color that has you thinking Halloween with the warm fall color !!

I captured this one at Big Oaks NWR not long ago, I have kinda stayed away from this type of photography because of the speed of these beautiful insects. But after hanging around watching them for a while I see they have a penchant for flying back to the same spot you scared them from if you give them some time.

So if wildflowers and butterflies weren’t enough I have to add dragonflies to the list of things to photograph as well …I guess it’s better than hanging out in bars lol !!

Madison Indiana Butterflies

Red Admiral

Wood Nymph

Pearl Crescant

Tiger Swallowtail

I have seen so many butterflies this year I don’t even know where to begin. We have such a rich diversity of nature here in the Madison area and butterflies are a big part of it.

It’s not hard to come across these flying little gems, with all the public land and the many gardens that we have in this area it’s no wonder I have been able to locate and photograph so many varieties.

So now after getting back into this blogging thing a bit I will start sharing some of the many beautiful images of these great little miracles of nature !!

Fountain Light

A different view of the the Broadway Fountain here in Madison Indiana. Most people shoot the whole fountain which leads to a lot of cars and people being in the frame. So this time I decided to just concentrate on a intimate view with just one of the statues with light and water droplets as a backdrop.

I think it came out pretty cool !!