National Butterfly Center

Black Swallowtail

I am NOT an expert on butterflies. Lorna occasionally drags me along. For me its more of a photography challenge.  The big ones may be spectacular, but honestly I'm more intrigued by the Skippers, which tend to be small and very fast. A bitch to get good pictures of them.

Lorna regularly goes on group butterfly walks, even packs a second pair of "butterfly binoculars" which can focus closer. She also seems to be on a first name basis with all of those people who contribute to butterfly books or find new species.  The other day at NABA we were butterflying with three of those people. It is impossible to ignore the butterflies and not get caught up in the excitement when some rare little flutter bug goes battering by. 

Gunnar and Chris

Martin. A Brit ex-pat from San Antonio. Just incredible eyesight.

Mike Rickert. This is what an expert looks like. Given time I think I could pull off that look, if not the passion and knowledge.

Queens

Crimson Patch

Phaon Crescent

This is a male Florida White, apparently rare in Texas. Fairly large and very striking.  It is hard to photograph because it rarely seems to sit and feed. The shot above is airborne.

Following are some Skippers __________________________

Funereal Duskywing

Tropical Checkered-Skipper

This a Mellana, about 3/4" long. I like this shot because of the tiny wasp in front of it.

Mellana

Clouded Skipper

I'm tired of I.D.ing Skippers. You don't care and neither do I.
Be well,
Gunnar