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28 August 2007

Snipe-hunting?

Yes, snipes really do exist. But this time it's Snipe Island WMA... specifically, Mandalay Road in Taylor County. Some of y'all will remember that this is my favourite butterfly haunt up thisaway. Last time, it was slim pickin's, but this time the place was alive!


The bull thistles are butterfly magnets. Three Palamedes Swallowatails jockey for position on this one.


This Tiger Swallowtail has one all to himself.. for the moment.




Gulf Fritillaries were everywhere!

The Zebra Longwing eluded me on the way in, but I finally managed to catch one on the return trek.

I've never seen so many Clearwing Sphinx Moths in my life! I've really missed those little guys since my Butterfly Bush croaked. (Hmmm... maybe I need to start planting ironweed.) They had obviously had too much coffee, but one eventually slowed down just enough for a quick snap or two.


The yellow ones weren't as plentiful, but there was a nice little variety, including this Cloudless Sulphur who seemed to prefer the ironweed, as well. A Southern Dogface proved too fast for me.

It was a really great butterflying day. I think the highlight was a Juniper Hairstreak. A first for me, but too quick for a pic. I only saw him long enough to realize he didn't look like any other hairstreak I'd seen.


So as not to completely bog down my fellow dial-uppers, I'll post the remaining pictures tomorrow. Nytol! Sleep sweet! 8-]

7 comments:

Peggy said...

WOW gorgeous photos! And so many different kinds of butterflies. Hmmm, maybe we should head over there some time to see them.

Susan said...

Hi SophieMae,

Sorry to notify you this way but I couldn't find an email address for you on your blog. I wanted to let you know that your blog will be one of 12 featured in an article I submitted to Florida Gardening magazine that will be published in their Oct/Nov issue. The issue should be available on super market shelves around September 15th, and will be received by subscribers shortly after that.

Most of the blogs chosen are predominantly garden blogs. I chose your blog because of the interesting, humorous and educational information you post on Florida wildlife, and because you write from the perspective of a native Floridian. I'm sure that other Florida gardeners will enjoy your blog as much as I do. Thanks.

SophieMae said...

Peggy, you really should! I was quite surprised to find very few boaters at the ramp this time. If you're hauling a trailer, make sure you turn off where the road forks toward the ramp... near the end. Otherwise, you'll hit a dead end that might prove a bit tight.

Susan, thanks ever so! I am so honoured! Your timing couldn't be better. This was my first - and so far best, hands down - birthday present! 8-]

Steve said...

Congratulations on the magazine inclusion, Sophie! That's really exciting.

And wonderful butterflies, too.

Anonymous said...

Whoo Hoo! You go girl. Congratulations. And thanks as always for educating me on the birds and the bees. :0) Happy Happy Birthday!

SophieMae said...

Thank ya kindly, Steve! Ain't God good to give us butterflies? 8-]

Cathy, thanks ever so for the birthday wishes! I can't wait to get my 'bigggie' gift, as soon as Fuji releases it. 8-}

About time you learned this stuff, isn't it? LOL!

SwampAngel65 said...

Congrats! And great pictures! I just found a couple rolled up leaves today, but I don't know exactly what rolled 'em. I'm going to post the pics on my blog later.

If there are swallowtails down here, they are few and far between! So pretty!!