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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

MONARCHS ON THE MOVE

Last evening, as we ate our dinner outside, we were delighted by the antics of five or six monarch butterflies. It has been a summer with little signs of butterfly life. Now the cooler weather is bringing them out again.

I waited patiently to get the perfect shot of one but I couldn't quite capture it with wings outstretched.

But I enjoyed their acrobatics as they danced around their favorite flower, the Gomphrena globosa 'fireworks'.

The clusters of tubular flowers which hide among magenta bracts are perfect for the long proboscis of the butterfly.
We have other evening visitors in the garden too. The goldfinches swing back and forwards as they feed on the Texas sunflowers and last night we had a new bird visitor, which we identified as the Indigo bunting. The blue flash as it flew to feed on the sunflowers was unmistakeable. We must get into the habit of taking the binoculars to dinner.
Posted by at 4:48 AM
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12 comments:

  1. Abbey ForneySeptember 7, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    A few years ago, during a drought, I was fortunate enough to see an indigo bunting in our yard. He came to our birdbath and didn't stay long. I'm always hoping I could see another one. I'm glad you got to.

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  2. SueSeptember 7, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    The monarchs are always so beautiful. Can you imagine all the homes that have NO flowers whatsoever in their yard---they miss out on so much!

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  3. Steph@RamblingWrenSeptember 7, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    How wonderful to enjoy the cooler weather and the monarchs. I'm so glad that we have had our first signs of fall. I have missed seeing the butterflies this summer.

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  4. Linda/patchworkSeptember 7, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    We haven't had many butterflies around here. But, we have fewer blooms than you.
    I'd love to see an Indigo bunting. We may have had a female here once, but no the male.
    We did have a Scott's Oriole at the birdbath last night. They're very pretty.
    We keep a pair of binoculars on the covered porch. We haven't had to worry about it being too damp out there...unfortunately.
    Stay safe...

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  5. Desert DwellerSeptember 7, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Very nice what this weather change is bringing you. Monarchs have started appearing at my house the last week...none all summer. And like you, more butterfly attracting flowers.

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  6. khakiSeptember 7, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    So it is the cooler weather bringing them out? They are out here too- I have been chasing them like a crazy lady trying to get good pictures of them but haven't gotten any good shots yet. I am just happy to see butterflies. Great shots- love the color of the gomphrena!!!

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  7. The Sage ButterflySeptember 7, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    What a treat! I hope I can catch a glimpse of them very soon.

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  8. CatSeptember 7, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    It's so nice to see the butterflies back! Yesterday upon returning to the neighborhood, I went out to survey the garden and a skipper and two butterflies were flitting about...it was a nice welcome home.

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  9. greggoSeptember 7, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    I bet the bunting was an awesome sight indeed.

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  10. RohrerbotSeptember 7, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Sounds like a wonderful performance. Glad they finally came back for hopefully several more visits.

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  11. CarolineSeptember 7, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    Isn't it nice to be able to eat dinner outside again? I'm adding 'Fireworks' to my must-plant list. Do you water them?

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  12. My Gardener Says...September 9, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    I work at Zilker Botanical Garden in the Green Garden and saw my first Monarch yesterday. Good to have them back!

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