Though its late in the growing season, I had the urge to plant flowers earlier this week, a few of my favorite perennials--coneflowers and coreopsis. I think the urge may have been prompted by simply seeing these flowers at one of my favorite garden shops, while earlier in the season I had been unable to find them.
Skipper on Lantana
But also, the increase in hummingbird activity was an encouragement. As migrants pass through, I'm eager to provide plenty of energy-producing nectar to help them along their journey. Males were guarding the feeders yesterday, three at a time, dividing the four feeders into their three separate territories. It's fascinating to watch, each showing disinterest in the activity at a feeder only a few feet away from the one they're guarding. Today, it was clear there are also plenty of juveniles coming through, fanning tails and chirping loudly as they encountered each other. Delightful company while I'm working in the flowers, sketching, or just enjoying the patio.
And today, while photographing a Silvery Checkerspot, I became intrigued with the skippers that are visiting the flowers. In the past, skippers have struck me as drab brown butterflies of little interest. But today, through my camera's lens, I saw them in an entirely different way, with subtle color, expressive big eyed faces, and the appearance of floppy antennae.
Silvery Checkerspot on Coreopsis grandiflora, above. I think the seed pod is exquisite, too, with that mop of orange! In the images below, skippers on white and purple coneflowers.
I have Kaufman's Field Guide to Butterflies of North American, but I'm making no attempt to identify which skippers you see in these photos. Roughly one-third of all butterflies fall into the skipper family, a species group with subtle distinctions and high-speed flight patterns, providing a welcomed challenge to experienced butterfly enthusiasts. I'm a beginner, so I'll welcome ID help from those of you out there who have skipper experience.
Tonight, I've been watching the reports as hurricane Irene progresses northward up the east coast, and feeling concern for friends and family, as well as, all of those in the path of this storm. Sending heart-felt wishes for safety and comfort as people endure storm-related hardships in the hours ahead.
Below, one of my watercolor sketches of a white coneflower.
Links and resources:
To see more sketches of the garden, visit,
Coneflowers at
Vickie's Sketchbook
Information on skippers from
Bug Guide and
Wiki
Wiki on
Coneflowers
Wiki on
Coreopsis; this particular variety is Coreopsis grandiflora.
Kaufman's Field Guide to Butterflies of North America
Your pictures are simply amazing and I thank you for the introduction to skippers. I too have a small noisy group of hummingbirds at the feeders in my backyard. I find them simply fascinating to watch.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful, Vickie. My hummers must be headed for your house; for the past week, we dropped drastically in numbers here at Ships Landing. Just put fresh food out for the few (and migrants) that are still hanging around. :) I always miss them when they leave on their Fall/Winter travels.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed my hummer feeders are busier than they have been. I always feel a certain sadness when the last of the "little jewels" have gone for the winter back to where its tropical and warm. I think I am envious as well. Your pictures are beautiful! I always say Hummers are about 1/2 inch from being a bug. Such little wonders from God.
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