The north side of our front yard is a certified National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat. Really! We have a certificate! You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young. It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit. I have a series of posts to show you our Garden Guests.
If you would like to see more, please take a look at my Gardening Page
This handsome creature is a male Tiger Swallowtail. As you view the photos, notice he has quite a bit of damage to one wing, but is still thriving.
Anyone who attempts nature photography will appreciate that the butterfly is barely in the frame. Frequently, when I download photos, there is nothing in the frame! 😉
When I am out and about with my camera, my hope is to get one good photo. Just one! I follow along and snap absolutely as long as my subject allows. Often taking 20 – 30 shots of one butterfly or bird. If I get one good picture, I am absolutely thrilled. Imagine my surprise, when this session yielded five photos I liked! Five! That is definitely a record for me!
The Tiger Swallowtail is enjoying the nectar from a flower called Garden Phlox. It is a lovely perennial here in Arkansas (Central United States) and is available in lots of colors. I only have three colors in my garden. All of my Garden Phlox plants have been pass along gifts from friends. The magenta is probably my favorite, but I also have one that is softer purple with white centers as well as solid white. You can see butterflies love Garden Phlox!
I am so glad this lovely little visitor stopped by our garden. Thank you for stopping by my blog today! I hope you can stay for a while!
What’s happening in your back yard?
😉 -Marci
