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<\/p>\nIf you think I’m out of my league with sparrow ID it doesn’t even come close to my ignorance when it comes time to identify butterflies.<\/p>\n
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1\/1250, f\/8, ISO 400, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f\/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender<\/em><\/p>\n Six days ago in a canyon of the Wasatch Mountains some of the rabbitbrush was in full bloom and a variety of insect species\u00a0were taking full advantage. I believe this was a type of fritillary but I’m not even confident of that. I haven’t owned a macro lens for years so when an insect opportunity presents itself I rely on my 500mm lens with attached teleconverter and for my purposes that combination performs the task reasonably well.<\/p>\n This image might not show off those colorful wings to full advantage but as a biologist\u00a0I like the good look at the head, eyes and appendages.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 1\/1000, f\/8, ISO 400, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f\/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender<\/em><\/p>\n These butterflies were absolutely drenched in pollen, to the point that when I first opened one of my photos my first reaction was “Where in the hell did all that digital noise come from”? This time of year rabbitbrush pollen\u00a0is a scourge for many allergy sufferers but it’s a boon for pollen-gathering insects. And partly because\u00a0the flowers can make such colorful perches for birds I love their blooms when they’re in prime condition, even though their extremely bright yellows can make proper exposure difficult.<\/p>\n Could these butterflies be Great Basin Fritillaries?<\/p>\n Ron<\/p>\n <\/p>\n PS – Daughter Shannon and family leave for home this morning and they stayed elsewhere last night so I have the privilege of taking temporary care of their dog Marley until they pick him up later this morning.<\/em><\/p>\n I haven’t had a dog in the house, or on my bed,\u00a0since I lost my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Tommy (not a name I’d have chosen but he was named when I got him) over a decade ago. Marley is getting on in years so he’s a calm sleepy-head and I took this photo about 15 seconds after the first time he walked into my bedroom. As soon as he saw the bed he was on it in an instant and asleep almost as fast. I’ve really enjoyed having Marley around for the past three days since dog ownership no longer fits into my lifestyle as a bird photographer and I miss it tremendously.<\/em><\/p>\n I only mention this and include the photo (despite my embarrassingly messy bed) to partly\u00a0explain why I haven’t been out\u00a0shooting for the last few days, including this morning. My dog sitting duties and having company\u00a0have precluded such activities.\u00a0But even though I’ve been missing some great opportunities with birds that’s been a sacrifice I’ve gladly made for the opportunity to spend time with Shannon and her family, and with Marley. We’ve all\u00a0had a\u00a0wonderful time together.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" These butterflies were absolutely drenched in pollen, to the point that when I first opened one of my photos my first reaction was “Where in the hell did all that digital noise come from”?<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/featheredphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/fritillary-9606-ron-dudley.jpg\" "\\"fritillary-9606-ron-dudley\\"")
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