Now I hate Wednesdays. That is errand day. Normally only the morning, but today because of a late start, afternoon as well. Walk to car. Cabbage Whites check. Back to fix dad lunch and off to Wal-Mart and Lowe's. Putting the grocery cart in a return rack at Wal-Mart, there on the next cart sat a shiny American Snout, showing that bit of orange when the wings are folded (except when I try to take that picture and they always all folder it up). Over to Lowe's to check for flower sale and in the high priced plants another picture perfect American Snout feeding on the blossoms (wonder if they charge it to feed?) . Then a buffy skipper who opened his wings to reveal that wide black mark, only for a second and then off at 150 mph--Sachem. Back at home it's bar time (that is when the first commercial on the Nightlight News comes on and Dad and I retire to the Garden Room). Putting the pretzels out, a Tawny Emperor comes to feed on banana peel. I go out (before the beer is poured, leaving my father to only eat pretzels) and capture a few of the Tawny. THE shot would have been when it flew around and landed on the shirt on my chest. There, I could take in all the upper marks in the sun with the progressives showing them sharply. Got the beer poured and a big yellow thing flew by.Oh my gosh, I think Giant Swallowtail. Outside I go (leaving my beer unattended which is dangerous with my 96-year old dad even though he has his own) and madly snap at the movement. It is a Giant, but taking its picture is another matter. The shot and pray besides not always seeing what you are photographing, takes its time for the shutter to work once pressed. Seems like two minutes. So you just aim in the direction and press, etc. Now the results are not image printable, but image identifiable. All during dinner the Tawny feeds on the banana peel (with a couple of short visits to the watermelon rinds), and feeds, and feeds, and feeds. It is 7:26 p.m. The Tawny has been feeding on the banana peel 1 hour 45 minutes. It is still feeding. Am late for watering. Michael Lee Bierly, Nashville, Davidson County, TN PS The Tawny Emperor left to roost at 7:37 p.m. and I off to water. PPS The flys continue to feed.
Attachment:
Tawny Emperor (1) 07-01-09 KM (800).jpg
Description: JPEG image
Attachment:
Giant Swallowtail (1) 07-01-09 KM (800).jpg
Description: JPEG image
