photoartflightMonarch Butterfly On Buttonbush
I was looking for Dragonflies to photograph at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge near Cambridge Maryland, but came across this Monarch Butterfly on this Buttonbush plant. I was using a 400mm DO lens with a 1.4x Teleconverter on a Canon 1DmkIV. I thought it looked interesting hanging upside down on the spherical pincushion blossoms. They are composed of dense clusters of tiny white tubular flowers. Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is often lauded for its utility rather than its beauty. Its commercial introduction in 1735 was primarily for beekeepers (hence, its other common name of honey-bells), who cultivated this deciduous shrub as a pollen and nectar resource for honeybees. This wetland shrub can be found in low-lying areas, swamps, marshes, bogs, and wetlands, and along the edges of ponds, streams, and rivers. It is often used to develop and restore wetlands, control erosion in riparian areas, and create wildlife habitats.
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Lovely! Great depth of field; is it a composite shot, or just a single one?
Thanks! It is just a single image. I just stopped my f/stop down to f/16 for these.
Nice to see this monarch, I’m still awaiting their return here… soon, I hope!
Thanks Eliza! They are Great photo subjects!!
Butterflies love buttonbush, so I am told. I have yet to find one on the flower and especially not a monarch. Eagerly awaiting the return of ours. Nice shot, Reed.
Thanks so much Steve! They are fun to photograph!
Absolutely stunning photos!!! Lovely!!!
Stellar last shot, Reed!
Thanks so much Donna! Just at the right place at the right time!
Excellent photos, the Monarch is such a beautiful butterfly.
Yes and they are fun to photograph! Thanks so much!
Lovely shot, Reed!
Thanks Belinda! It helps when the cooperate!!