Gossamer Tapestry

Reflections on conservation, butterflies, and ecology in the nation's heartland

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Queens Among the Palms





The summer has rushed by.  I just noticed that it's still May at Gossamer Tapestry, and figure that I should change that.  A whole lot has happened over the summer, but right now I'm enjoying the weather in sunny southern California.  Yesterday Leon and I took a hike at Palm Canyon.IT was a lovely day with brillian sunshine and mild temperatures. 




The hummingbird feeder at the trail head was very active.  I felt lucky to get a couple of in-focus shots.  Even at feeders, I find hummingbirds very difficult to photograph. 


The dense palm groves give the area a distinctly tropical feel.  At the same time, you can tell that we are near the solstice at a relatively high latitude.  Even early in the afternoon, the shadows are quite long.





I always enjoy seeing plants that I associate with cooler, wetter climates in the desert oases, like these maidenhair ferns. 




I had told Leon that I was hoping to be able to do at least a bit of insect photography on the hike.There isn't much diversity at this time of the year, but I wasn't disappointed.  I always see Queen butterflies here, but have somehow never managed to get a decent digital image.  I was pleased to see some good specimens today. 

There were also many variegated meadowhawks flying about..There will be much more hiking later in the trip. 

4 Comments:

At 09:55, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nice to see a post here, Doug! Love that butterfly. What a beauty.

 
At 23:23, Blogger Ur-spo said...

I was thrilled to see you posting ! hurray !

 
At 00:04, Blogger Harpers Keeper said...

Terrific pictures. Thanks for sharing.

 
At 21:24, Blogger Harpers Keeper said...

I know it is still November in the Tapestry but Happy Christmas nonetheless

 

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