Six-Years Ago (21-August-2010) — New Jersey

Summertime Nature at the Sourland Mountain Preserve.

Monarch butterfly feasting on a thistle flower at the Sourland Mountain Preserve. Image taken with a Nikon D3s camera and 70-200 mm f/2.8 lens with a 2.0 TC-E teleconverter (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec).

This year, I have only seen three Monarch butterflies and only been able to get a picture of one. None of them were feeding. In the past they favored Thistle flowers and Joe Pye Weed flowers. I saw many Monarch butterflies on this day six years ago.

Monarch Butterfly Feasting on a Thistle Bloom at the Sourland Mountain Preserve. Summer Nature in New Jersey. Image taken with a Nikon D3s camera and 70-200 mm f/2.8 lens with a 2.0 TC-E teleconverter (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec). (David J Mathre)
Monarch Butterfly Feasting on a Thistle Bloom at the Sourland Mountain Preserve. Image taken with a Nikon D3s camera and 70-200 mm f/2.8 lens with a 2.0 TC-E teleconverter (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec). (David J Mathre)

Author: David Mathre

I am a scientist by training (Eckerd College, BSc; Caltech, Ph.D.). I worked for 27 years as a Chemist in the Pharmaceutical Industry developing processes to manufacture medicines for human and animal health. I now spend my time as a photographer and world traveler. My interests include the natural world, wildlife, landscapes, sky, and seascapes, travel, and astrophotography. I look for unique ways of viewing the world and presenting my images. I have traveled to over 55 countries in six continents, often on Semester at Sea voyages. While at home in New Jersey, I spend time on home renovation and expansion of a wildflower garden/meadow.

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