Last fall I planted a section of wildflowers on the east side of the house where I used to have a kitchen garden. Until yesterday, the only flowers were Crimson (Italian) clover. Last night I noticed some other flowers about to open. This morning there were three California Poppy flowers, and one blue Cornflower (Bachelor Button). It looks like there will be many more Cornflowers. I also saw some other varieties of poppies about to open. As I was about to go back inside, I noticed a Snowberry Clearwing (hummingbird) moth feeding on the Rhododendron flowers. Previously, I had only seen hummingbird moths later in the season and only at the Sourland Mountain Preserve. There they favored Joe Pye Weed and Thistle flowers.
Crimson clover or Italian clover (Trifolium incarnatum). Image taken with a Nikon 1 V3 camera and 70-300 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 300 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 sec). (David J Mathre)Crimson clover or Italian clover (Trifolium incarnatum). Image taken with a Nikon 1 V3 camera and 70-300 mm VR lens (ISO 450, 300 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 sec). (David J Mathre)
California Poppy. Individual images in the Slideshow can be viewed by clicking on the above image.
Bachelor Button (Blue Cornflower) Wildflower. Image taken with a Nikon D800 camera and 105 mm f/2.8 macro lens (ISO 100, 105 mm, f/11, 1/400 sec). (David J Mathre)
Snowberry Clearwing moth feeding on Rhododendron flowers.Individual images in the Slideshow can be viewed by clicking on the above image.
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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4 thoughts on “Saturday (28-May-2016) — New Jersey”
I think the blue one is a bachelor button. Aunt Mary
I think the blue one is a bachelor button. Aunt Mary
Have never seen the Clearwing moth. I can see why it made your day. Nice shot. Aunt Mary
+Mary Sperley Thanks, look like it. Centaurea cyanus, commonly known as cornflower, or bachelor button.
One of my all-time favorite flowers is the blue batchelor's button! Beautiful photos.