Summertime Nature at the Sourland Mountain Preserve.
Monarch Butterfly on a Thistle Bloom. Image taken with a Nikon D810a camera and 80-400 mm VRII lens (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 sec). I am amazed by the high resolution detail captured by this camera, down to the individual specks of dust or pollen on the wings of the butterfly.
Over the last two weeks I only saw three Monarch butterflies, and only got an image of one. Today, I saw at least ten and was very happy. In addition to the Monarch butterflies, I also saw many Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies, Black Swallowtail butterflies (two or three varieties), Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies, Clearwing Moths (two varieties), Dragonflies, and Robber Flies. All in all the best day this season. I am going to be up late tonight processing more images…
Monarch Butterfly on a Thistle Bloom. Image taken with a Nikon D810a camera and 80-400 mm VRII lens (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 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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3 thoughts on “Tuesday (23-August-2016) — New Jersey”
+William Parmley I was getting worried, and yesterday very happy seeing at least 10 Monarchs. There have been hundreds of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtails. At the Sourland Mountain Preserve there is plenty of Milkweed. Unfortunately, the Milkweed that I planted in my yard has all been eaten by the local deer.
Beautiful!
Beautiful photo and glad you're seeing more monarchs. We're really starting to see lots of caterpillars here on our milkweed.
+William Parmley I was getting worried, and yesterday very happy seeing at least 10 Monarchs. There have been hundreds of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtails. At the Sourland Mountain Preserve there is plenty of Milkweed. Unfortunately, the Milkweed that I planted in my yard has all been eaten by the local deer.