Saturday (14-July-2018) — New Jersey

Backyard Summer Nature in New Jersey.

My first Monarch Butterfly of the season. I am glad I planted this small section of wildflowers right next to the house, as the other sections have been devastated by “mile-a-minute” vine and deer. The deer like to munch on the plants before the flowers can bloom. I am going to have to go back to an electric fence.  As soon as I saw the Monarch Butterfly, I ran back inside and grabbed the first camera I could find with a telephoto zoom lens. When I see more, I will come back with a macro lens.

Monarch Butterfly on a Pink Zinnia Flower. Image taken with a Nikon Df camera and 80-400 mm VRII lens (ISO 280, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
Monarch Butterfly on a Pink Zinnia Flower. Image taken with a Nikon Df camera and 80-400 mm VRII lens (ISO 280, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
Monarch Butterfly on a Pink Zinnia Flower. Image taken with a Nikon Df camera and 80-400 mm VRII lens (ISO 140, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
Monarch Butterfly on a Pink Zinnia Flower. Image taken with a Nikon Df camera and 80-400 mm VRII lens (ISO 140, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/500 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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