Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Fall Progression and Last of the Butterflies


Sassafras leaves September 16, 2010

Leaves of the dogwood, sassafras and sourwood trees turn red and orange in mid-September. These are followed in early October by the poplars


Yellow Poplar (left) and Hickory (middle). October 11, 2010

The poplar and hickory trees are brilliant yellow for a day or two in early October. The poplars drop their leaves quickly, filling the ground with bright yellow leaves. The Hickories, on the other hand, stay on the tree and turn brown.


Sugar Maple October 17, 2010

With the leaves off the tall poplars, the sugar maple can show off its glorious orange colors.



The color seems brighter this year, maybe because we had some cold nights in early October.



Buckeye October 17, 2010

I still see buckeyes in our fields, flying a little faster when it's cooler.



Comma Anglewing September 21, 2010

The anglewings along with mourning cloaks overwinter as adults so they are often the first butterflies I see in March. The anglewing are abundant, although usually solitary, in our driveway in September and October.

16 comments:

  1. I do see a butterfly or two these days but the colder nights are upon us. Lovely shots.

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  2. Such pretty leaves. Hasn't really started to change in Central Va except for the crepe myrtles.

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  3. I added myself to follow your blog. You are more than welcome to visit mine and become a follower if you want to.

    God Bless You

    ~Ron

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  4. Beautiful photographs. We were disappointed that we saw so many fewer butterflies this year. Glad you have shared yours.

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  5. Great photo of the fall form Eastern Comma! Enjoyed the leaves tour!

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  6. Beauitful leaves, beautiful butterflies! I wish they would last forever!!

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  7. Carolina Mtns--yes, there are definitely fewer butterflies but still see crescents and sulphurs along with those pictured in this post.

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  9. Webb--today, it's raining so I think the color is past peak. You will still get to enjoy then.

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  10. THE OLD GEEZER--thanks for visiting. I did visit your blog--good writing!

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  11. NCmountainwoman--that's interesting because I think I've seen more butterflies this summer. I don't know if it's because I noticed them or the fact that my flowers were more prolific.

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  12. Randy--I like the comma butterflies too!

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  13. Kerri--yes, fall happens so fast! Now, I think freezing temperatures are not far behind!

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  14. I still have plenty of butterflies...3 have emerged and there are another 22 Chrysalis to go...6 more Queen caterpillars to grow up and one more Monarch. I released my 3rd Monarch today. Our fall is much different from yours...although..many of our leaves do fall off...just not the palms.

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  15. ...beautiful autumn color, and the angelwing is gorgeous--perfect color and wings! I've never been able to photograph one of those...

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  16. Howdee, Just as beautiful there as here in CT.Gorgeous butterflies..
    they seem to have left here.Getting a bit to cold.
    Have you ever eaten the roots of the tiny sassafras trees? tastes wonderful.

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