Closeup of Swallowtail butterfly on Jerusalem Cross flowers

Swallowtail at Work (on Jerusalem Cross)

My days have been busy lately, now that the harvest is fully upon us. Summer is racing by, and already we’re starting to see the signs of approaching fall.

But before this glorious season ends, I want to make sure I take time to appreciate some of the little things of summer, such as these butterflies. I believe they are Western Tiger Swallowtails (Papilio rutulus rutulus), but I could be mistaken. Whatever the species, these lovely butterflies show up every summer in our garden, diligently pollinating our plants – and delighting the humans who eagerly await their arrival.

Swallowtail butterfly on a chive flower

Swallowtail at Work #2 (on chive)

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About Laurie MacBride, Eye on Environment

Photographer focused on nature and the BC coast

10 responses »

  1. Very pretty images Laurie, thanks for sharing.

  2. Sherry Galey's avatar Sherry Galey says:

    Hey Laurie, these are just amazing. Fabulous detail. One thing I have never captured (with my camera) is a butterfly. Would like to one day. Hope you will show us some of your garden produce one of these days…;-)

  3. Phil Lanoue's avatar Phil Lanoue says:

    Always wise to keep your eyes open for the littlest things in nature. Excellent!

  4. Susan Banjavich's avatar Susan Banjavich says:

    Love them, glad you are enjoying your Summer in your own garden.

    • Thanks Susan – we are indeed enjoying staying home this year rather than going boating. It’s great to be able to pick fresh veggies and fruit every day – rather than searching for sea asparagus and goose tongue greens like we’ve done for the past five summers!

  5. ehpem's avatar ehpem says:

    Lovely shots – well worth viewing larger. Butterflies don’t take kindly to my lenses, unless they are totally absorbed by something else. Looks like you have a way with swallowtails.

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