Thursday, February 28, 2013

Edinburg Scenic Wetlands

Black-bellied Whistling Duck

 Whistling Duck 

Night Heron and Whistling Ducks

 Green Kingfisher, male

Green Kingfisher at Dragonfly Pond
                                           



                                                 

White Peacock, Skippers & IO Moth

Skippers seem to be very common now. The White Peacock is one of my favorite butterflies.


White Peacock  (2.5")
 IO Moth
Io Moth
The Io Moth was found in our car on a cool morning. We thought it was not alive, but it moved!

Julia's Skipper
Fiery Skipper (1" F)

Fiery Skipper (1" M)

Potrillo Skipper  ( 1")
White Peacock (2.5") 2/28  


National Butterfly Center - NABA


The National Butterfly Center is a mile away from Bensten State Park which is south of Mission, TX.  We spent 5 hours there with friends who are naturalists Steve and Sue from Estero State Park, (Vermont). Julie and Ian our lovely friends from England us after a short birding ride on Bush Road near Edinburg. It was a magical afternoon with wonderful friends.

Gulf Fritillary (3.5")

 Gulf Fritillary (3.5")
Mexican Fritillary (2")
Large Orange Sulphur 
Empress Leilia (closed)


Empress Leilia (open)
Red Admiral (closed 1.5")
Banded-cell Sister (2.5)
 White Checkered Skipper (1")
Pipevine Swallowtail ( in flight) 4.5"
Texan Cresent (1.5")
Blue Darner (Damsel Fly)

Banded-Cell Sister & Red Admiral


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Santa Ana Birds & Butterflies

Hooded Merganser Female

Hooded Mergansers Females
                        
Green Jay
White-face Ibis



Orange Sulfur

 Southern Dogface (2")

Skipper















Phaon Cresent 
American Lady

 American Lady
                                               .   .  .

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Butterflies at Estero

First Day with my Canon Power Shot SX50 HS. I just tried to find a butterfly and take a photo on Auto. I had not a clue what any the buttons were for but there was a Butterfly Walk at Estero State Park south of Weslaco, TX.  So begins my journey with my new best friend hanging around my neck.  Last week it was my Pentax Papilio binoculars.  So much too learn but I am willing and anxious to learn. 

Bordered Patch (2")
Fatal Metalmark  (1")
Queen (3")
Gray Hairstreak (1")  Uncharacteristically Open

Malachite  (4")

Whirl About Skipper (1")
Funereal Dusky Wing (1")
Gray Hairstreak (1")