It is nearly impossible to miss the ostentatious displays of brilliant color as a succession of flowers and trees burst onto the springtime scene. Sometimes, though, they overwhelm my senses and I find myself more drawn to the delicate beauty of the tiny wildflowers that pop up in fields and forests.
Yesterday I was happy to photograph a skittish Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly (Cupido comyntas) as it moved about in a small patch of Spring Beauty wildflowers (Claytonia virginica) in a forested area of Prince William County. With my macro lens, I was able to capture the distinctive “tail” and orange chevrons that help in identifying this tiny butterfly that has a wingspan of only ¾ – 1¾ inches (22 – 29 mm). I also managed to capture the beautiful pink markings of the spring beauties, including the anthers at the tips of the stamens.
It is easy to lose myself in this magical tiny world or perhaps it might be more correct to say that I find myself there.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
A lovely, gentle photo, Mike.
Blue Rock Horses Frederick County, Virginia bluerockhorses.com
Thanks, Mitzy.
I found this enchanting, Mike. Thanks for taking us with you into this tiny and magical world.
Thanks, Jet. Each spring I rediscover the joy of seeing the world through a macro lens and I am tickled when I manage to get shots like this one.
Lovely.
Very nice Mike! Looking forward to Dragonfly photos soon!
Wonderful crisp capture, Mike, and an elegant composition with that full flower bloom looking on!
Thanks, Ellen. With a little subject like that butterfly, getting an in-focus shot is the primary goal. The fact that I was able to get such a nice composition was a bit of good fortune. 🙂
This is very beautiful, Mike.
Thanks, Dan. It’s a tiny butterfly with a tiny flower that together have a big impact.
They look like a matched set.
Love this one, Mike!
Thanks, Eliza.
Phenomenal! M 🙂
Thanks so much.
Especially stunning when seen fully enlarged! and the ‘losing’ and ‘finding’ are lovely to reflect on. Really nice spring post.
Very nice capture Mike.