Simple Swallowtail Sunday

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Simple Swallowtail Sunday

August 22, 2021 by Mike Powell

Some days I am guilty of overanalyzing my images, trying to figure out why I like or do not like them. Today, I decided to simply present this shot of a pretty Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucus) that I spotted yesterday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge as it fed on what looked to be some kind of sunflower.

I remember so well the words of the old Shaker song, “Simple Gifts” that I sang as part of a high school chorus:

‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free,
‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be;
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed;
to turn, turn, will be our delight.
Till by turning, turning we come round right.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Posted in Butterflies, Insects, Nature, Photography, Summer, wildlife | Tagged Canon 50D, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Papilio glaucus, Simple Gifts, Tamron 180mm, Woodbridge VA | 19 Comments

19 Responses

on August 22, 2021 at 7:32 am | Reply Zoomology

What a stunning butterfly. Beautifully captured!

-Emma
- on August 23, 2021 at 3:21 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks so much, Emma. The butterfly did its part by spreading its colorful wings and I did my part by recording what my eyes were seeing. 🙂
on August 22, 2021 at 7:54 am | Reply John Hric

Zen you are good Mike !
on August 22, 2021 at 8:02 am | Reply shoreacres

Now, here’s a coincidence; my post today is a black morph of this butterfly. It took me forever to figure out that it wasn’t a Black Swallowtail. They are beautiful. Maybe one day I’ll find this “version” of the creature!
on August 22, 2021 at 8:55 am | Reply Suzette Benjamin

A beautiful song on the wings of a beautifully photographed butterfly. Blessed Sunday to you, Mike. Peace
- on August 23, 2021 at 3:20 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Suzette, for your beautiful words and sentiments. Life can be complicated, but I really do think that things become clearer and even more beautiful when we can live simply, modestly, and humbly.
  - on August 23, 2021 at 3:41 am Suzette Benjamin
    
    You are most welcome. And, I totally agree, Mike.
on August 22, 2021 at 10:51 am | Reply Dan Antion

That is a beautiful photo, Mike. That deserves a frame.
- on August 23, 2021 at 3:18 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Dan. Your comment reminds me that I need to get more of my photos printed. Too many of them live only in the virtual world.
  - on August 23, 2021 at 7:43 am Dan Antion
    
    Put this one on that list.
on August 22, 2021 at 1:42 pm | Reply Reed Andariese

Very nice Mike! Enjoyed seeing your image!
- on August 23, 2021 at 3:17 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Reed. We are in a kind of summer doldrums for dragonflies, so I seem to be photographing more butterflies recently. I have not heard any complaints from my viewers. 🙂
on August 22, 2021 at 6:03 pm | Reply Eliza Waters

Lovely capture, Mike.
- on August 23, 2021 at 3:15 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Eliza.
on August 22, 2021 at 8:34 pm | Reply pattyanneart

Beautiful photo, Mike.
- on August 23, 2021 at 3:11 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Patty Anne.
on August 23, 2021 at 9:23 pm | Reply Birder's Journey

Just beautiful!
on August 24, 2021 at 8:13 am | Reply Laura Denise

Beautiful capture and lyrics!
- on August 24, 2021 at 6:36 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Laura.