I was delighted to spot this beautiful Common Buckeye butterfly (Junonia coenia) in a patch of goldenrod on Tuesday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This angle of view over one of the opened wings provides us with a really good look at the butterfly’s distinctive patterns and colors and we can also see its extended proboscis as it sucks nectar from the bright yellow goldenrod.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
The Buckeye’s a common one here, and it’s also one of the first I learned to identify. Now that we have some cooler weather, I’m hoping to find some goldenrod in bloom this weekend. Perhaps I’ll find a Buckeye, too.
I chased this one around a bit and was really happy when it landed on the goldenrod. Initially it kept landing on the gravel of the road, which did not make for a very good photo. Good luck in your search for goldenrod–I saw lots of it–and for a Common Buckeye. They are pretty common here, but I am always thrilled to spot them–there is just something about the blue spots and orange stripes that grabs me every time.
Fantastic photography! Mike you make it look easy. But I know how challenging such excellent photos can be to set up and acquire. Thank you for sharing your gift and passion. It makes my day to read your posts and revel in your remarkable photography. Cheers.
Thanks, Suzette, for all of your kind and supportive words. When I first started to get more serious about photography, I remember having to think consciously about camera settings and rules of composition and such–it was almost like having to go through a mental checklist each time. After capturing thousands of images, I have internalized most of that process and don’t even think about it, which frees me to focus more on creativity. Does that make any sense? Essentially, I know pretty well what kinds of images I want to capture and what I need to do so. Of course, the subjects and the environment have to cooperate and I can spend lots of time waiting for the decisive moments, but I’m pretty patient and enjoy the process. As you have noticed, I enjoy sharing my thoughts as well as my photos in my blog posting and hope to pass on some of my enthusiasm and curiosity to others–it is good to share that!
Yes, it makes sense that experience frees up creativity to blossom! And, thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and curiosity. Much appreciated. Have a spectacular day!
Lovely!
Thanks, Louella.
[…] Common Buckeye and Goldenrod […]
Very nice image Mike! Always fun to photograph butterflies!
Great photo, Mike!
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A real beauty! I wish we had them here. They say sometimes they make it this far north, but I’ve never seen one. Do you recall ever seeing them in Andover?
Thanks, Eliza. It’s been a long time since I was in New England for more than a day or two, so I can say pretty confidently that I have never seen a Common Buckeye there. 🙂
What a beautiful butterfly with multiple eyes keeping a check! It reminds me of the butterflyfish underwater with similar extra black eyes to confuse the predators!
Thanks, Chris. From what I have read, the purpose of those eye spots for butterflies like this is indeed to fool predators. I love the colors of the “eyes” of this species.
Very nice composition, Mike, along with the elegant color scheme of the Buckeye.