Kip’s Comments - September 18, 2026

Sep 18

From Two Birds to a Butterfly

Until late this afternoon my photos and essay for today were going to be based on sightings of a great blue heron and double-crested cormorant - both in the rain. Then this afternoon happened.

I had about 15-minutes to wander the edge of our prairie with my camera. Since we are late in the season, the dominant color is brown with very few wildflowers still blooming. Then I spotted this New England aster full of activity. Bees, moths, and a solitary monarch butterfly were moving from blossom to blossom. I concentrated my efforts on the monarch butterfly and now, after reviewing the images, cannot decide which is my favorite. Since I cannot pick just an image or two, I will share many.

As I was shooting the pictures, I kept thinking of the thousand mile journey this butterfly has before it. May its travels be safe and complete!