Despite the fact that I was in Chicago at the same time as Charlie, I didn’t see any cool birds while I was there. So if you want an update from the Windy City, click on over to his post about the Magic Hedge.
Since you’re here and since I don’t have any interesting pics from my most recent trip, I’ll continue with my photo tour of the Cleveland Botanical Garden and its periodic butterfly release.
Super-super-super Supper-supper-supper time!
Some of the flutterbys like to pose
Beauty everywhere
I know longer remember what these are called, but the butterflies love them
Close up of a leaf
Light and shadows
Question for you more experienced nature photographers: I wasn’t sure about the way the light figures in this last photo. Would you publish this photo or would you simply toss it aside? If you’d use it, what suggestions would you offer for improving it?
2sweetnsaxy – I was amazed that they ignored all us people and went on eating, because we weren’t that far away from them. All of the others were much more shy.
More great shots! Love the butterflies at supper time. Awwww-sum!
Hi, Mary – it was a fun day and I’m glad I have all of you to share the photos with.
Those are wonderful. Love all the butterfly shots and those red flowers!
Jochen – it’s so good to hear from you. How’s the little one? Getting any sleep yet? Good advice on the picture. Despite being in a captive environment, the butterflies were very active and challenging to photograph, and yes, I did like this one even though I wouldn’t consider it technically one of my better ones. I’m in this for love not money, so …
Bev – It helps if you leave the hotel at 6 in the morning and traipse out to where the birds are like Charlie did. I guess that’s what separates the birders from the tourists and business travelers.
Ya know, I thought the same thing about Charlie in Chicago. I have been to the windy city many, many times and I have never seen anything interesting in the bird world there. Well except for Ring-billed gulls. Your butterfly shots are terrific!
Hi Wren (yes, I am still alive),
about the last pic, simple answer:
You like it?
Use it.
You don’t like it?
Toss it aside.
I like it, it is interesting. If the background was more uniform/neutral, I’d say it is a VERY good picture as it captures an unusual effect well and the flowers add a nice detail (you can never put too much effort in getting a decent background). In extreme light conditions like these, there is not much you can do or improve. If the “natural” effect as you see it is attractive, capture it. If it isn’t, leave it. I am not a big photoshop fan anyway (except sharpness and sometimes brightness).
The term “Flutterby” is absolutely fantastic!!
Glad you enjoyed them, Klaus.
Those are glorious! Love the “Supper time”. Sheer pleasure!
Cheers, Klaus