It almost landed on me as I knelt on the ground planting
Petunias in a planter. It continued to
flutter around me, and I stopped to watch as the beautiful yellow Swallowtail
drifted toward the profusion of Azaleas in full bloom planted nearby.
I abandoned my Petunias and hurried inside to
get my camera. As I looked through the
long lens, I saw that the butterfly’s wings were torn and tattered, as if it
had just arrived after a long journey from wherever butterflies go in the
winter.
The wind was gusting around us
and it seemed as if the butterfly was having a hard time staying in place. It went from bloom to bloom, tasting the nectar
deep within the petals, as I followed him through my lens. I was hoping to get a good shot of his wings
spread, but he kept them closed as he struggled against the wind.
Storms moved through our area last night,
and I wonder what happened to my little butterfly friend. I would like to think that it found shelter
from the heavy rains and wind, and will come back to visit me again
sometime. I'll be watching for it.
