NOTE: This post contains slideshows and if you are reading it on your phone, it is best viewed direct from the SITE, rather than in the READER.
All photos were taken on our July 12, 2021 hike through Bunchberry Meadows and Tucker’s Field.
Summer walks here are filled with birdsong, rustling in the woods, slithering snakes, hopping rabbits, chattering squirrels and the flutter and buzz of insect life. The main drawback is that the leafy forest canopy and undergrowth make it difficult to capture images of the birds and animals. Insects on the other hand are real posers.
Below are the shots I captured on this day.
A selection of butterflies
Immature wooly bear caterpillars. They will have an orange center stripe later on in their cycle. Two of the three were just sitting there, but the last one was really motoring along
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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16 thoughts on “Creature Feature”
You are so talented at capturing butterflies. By the time I have remembered how to use burst mode they have usually fluttered away!
I’ve always heard that if those caterpillars don’t have their stripe, it means a rough winter. I seriously doubt there is any science to that, but ye’ve been warned 😉
Now you have me worried. I think there are many reasons why we will have a nasty winter. Lack of stripes sounds plausible. Thanks for reading Scott. Allan
Bah! No need to worry. Winter in the “Great White North” is always rough, isn’t it?
I am a little intrigued about what winter might be like here, though. Some of the animals that show up for the feeders are already trying to find food in my yard. I don’t put out feeders until November (or later sometimes). I already have squirrels and some various birds hanging out in my backyard periodically throughout the day. They usually don’t show up until the feeders are out. What does that mean?
Fantastic photos, Allan. I always find beauty in their bright coloured wings, their floating flight and association of summer. Thanks so much and have a good day 😀 Aiva
Thanks Aiva. They do seem to have it free and easy, but on closer inspection, you can see where they have torn their wings due to an altercation with a bird or bush and you realize that their lives are not all endless floating on breezes. They are beautiful to behold though. Thanks for reading. Allan
Picture This 
You are so talented at capturing butterflies. By the time I have remembered how to use burst mode they have usually fluttered away!
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I got lucky and captured most of these on single shot. They seemed to be pretty settled taking in the sun. Thanks for reading Marion. Allan
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It is good to see pollinators out and about. Great photos!
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This has been a better year for bees and wasps and butterflies. They are doing a fine job. Thanks for reading John. Allan
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You definitely got a lot of posers there!
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I am able to get these shots, as long as my shadow does not pass over them. Once that happens, they are off. Thanks for reading. Allan
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I know the feeling! Lol
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I’ve always heard that if those caterpillars don’t have their stripe, it means a rough winter. I seriously doubt there is any science to that, but ye’ve been warned 😉
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Now you have me worried. I think there are many reasons why we will have a nasty winter. Lack of stripes sounds plausible. Thanks for reading Scott. Allan
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Bah! No need to worry. Winter in the “Great White North” is always rough, isn’t it?
I am a little intrigued about what winter might be like here, though. Some of the animals that show up for the feeders are already trying to find food in my yard. I don’t put out feeders until November (or later sometimes). I already have squirrels and some various birds hanging out in my backyard periodically throughout the day. They usually don’t show up until the feeders are out. What does that mean?
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Fantastic photos, Allan. I always find beauty in their bright coloured wings, their floating flight and association of summer. Thanks so much and have a good day 😀 Aiva
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Thanks Aiva. They do seem to have it free and easy, but on closer inspection, you can see where they have torn their wings due to an altercation with a bird or bush and you realize that their lives are not all endless floating on breezes. They are beautiful to behold though. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Lovely captures of the butterflies. You must have your camera ready at all times while on the trail.
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Thanks. I tend to leave it on standby. Turning it on and off every time seems to take more batter power and time. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Beautiful!
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Thanks Lyssy. Allan
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