Butterflies and Birds

By Paul Cecil | Published May 25, 2008

Two birds dominated the garden today: collared doves, and the ubiquitous starlings which are busy feeding their young. The doves are still building nests judging by the frequency with which they were carrying twigs back and forth, but this one still had time for a quick preen.

The starlings were simply hungry.

The sunshine (which may be the last we see for several days) brought out the butterflies as well. There were numerous holly blues (one of the smaller butterflies and one I've not had too much success photographing in the past), and several small whites.

Holly Blue

Small White (male)

Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens

This entry was posted in Birds, Butterfly and tagged , .

11 Comments

  1. cakkleberrylane May 25, 2008 at 1:05 am #

    So beautiful. I love the holly blue butterfly!! I've never seen one like that! The birds are exquisite!

  2. Words May 25, 2008 at 1:05 am #

    Lois, the holly blue is tiny (about 16mm), so very easy to miss when it's flitting about.

  3. Vulpes vulpes May 25, 2008 at 11:05 am #

    Wonderful shots!

  4. zetorres May 25, 2008 at 10:05 pm #

    Fantastic, so many motives to take photos in a garden…yes spring is great! .up:

  5. Words May 26, 2008 at 12:05 am #

    ZT, I can spend hours in the garden. I'm always amazed at how much life is out there.

  6. Words May 26, 2008 at 12:05 am #

    Thanks Vulpes!

  7. zetorres May 26, 2008 at 1:05 am #

    Great time you have! :up:

  8. SittingFox May 26, 2008 at 6:05 pm #

    Very nice portraits of all of them! Young starlings are just so insistent :chef:

  9. FrogBoots May 26, 2008 at 11:05 pm #

    I love all of your photos, as usual, but the Holly Blue is particularly exquisite! Thanks for sharing this beauty! :up: 🙂

  10. Words May 27, 2008 at 12:05 am #

    Adele, aren't they just. And they spend so much time chasing the adults!

  11. Words May 27, 2008 at 12:05 am #

    Thanks FB. 🙂