It will be another scorcher today, so we headed off in a bluster this morning to get a few jobs done before the heat drove us back to the harbour. We wanted to toss a length of green construction gauze over the greenhouse and hang another piece in the doorway to keep out unwanted beasts. We also picked some beans for supper and to freeze in. We also did a little check on our work done yesterday to restore the wind damaged plants. then it was time to head to the back of the garden house where there was shade and mercifully; a breeze. The temp had quickly reached 27.5 C. Right then, a cuppa and the easy chairs. My Bride pulled out her book and I sat and looked at the Buddleja which is situated right at the edge of the back patio… centimetres away from us. This bush I found growing from seed in an inappropriate place in the lottie. I dug it up it’s first year and placed it here where it ha done well and survived a couple of uprootings from windstorms over the years. It just keeps bouncing back. I just took my time, looking at the numerous purple flower cones. The leaves were not all as dark green a I would like, but it is right on the edge of the canal. It has year round access to fresh water and the minerals therein. I found myself noticing the insects. The butterflies were the most striking. The first type that I noticed were the Atalanta’s. First I saw one then another came by, then another. I decided to pay attention and see how many of this noticeably beautiful butterfly were on the bush at the same time. The most that I saw at once were five. Considering I have several more of these Butterfly Bushes on the lottie. It seemed remarkable to have so many on this comparatively small, out-of-the-way plant. I then was surprised to see a Cabbage White flutter by, come back, hang but on various leaves and then begin drinking nectar from the small, purple flowers. The next creature that caught my attention was a simple, brown Skipper. These little things fly and look a bit like moths; but they are indeed, butterflies. It was a long time but eventually I did see three on the bush at once. Then the rusty-coloured Polygonia a-album. I could have written the Dutch name, but that would mean nothing to you folks. Actually, I do not know if it is even in other countries besides Belgium. I kept disturbing my Bride with each new discovery. She was reading an exciting “friller”, and approaching the end. She kindly tolerated my enthusiastic reports. Heck, it is an interesting microcosm. One thing that was noticeable was the absence of many honey bees. I never saw more than one at the time. There were more solitary bees and hover flies than honey bees today. Two of each were seen at any given time. No more. There were eight bumblebees at once. There were three different types. But then, as I sat in contemplation of this not all too positive observation…suddenly, a Peacock appeared. Not the bird (they live in the park next to the harbour), the butterfly. We call these dark beauties, “ Day Peacock Eye”. They are impressive to see. I studied this specimen, delighting each time it opened its wings. What a work of are butterflies are. I only ever saw one on the bush, sadly. There was a green bottle fly that came to sit on the flowers. I would have more expected to see this visitor on a carcass. But friends, what I saw next… A Citroenvlinder (Gonepteryx rhymni). It is a light yellow butterfly in the same family as the Whites. The butterfly circled us , flew away, came back…sat on the undulating reed and vinally went to two different Buddleja cones. Then; out of nowhere, the Cabbage White appeared and began pestering the yellow butterfly. The Yellow one bolted, the white in pursuit. They spiralled upwards, broke out… then did it again before going their separate ways. Was the bloke chatting the girl up? Was he hoping to pull this colourful bird? The same “dance” happened two more times. I did not see them leave the party together. But they did disappear. i watched all this Nature over a period of hours. Why didn’t I pick up the fone and read some news, play some games or do the Dutch and English Wordels? Even better, take some pics to show? Well, I forgot and left my fone at home, didn’t I?
Great story Sjoerd & great observations. Sometimes it is wonderful to just sit and watch nature's world go by. I'm impressed that you can identify so many butterflies.
Thank you so much, Cayu. It really was quite interesting. I have always been interested in Nature, especially on a small scale, from my childhood days. One of my majors at uni was biology. And so now in my adulthood the interest continues. During my years, I have managed to pick up a reasonable amount of practical knowledge. The knowledge enhances my appreciation of the plant and animal kingdoms.
This sounds like a beautiful day that deserves a happy sigh. . I looked up the various butterflies you described - so gorgeous. The Peacock is especially beautiful I have to wonder if the Cabbage White wanted to lay eggs and did not want any competition from the Citroenvlinder for it's young. It sounds like a wonderful time Sjoerd - appreciating the simple things that surround us, all existing in their own world that does not include our day to day human nonsense. Great posting Friend.
Thanks Mel—I am chuffed that you liked this posting. Mate, I don’t know what the white and yellow butterflies were up to, but it was indeed enjoyable just sitting and observing. I did that a lot as a child when my mates and I were not playing. p.s. My apologies for missing your post. Blush, blush.
Wonderful post. My favorite thing to do is to sit and enjoy. A year ago after a long term of neglect my property had few insects or birds. What a wonder how quickly things can change. Now there is a plethora of insects and wild bees. I much prefer bumble bees to honey bees. The wild bees pollinate the veggies fine and aren’t having to compete with domestic bees as I increase my flower gardens. Plus they get up earlier in the spring for blueberry blooms. The bird baths have drawn a variety of feathered friends. Who has time for bothering with taking pictures when the moments of observation are so precious.
Jewell, it is so good to hear how Nature is changing at your place. Of course it’ all down to you and your hard work. I know your man helped, but still you had the vision and motivation. Chapeau. You are right about taking time to snap a piccy or two. I would liked to have shown our isects though as some of ours are different than what is to be found over there.
