Smiling Dragonfly

photo of a dragonfly perched on a branchI spent some time one summer day watching and photographing the dragonflies that buzz around my backyard.  This individual almost seemed to pose for me.  In this shot it looks like the dragonfly is smiling for the camera.

Pipe Vine Swallowtail

Searching for good photographic subjects on Big Walker Mountain, I happened upon a group of these large, blue and black butterflies.  My friend James Shelton, who is quite the amateur entomologist, tells me this butterfly is a Pipe Vine Swallowtail.

Zabulon Skipper

photograph of a Zabulon Skipper butterflyWhile attempting to photograph some bumble bees at work I noticed this little skipper flitting among the wild flowers.  I’m not certain I’ve identified it correctly but I believe it is a Zabulon Skipper.

Robber Fly

macro photograph of a robber fly on a branchThis robber fly was lying in wait on a low branch in my yard.  Luckily I had my camera and tripod when I spotted it.  You can click on the picture to see a larger version of the image.

Butterfly At Work

Photograph of a blue and black butterfly moving on a flowerDuring a recent visit to the Big Walker Mountain Lookout tower, near Wytheville, VA, I noticed large blue and black winged butterflies busily gathering nectar from nearby flowers.  I had my camera on a slow ISO setting and the evening light was beginning to fade.  The resulting image of a blurred butterfly seemed appropriate to me since they seemed to never stop moving.