Nature clicks #240 - Giant Swallowtail

Giant Swallowtail 1  

During the last 2 -3 years we did not have so many butterflies up on the bluffs here as during the seven years before since we lived above the Little Maquoketa River Valley. In 2014 it seems we see a lot more again. I don’t specialize in this kind of photography but when I saw four Giant Swallowtails at the same time feeding on our Purple Coneflowers I could not resist and grabbed the D300s with the 150, f/2.8 lens attached.

Giant Swallowtail 2

 

The Giant’s are probably not as shy as some of the other butterflies and let me come close sometime. They are one of the largest butterflies in North America.

Giant Swallowtail 3

 

Peak of action, the very short breaks while they are feeding, and watching the background were the key for these shots. I hope you enjoy.