Pink Cattleheart, I

The Pink Cattleheart is a large, black butterfly with striking red, pink and white markings.

Tiger Longwing On Coneflower

I recently visited the Butterflies LIVE! exhibit at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.  This photo of a Tiger Longwing on a red coneflower was one of my favorite shots from the trip.  If you’re in the Richmond area Lewis Ginter is definitely worth a visit.

House Finch, Snowy Day, II

Another male House Finch from the snow we had last week.

 

House Finch, Snowy Day, I

This weekend we had spring-like temperatures making it hard to believe I took this photo only about a week ago.  This male House Finch made for a colorful subject with the snowy white background.

Red and Blue Damselflies

The damselflies on the Rappahannock River come in a wide variety of colors.  I thought this red one was particularly colorful.

Northern Cardinal, 4

Virginia’s state bird can be difficult to photograph. The Northern Cardinal normally keeps at a safe distance from people so it’s hard to get really close to them.  The male’s brilliant red color can also make exposure and even focus difficult at times.  I captured this one in open shade and that seems to have resolved the color issues.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Vivid

Traditions De France

During the walking part of my commute through Old Town Alexandria I kept my eyes open for vivid images.  Normally I walk on the same side of the street as Traditions De France so I pass right by without really seeing it.  Viewed from across the street it really does make for a vivid image.

Red Bellied Woodpecker

People often assume this bird is a Red Headed Woodpecker.  The confusion is understandable as the Red Bellied Woodpecker’s head is red on the top and back.  By comparison the Red Headed Woodpecker’s head is red on the top, back, sides, and front.  If you happen to catch a glimpse of this bird’s stomach you’ll see the red patch for which it is named.

Aphid Nightmare

This family of aphids watches helplessly as one of their clan is ruthlessly devoured by their arch enemy, the ladybird beetle (aka ladybug).  When you look at a ladybug it’s easy to forget they are savage predators.

Glimpse At The Impermanence Of A Trailer

I like the color, the texture and the irony of this photo.  The irony that the bolt, which helps hold the trailer together, required a hole to be drilled through the metal, which is ultimately causing it to fall apart.

If you click on the image you can see a larger version of it, which really highlights the texture.