I stopped at the refuge to look for raptors and found butterflies instead! The thistles are in bloom and the butterflies are feasting. All you need to do is find a good bush of thistles and stand by. You will see at least a 1/2 dozen butterfly species, including monarchs, tiger swallowtails. Look for a very unusual insect that reminds me of a cooked lobster on the wing called a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe). They are often mistaken for hummingbirds.



Canon 7D, EF 100-400 F4.0 L IS USM, ISO 800, 400mm, F11, 1/800

This weekend (September 10 - 12) would be a great time to try macro photography! I am not sure when they will migrate, there is not indication of consistent movement.

Oh, and I saw osprey, bald eagles, green heron and a beaver in addition to the butterflies and moths.

There are bitting flies insect repellent and sunscreen are recommended. They will encourage to use repellent after you are bitten once. They take a chunk of skin! Carnivwerous little *@&$#% (buggers)!!