Thursday, January 14, 2016

Little things...

...Thursday



If you read This Post then you'll know I had 11, VERY late in the season critters to worry about. That was Dec. 3rd. Several didn't make it due to disease. Some wandered off and I couldn't find them. Thankfully, winter came a we bit late so 1 of the 4 I was able to offer safe place to pupate emerged long ago and hopefully is wintering someplace farther south where it's warm. El Nino hit and so did the colder weather. I snipped the leaves and branches off the plants where the chrysalis' were hanging and literally paper clipped them to inside silk plants. I should have done it sooner but I didn't and I honestly don't know how long a butterfly can survive during its transformation. 


At first glance she looks perfect. But funny thing about butterflies, they emerge pretty much before noon. I was at work and missed her emerging. She must have struggled trying to come out as one of her legs were broken. Also, one of her inside wings just never filled with blood and it dried up never reaching full size. It was really hard to euthanize her but it was the humane thing to do.

Today however...


I got lucky. I missed him emerging, but he's healthy.


It got chilly fast so after he sunned for a few hours, I moved him to a plant under our patio so he wouldn't get soaked when the sprinklers go off tomorrow morning.


These little things are just so beautiful and have changed my life on so many levels.


I have one more left...stay tuned.

Happy (butterfly) snapping!
xo
Kelly

Sharing over at Kim's today

23 comments:

  1. How do you tell the difference between a female and a male? they were not disturbed when you paper clipped them? Will there be less butterflies due to El Nino? Love your pictures of this wonderful little critters.

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  2. What beautiful creatures, Kelly!

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  3. Love all you butterfly Mamas! I learn so much and just really value your efforts.

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    1. I think my husband is relieved that I don't have any crazy things for him to build! Evan after 3 years of raising Monarchs-I'm still learning things! Thanks for your love and support Kim. Xo

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  4. How fun! Thank you for sharing these, Kelly, wonderful series!

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    1. Hi June. Thank you. I love having new visitors

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  5. I absolutely love that you tend these little guys. They're so beautiful. And I'm sure they tell all their butterfly friends about their lovely human mama with the camera.

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    1. I love your words...they touched me to my core. Thank you Daenel! Xo

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  6. So sorry the little girl didn't make it. They are truly beautiful and pieces of art.

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  7. So sad about the one, but joyful about the other.

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    1. Losing a monarch is like losing a piece of me. Thanks Sarah

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  8. they are beautiful! so sad the one didn't make it.

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    1. Hi Jandi-it never gets easier losing one-crazy I know. Thanks for stopping by :-)

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  9. What a gift for you to get to watch!

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  10. This is such a tiny little miracle, and these photographs are great, Kelly.
    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  11. A miracle every time....I am sorry one didn't make it but so glad another did. You must be amazed every time one hatches..I love reading about your butterfly adventures....

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    1. It's a little piece of me Nancy everytime I lose one. I'm glad you are enjoying the adventure. Thank you

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