Today I went to St. Marks for their Monarch butterfly festival. They were tagging butterflies that use the preserve as a stop over for their migration to Mexico.
There were quite s few pollinators out... Like this Gulf Fritillary and bee friend.
And Buckeye butterfly...
I was fascinated by this plain-looking butterfly called a long-tailed skipper. It looks pretty dull from the side...
But the back are beautiful and delicate shades of blue and green
There were also plenty of birds about... like this mocking bird.
And crazy-looking caterpillars. If you look closely, it's back end has a false head for the birds to eat.
All around was nature in action... like these dragonflies mating.
And this mantis taking advantage of the bounty of butterflies!
All and all a great place to go if you are into birds, bugs, or flowers... I will definitely return. To see what's new and maybe get a glimpse of the illusive spoonbill!
