Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
This week I have seen 5 or 6 Eastern Tiger Butterflies—a couple passing through the garden and others along the highway into town. But I have not been able to get any pictures.
Yesterday though I had my first opportunity of 2021 to photograph a butterfly when a Pearl Crescent stopped briefly on Eastern red columbine (until I tried to take its picture). Then it fluttered around and settled down on the mulched ground beneath. This is a small and common butterfly of North America.
The video belies just how active the butterfly was. I had switched to video because the wings had been beating so quickly I couldn’t get a good image. As soon as I started the video the crescent seemed to calm down and just totally chill.
Several kinds of irises have opened enough now to make a nice, colorful display.
Iris germanica ‘Orinoco Flow’
Iris germanica ‘Orinoco Flow’ and Iris ‘Crimson King’
Iris ‘Crimson King’
Iris ‘Crimson King’
Iris ‘Crimson King’
Nearly two dozen white Dutch Iris opened this week in a small narrow patch beside the driveway. They have been happy here for many years.
Iris × hollandica (Dutch Iris)
There is only one of this sapphire blue Dutch iris. This really is the color, just amazing.
Iris × hollandica (Dutch Iris)
Yellow pine pollen has been coating everything, the plants, flowers, porch furniture. It seems much worse than usual. A few thunderstorms helped clear the air overnight but it quickly builds back up.
Dianthus Ideal Select Mix
Post-vaccination, I resumed teaching my weekly gentle yoga and meditation class this morning at the wellness center. (My last in-person class was March 13, 2020.) Some classes are beginning to meet in person outdoors or with a limited number of people in the studios but mine is a virtual incarnation for now. It was great to see familiar faces and hear voices and laughter.
Have a great week everyone!
pbmGarden 
It’s so encouraging that so many folks have the opportunity now to be vaccinated and are taking advantage of it. I received my first dose a week ago, and look forward to being fully vaccinated. Your irises are beautiful! I’ve only seen mourning cloak butterflies so far, but look forward to swallowtails, pearl crescents, and other butterflies in the weeks ahead. 🙂
Glad you’re getting vaccinated Beth. It’s such a relief, but of course we’re still being extremely cautious. I’d love to see a mourning cloak.
I’m glad you’re able to get back to teaching yoga, Susie. Your Iris display is outstanding. Sorry about the pine pollen. Maybe I’ll try your video trick to capture the butterflies here – my efforts to catch still shots have been hopeless.
Thanks Kris. It feels an optimistic move to be back teaching yoga–and to start seeing butterflies again.
Such beautiful irises! I can’t wait to see mine again.
You must be so psyched to be back teaching again. We’re a ways from ‘normal’ but any progress is a good thing.
It’s encouraging to see the irises and be able to teach yoga again. We’re still being extremely cautious but yes, it is hopeful.
Luscious Irises. I have seen a Pearl Crescent in the garden maybe 2 or 3 times.
Thanks Jason! Did you view the Pearl Crescent this year 2-3 times. LIke many butterflies listed as commonly seen around here, I’ve only seen them a few times over the years. I haven’t always been focused on butterflies with interest in identifying them though until recently.
You have the most amazing irises, like you, I can never resist an iris and what a beautiful butterfly.
Happy to share the love of irises with you! Irises and zinnias used to be the main things I grew.
It is a beautiful spring of flowers and vaccinations.
Your irises are gorgeous Susie! Lovely butterfly too. 😃
Thanks, the butterfly or its cousin has been around several days now.
The big clump of Iris ‘Crimson King’ looks really striking – even to someone who doesn’t like iris very much! Good to hear you have been able to start your classes again
‘Crimson King’ has been a joyful view this spring. It’s never made such a statement. Thanks, starting yoga class again has been wonderful.
When will you be able to teach in person?