Butterfly
ˈbʌtəflʌɪ/
noun
a nectar-feeding insect with two pairs of large, typically brightly coloured wings that are covered with microscopic scales.
I have mentioned on the blog a couple of times recently how good the butterflies are this year in Normandy. A mild winter obviously benefited them and we have been witness to their dainty beauty all Spring and Summer. At the moment the greatest magnate for our winged friends at Eco-Gites of Lenault is the herb garden where the mint and marjoram are both in full flower. Not a day passes when I don't find 5 minutes just to sit down there and watch their antics.Tom is also very fond of butterflies and moths and a couple of years ago successfully hatched an Oak Eggar Moth from a caterpillar which he blogged about here. So when he saw all the butterflies in the herb garden he was fascinated ... and then announced he wanted to catch one. I have to say I felt his chances were slim but I had obviously not accounted for his calm approach, patience and sheer determination.
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| Calmly does it ... |
Several flew off long before his had got anywhere near them, others nearly landed and then suddenly one brave butterfly alighted gently on his finger and stayed long enough for Tom to get a real close up view of it and for me to snap this photo.
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| Tom with a Tortoiseshell Butterfly |
Then it was up and away and back to the more nutritious flowers for the Tortoiseshell butterfly that had briefly made friends with Tom. It may only have been a fleeting moment but it was very special and one Tom will not forget.
For other butterfly related posts you may want to read:
A Prickly Problem
Silent Sunday - July 27th
Butterflies Galore but no Ladybirds
Swallowtail Butterfly
Have you ever caught a butterfly or have you a butterfly story you would like to share?
I love butterflies, they are so pretty and dainty. We've had a lot of butterflies in the garden this year, including the cabbage white which is quite a pest! x #WotW
ReplyDeleteSame here - had to do a major caterpillar squash yesterday :(
DeleteButterflies are such fascinating little creatures,not to mention beautiful :-) we've just bought some caterpillars this week, i'm amazed by how fast they grow! #WotW
ReplyDeleteExciting - I hope they all hatch!
DeleteAh, well done to him. They are such beautiful creatures, and I've been enjoying watching them in our garden, too. Thanks for sharing with #WotW x
ReplyDeleteA pleasure!
DeleteAww! How lovely! I haven't seen many this year....They are such beautiful creatures x
ReplyDeleteWe have absolutely loads here ... but almost no ladybirds. Odd.
DeleteI love butterflies. So pretty and beautiful to watch.
ReplyDeleteWe took our daughters to a butterfly farm near Stratford when they were little and promptly had to leave when they went completely hysterical every time one flew anywhere near them!
Oh no - although those tropical ones can be really big!
DeleteWell done to Tom, he must have been very patient. It all sounds very idyllic sitting in the sun watching the butterflies flitting about - lovely. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is very beautiful here and the butterflies just make it more so!
DeleteIt does seem a good year for butterflies. It is amazing how patient children can be when they are determined. Taught mine to lure hoverflies and they were thrilled when they finally did it. Fabulous to interact with a totally wild beastie, whatever the size. #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteHe was certainly very pleased with his efforts! Glad I was able to get a photo too.
DeleteThats an amazing moment! And you captured it! I think he is sweet thats why the butterfly likes him. On a serious note I think the mini beasts knows and feels that he is not going to hurt him. Such a lovely moment =) #wotw
ReplyDeleteThat's probably very true Merlinda!
DeleteWow! He must have a really calm approach to get that close. Great pictures x
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youbabymemummy.com
He did although often he is anything but calm - great that he can be when he has to be!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous moment and a beautiful capture! We had a butterfly fly into our home the other week, flutter around at our bedroom window for a while, only to find her way out to then fly back in! hahahah! x
ReplyDeletehttp://www.superbusymum.net
LOL - we had a sparrow down the chimney today and then the silly thing did it again 5 minutes later!
DeleteWhat a lovely picture made me think of my childhood. My mum loved butterflies and grew lots of plants for them . Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI think we have so many as the verges and field edges are so full of wild flowers and grasses. And a mild winter probably helped swell numbers this year.
DeleteLovely butterfly... I never get to photograph a butterfly like this.. :P
ReplyDelete#letkidsbekids
It's very rare for me too!
DeleteWow this is fab, must be so lovely seeing them fluttering and frolicing about. Incredible that Tom got one to land his hand too, and long enough for you to get that gorgeous snap! Lovely post thanks for linking with #Letkidsbekids xx
ReplyDeleteHe was adamant he would get one where-as I doubted it. Glad it was me who was wrong!
Deleteawww wow that so beautiful and that you captured that moment on camera too :-)
ReplyDeletethanks for linking up with #MagicMoments
Thank you - on both counts!
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