The One That Got Away
We've had some cloudy days lately, and this has been very disappointing for Tsuga, who, when the sun shines, is much more curious about butterfly shadows than the uninspiring creatures that create them. Yesterday, I noticed for the first time, he was paying close attention to the insect itself--especially those that congregate on the road or bare patches of ground to lap up the salts.
If I had had my camera, and if it had been set for rapid shooting of three frames per second, I would have a prize-winning sequence of shots for you this morning.
Tsuga persisted until he caught a large spicebush swallowtail. The way he was holding his mouth, it was obvious he was "hiding" something as he walked around proudly but with some guilt, like he does when he finds a bread-bag twist-tie or dryer-paper inside the house.
"Drop it!" I scolded. He did. And out of his mouth flaps the butterfly. Reflexively, he leapt to catch it again.
"Drop it!" and there was yet another opportunity to capture the butterfly flapping to freedom from this large dog's wet mouth.
However, I am sad to report that, after the second release and recapture, third time was not charm, but rather death by dog spit.
Comments
So Tsuga has finally graduated from butterfly shadows to the real thing? Well, the butterflies are probably none too pleased with this development, although I'm sure Tsuga is completely enamored of the thrill of the chase. Funny how they can get that "Oh no, nothing going on here" look that gives them away every time!
Posted by: ntexas99 | August 12, 2004 2:03 PM
What a horrible way to go! UGH!
Posted by: Clarence | August 12, 2004 8:22 PM
Nice picture of Tsuga & the butterfly- the butterfly looks like a tiger swallowtail- I captured some pictures of a tiger swallowtail a few weeks ago- haven't seen it since..........We are having such cool weather in Missouri that I am not getting the Monarchs or Black swallowtails yet- last year at this time there were so many & I had a monarch larva spin it's chrysalis & it emergered on Aug. 18......still hoping that warmer weather will come & with it the butterflies!!
Posted by: Dottie | August 12, 2004 9:33 PM
Nice picture of Tsuga & the butterfly- the butterfly looks like a tiger swallowtail- I captured some pictures of a tiger swallowtail a few weeks ago- haven't seen it since..........We are having such cool weather in Missouri that I am not getting the Monarchs or Black swallowtails yet- last year at this time there were so many & I had a monarch larva spin it's chrysalis & it emergered on Aug. 18......still hoping that warmer weather will come & with it the butterflies!!
Posted by: Dottie | August 12, 2004 9:33 PM
Sorry about the double post- every time I try to post a comment to you I get the message that there is an offensive error & "please try to correct it"....not sure what that means as I never write anything that could be construed to be offensive!!
Posted by: Dottie | August 12, 2004 9:36 PM