Swallowtails - Giant & Tiger

During my absence from blogging, there were still occasions when I was able to take the camera into the back yard, or round about our locale.

In early August, Giant Swallowtails again came to our butterfly garden for feeding. This is the third year running that they have been in the garden. The large size brings immediate attention to their presence. They are a "new" species to Vermont,. The photos were taken August 6.

Giant Swallowtail

Giant Swallowtail

Giant Swallowtail

Tiger Swallowtails love the cone flowers and lillies and are common visitors. Photos taken July 29.

Tiger Swallowtail

Tiger Swallowtail

Tiger Swallowtail

And just for a chance of pace, an Atlantis Fritillary, probably the most common butterfly in the garden this summer.

Atlantis Fritillary

Hope you are enjoying the end of summer!

Giant Swallowtail

Last summer there was considerable excitement when an uncommon Giant Swallowtail butterfly (uncommon for southeastern Vermont) was cited around Windham County.

With the interest the sighting generated, I am delighted to report that the Giant Swallowtail is gracing some gardens again this summer. The species has been frequenting the phlox in my yard for the last two days. A few photos ...

More Butterfly Garden

From the Kaufman Guide on Butterflies" "the first sighting of [a Giant Swallowtail] never fails to dazzle the observer."

That was certainly the case when this Giant Swallowtail (uncommon in southern Vermont) appeared in the garden ...

Giant Swallowtail

Giant Swallowtail

Near the other end of the size scale, the garden has attracted Clouded Sulphur, Pearl Crescent, Common Wood-Nymph, and Common Ringlet. 

(Parenthetically, butterflies are still quite new to me, so some IDs are tentative. Please help out with misidentifications or tentative IDs.)

Clouded Sulphur

Clouded Sulphur

Pearl Crescent

Common Wood-Nymph - (?)

Common Ringlet