As I wrapped up some necessary gardening chores early this morning, I saw a newly emerged Pipevine Swallowtail, Battus philenor, resting near its former home, the shell of its chrysalis.
I should have dropped the pruning shears, wiped the brow, and grabbed my camera, but I didn’t. By the time I remembered that there was a photo worth getting, the butterfly was off to its adult business: its wings dry, its proboscis unfurled for nectaring, and the search of a mate a keen objective.
Every day, I pass by this seedling where the caterpillar made its home for a few weeks; I never noticed it. The chrysalises are such small, unobtrusive things, it’s easy to miss them in the lush of the garden. I’m not a scorched earth pruner, but when it’s hot and humid and I’ve had just about enough for one morning, it’s sometimes easy to forget the garden’s purpose. I guess the chrysalis isn’t the only thing hanging by a thread.
I’ve seen a Pipevine flitting in the garden today; I’m glad it was up and out in the early morning, shedding its temporary home for the wider world.
My Gardener Says... 
It’s the small things like that swallowtail, that make all the work and sweat worth gardening for. 🙂
LikeLike
You’re correct! And these little gifts are appreciated by those of us who sweat in the garden.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Good turn of phrase: “I guess the chrysalis isn’t the only thing hanging by a thread.”
More pictures are out there than we can ever take. We do what we can.
LikeLike
That’s for sure. And yet, I walk outside and always, ALWAYS, forget my camera. When will I learn??
LikeLike
You could put a reminder sign on the inside of your door, though after a while you’d probably get inured to the sign and no longer truly see it.
LikeLike
I’m sure there is plenty that we miss in the garden, but it is wondrous when we do see them. Maybe it is not so bad just to enjoy the moment and forget the camera.
LikeLike
I’m sure there are plenty eggs and chrysalises that we miss, as well as other interesting things. I’m with you, often I like to just observe and remember.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You would think that I might see a chrysalis or two, given the amount of time I spend outdoors, but I’ve never found one. I think one advantage of a garden is the ability to see the same patch of land on a daily basis and notice the little changes. On the other hand, I’m seeing butterflies galore now, which is a real delight. And caterpillars? Oh, my goodness. It seems to have been an extraordinarily good year for them!
LikeLike
I meant to share this post about some Canadian owl babies with you. One of my readers is getting out and about now that their spring has arrived, and she’s been thrilled with ‘her’ little ones.
LikeLike
Oh, thanks for the link. I’m always happy to see owlets: here or there or anywhere. I have heard my owlets and have seen some owls, but it’s usually too dark to tell if it’s parents or fledglings. At least two are alive!
LikeLiked by 1 person