My Labor Day sale has really taken off, but it ends tomorrow!
Use code LABOR2025 to take 30% off at checkout.
Support independent art and grab something meaningful while the offer lasts.
https://www.docellensnaturephotography.com
View “Grayced regal and assured” and others in my online gallery to use your code!
Labor Day is here, and I’m running a special offer to celebrate.
Take 30% off with code LABOR2025 when you shop my online gallery.
If you’ve been thinking about bringing something home, now’s the perfect time.
https://www.docellensnaturephotography.com
Today’s Art: “Grayced eye reflection”
We are all familiar with a ruby-throated hummingbird … as it dashes madly about and the whir of its wings is quite distinct. There is another hummer at Jordan Lake and that is the hummingbird moth. You have to get pretty close to the moth to realize it is an insect and not a bird! I managed to catch both of these critters in the past couple of weeks and so wanted to share them with you. Enjoy their beauty and their zipping sipping flight! Moncure, NC, July 2025
Jordan Lake. This red-spotted admiral butterfly is mud puddling. It is lapping up various minerals, salts and amino acids that it needs in order to have a balanced diet. I find it absolutely fascinating that some butterflies which we associate with flying and floating between flowers actually spend time on the ground getting some of their nutrients.
Jordan Lake. This tiny eastern tailed-blue butterfly – about 1″ long – is showing the wear and tear of it’s daily life. The tattered wings probably came about because a bird or an insect like a praying mantis attacked and because the wings are fragile they tattered instead of allowing the butterfly to become captured. I see many butterflies, dragonflies and moths ragged like this and they fly just fine.
Jordan Lake. The eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly often gathers in large masses to feed upon the salt found in various muds. The salt is believed to be needed for reproduction. It is an awesome sight to see that many butterflies piled up in one place! Did you see the one butterfly get flattened and then jump right back up?
doc ellen's journey 