Butterfly Ballet

Today's post is provided solely for your enjoyment.  To me, it would be hard to come up with a better physical example of 'joy' than a butterfly.  So, today, if you are needing a 'lift', I hope you will find one here.

A secondary title for this post could be, "If you plant zinnias, they will come".   (Or perhaps, "I spent a lot of time in my garden taking these photos and I need to justify that it wasn't wasted"!)

Now, on to the "Butterfly Ballet".

First, a brief introduction.  The main characters are Monarch butterflies, with cameo appearances by a couple of other butterflies and a bee.  The plot... well, there really isn't one!  The music in the background (you will have to use your imagination, but think of gently rustling leaves in the distance and a slightly louder, occasional buzzing of bees.  The temperature is pleasant and the sun is warm on our backs.

Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show... (cue music)

The action begins with the overture-- five ballerinas were in the garden but I only managed to capture three together in photos.  Not sure which is the prima ballerina...perhaps this one?

She does have a lovely way of moving.

The next dance is a pas de duex.  These two start out surrounded by flowers, and then do a little showing off on the top of two nearby zinnias.

 Now, there seems to be a little tension in the garden...

Who does this fritillary think she is?

But our prima dona is not disturbed and keeps right on doing what she is doing!

The fritillary flies off to find her own flower, and all is well again.

 At least for the moment!!!

Dunt, dunt, dunt... DA...

Phew, that was a close call.  Mr. Bumble also went on about his business of pollination.

Now, it's time for the solo dance of our prima ballerina. Wait, who is THAT to the right of our star?

A lovely female Black Swallowtail joins in the dance!

There are enough flowers for everyone.

The End.

Now is usually the time for the curtain call, but butterflies are actually somewhat shy.  The best I could do was get this one to come in for a landing.

Now, our cast is all off doing what butterflies do best... flying away!