Butterflies on the West Fork Trail
Hiking along the West Fork Trail in the Coconino National Forest in June was a nice break from the heat of Sedona’s red rock landscape. This trail winds up Oak Creek which streams down a long canyon which is both deep and narrow allowing it to provide shade through much of the day and creates a cool oasis to enjoy. I had some great landscape image opportunities during my walk which made it a great outing for me.
At one turn in the path, I came across a large flight of butterflies feeding at a large patch of wildflowers. The orange and black wings stood in sharp contrast to the flowers and the dark foliage.
My daughter loves butterflies and moths so I was happy to spend a few minutes to capture a few images she might like. One of many nice surprises along this casual path through the rocks.
Christopher Martin Photography 
Pingback: 2012 Favourite Landscape Photographs « Christopher Martin Photography
My field guide covers only Michigan, but… Aprhodite Fritillaries? Whatever – beautiful creatures, and great shots Chris.
September 29, 2012 at 3:55 pm
Thanks Sid – that works for me. I tried looking the name up but there are several that are quite close. Thought I would shy away from the taxonomy – I’m glad you were more persistent.
Cheers,
Chris
October 1, 2012 at 10:30 am
great shots, great colours!
September 29, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Wow, so many of them! I wonder if they were migrating?
September 29, 2012 at 8:53 am
Hi Sandy,
I wondered the same thing. With Sid identifying the type, Aphrodite Fritillary, I read that the pupa overwinter from fall until spring and then the final butterfly stage runs between mid-June and mid-September. I don’t think these ones migrate so I was lucky to find this flight during their short adulthood.
Cheers,
Chris
October 1, 2012 at 10:40 am
Those are real beauties!
September 28, 2012 at 8:26 pm