It Came In Through A Window

I know it is late in the season in a lot of places, but here in Florida it still feels like Summer or should I say a lighter form of Summer because we are down to mid-eighty degree days. A break from the heat filled days means sleeping with the windows open and gentle breezes late into the night. As usual, click each photo for a better view.

Yesterday a butterfly flew in and settled on a chair. She did not seem inclinded to leave and try as I might, I could not help it find a way back out. It was then I figured as long as I had a visitor I might as well take a picture.

Looking at the enlarged picture later in the day I realized what a magnificant thing a butterfly is. Watching them flutter through the foliage you grow to think of their wings as very much like bird's feathers. But, on closer inspection I discovered each wing is composed of very fine tiny hairs.

And then I thought about adding another just to illustrate the point.

I don't know how long my visitor will be able to last because time after time she refuses my help and will not leave. So I guess you could say the "dye" is cast, but now you have a view of my visitor too!

Butterfly Festival

I had almost talked myself out of going this weekend... But, after visiting the Butterfly Museum in Gainesville a year ago, when I heard there was a Butterfly Festival right here in Jacksonville I pushed myself to go!

There was plenty to see and experience, and I am certain some of the children who attended will never forget the experience. As usual click each photo for a better view.

First, there were the bubbles which were a big hit!

Followed by the Jacksonville Herpetology Society. The snakes were fun to watch and I am announcing that I actually touched one!

JLBO, whatever you do... do not watch this video! And YES, the snake is under his shirt.

There was even music from a harp player who was just setting up as I arrived.

But the undisputed hit of the festival was the Butterfly Encounter.

A trainer showed everyone how it was done and then the race was on...


There were those who were very direct,



those who used the gentle approach,

and those who were just happy to get a nibble from the first butterfly that came along. But pretty much if you were patient everyone got a chance to feed a butterfly.

It was a wonderful experience to watch and I felt pretty good as the Butterfly Lady waved goodbye.

The Butterfly Pre-quel

The response was so positive to "Butterflies Are Free" that I have borrowed from Star Wars and did a Pre-quel of pictures taken before the previous pictures and a small video.

Many of you seemed amazed that there is such a thing as a butterfly museum so I am displaying the poster on the outside of the building. It illustrates that there is actually science involved in maintaining the museum.

The Rainforest Museum is part of the Natural History Museum. Just before the rainforest entrance is this fossel and an artificial display of butterflies.

The display of butterflies leads you down what seems like a tunnel and over to the entrance. I felt like I was following winged bread crumbs.

Once inside the rainforest, there is always the cheeky tourist named Alex blocking your shot...












These zebra butterflies seemed more interested in hanging out with each other than diving for the easy meal of sugar found in the fruit and bananas put out by staff.

I loved this particular shot because it gives an indication of just how true to life the rainforest appears. This plant has grown up through a boulder.

And to finally share a bit of the degree of relaxation you experience I have included a short video. The sound of the flowing water and the sight of the butterflies almost forces you to slow down and just enjoy. And so, I hope you will...Enjoy!

Butterflies are Free

Thank you all for being so patient over this last week. I had a hectic time doing a number of seminars and the blogs have suffered as a result. But never fear... I am back on track and there is a wonderful treat in store. It all started with me reading an article in the New York Times about a rainforest museum in Gainesville, Florida.

Only in Florida

I showed Alex the article and he too was excited to make the trip and take some photos. But, he raised the issue that dare not speak it's name: The ordeal to get there. The trip from Jacksonville to Gainesville involves having to go through two small towns that have little source of revenue and "strictly enforce" the speed limit. Don't believe me? Check out the photo below.

It seems the speed limits were so "strictly enforced" that AAA paid for signs to warn travelors. We made it through ticket free and arrived at the rainforest museum full of anticipation. And, our anticipation was amply rewarded.

the Rainforest Museum

The moment you walk into the museum you are overwhelmed with the sight of a wall of examples of the butterflies you will encounter once you enter the rainforest. This picture does not do justice to the sight.

After viewing the hundreds and hundreds of butterflies you can't wait to get inside and see them first hand. You walk through the door and experience a blast of air which prevents the butterflies flying out and you are instantly transported into the rainforest...

Butterflies are everywhere and you feel yourself instantly calm. It is a beautiful sight.

In addition to the butterflies there are birds that inhabit the facility. I shot these guys having a late lunch.

The museum workers put out fruit and bananas for the butterflies and they willingly fly from station to station to grab a bite of sugar.

And, it is not just the butterflies that are strange and wonderful but also the foliage. Flowers and many unusual trees are abundant.

One I found particularly unusual is this thorn tree. I never was able to find the official name for it but learned it occurs in parts of South America and Asia.


It was so fearsome I took a close up to give you an idea of just how sharp the thorns are.

But back to the butterflies

There were all kinds and I will just add a few more of the hundreds we saw...

We hated to leave but realized we once again had t0 endure the ordeal of those two cities that "strictly enforce" the speed limit on our trip back to Jacksonville. But, I hope these pictures have allowed you to enjoy the rainforest visit as much as we did.