For the past week we’ve been spending some time at our little get-away in Arizona. It’s very relaxing here; we eat, we sleep, we tour around a bit, hubby golfs, I play with my camera.
On Friday we visited the beautiful 323 acre Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior. We spent over two hours exploring the desert and all the amazing plants and creatures that call it home.
I don’t know what this plant is, but it was a magnet to butterflies – there were dozens of them flitting around it and I was pretty lucky to capture three of them sitting still for a moment. I think they’re monarchs… but please correct me if I’m wrong! Did you notice the bees?
Update! TexWisGirl said she thinks these are Queen butterflies and I believe she is correct. Upon closer inspection, not only are these darker but they also have some spots on their bodies which I do not see in a Monarch. Thank you TexWisGirl!
It turned out to be quite the nice little hike (where some of us hid in the shade every chance we got).
Beautiful cactus, beautiful light…
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Lovely images, especially the butterflies, I don’t know the name of the plant either. Enjoy your stay, nice weather to enjoy the state.
i LOVE those cacti! and i think those might be queen butterflies. they’re a richer brown than monarchs.
Great pictures as usual, Barb!! Three butterflies and bees, too!!
What a whimsical photo of those bees & butterflies!
TexWisGirl is great. :)
What fun! And how grand for you to have this change of climate at this time of year. Enjoy!
lovely butterfly image- makes me feel peaceful… except for the bees :) great focus on the prickly cactus- ouch.
Stunning!
Oh I so wish I would have been able to come to Phoenix this Fall, it just didn’t work out. Love that image of the butterflies, and it looks like you had a grand adventure. Will have to put that place on my list when I return to Phoenix!! Enjoy your stay!
I think TexWisGirl is right that they are Queens. Monarchs have a lot more black veining on the top sides of their wings. Love this shot with three of them together! If you have a chance to get out to the Desert Botanical Gardens, their butterfly exhibit is full of Monarchs right now. The last time I was there (a couple of weeks ago) I took tons of shots in the butterfly exhibit and then as soon as I walked outside, there were several Queens flitting about! Enjoy your stay in our beautiful state!
Gorgeous butterflies and what a beautiful photo of cactus! Sounds like you’re enjoying your time in Arizona! Perfect weather there right now!
Beautiful buttelflies! Such a lovely capture … I admire those Photos of butterflies … whenever i try approaching some of them, they’re gone before I’ve focused the camera lens! Enjoy the warmth and sunshine :-)
What beautiful light and how great to have a get away….