Red Admiral Butterfly nectaring on Wax Currant, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahRed Admiral Butterfly nectaring on Wax Currant – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

While I photographed male Broad-tailed Hummingbirds a few days ago in the West Desert I also took a few moments to photograph some of the butterflies nectaring on the blooms of the Wax Currant bush which included Red Admiral butterflies. When the hummingbirds disappeared from my view I felt that I could focus on “other things with wings” because they were close, beautiful and the setting with the currant blossoms was appealing to my eyes.

Top view of a Red Admiral Butterfly on a Wax Currant, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahTop view of a Red Admiral Butterfly on a Wax Currant – Nikon D500, f10, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

This top view of a Red Admiral shows the striking wing patterns these butterflies are known for. This adult was less faded than the adult in the photo above and I’m glad it it posed for a few seconds with its wings nearly wide open.

These photos were taken within the boundaries of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, I’m very grateful to have access to so much public land here in northern Utah.

One year ago my mother and I spent the morning up in the Wasatch Mountains looking for birds and celebrating her birthday. Even though we aren’t together this year I just want to say Happy Birthday Mom!

Life is good.

Mia

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