Mating Blue-eyed Darner dragonflies in a marsh, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahMating Blue-eyed Darner dragonflies in a marsh

There are times when birds are slow to appear in my viewfinder that I look around for other subjects. Today I am sharing some of the dragonflies and butterflies I’ve found at Bear River MBR in the summer. They are other things with wings and I adore being able to photograph them during the warmer months of the year. All of these images were taken on September 12, 2017.

The first photo is of mating Blue-eyed Darner dragonflies (Rhionaeschna multicolor) that I found close to the edge of the auto tour route. This was the first time I have had this species of dragonfly mating and this close to me. As I recall I had to suppress a “whoop” when I found them.

Purplish Copper butterfly in the marsh at Bear River MBR, Box Elder County, UtahPurplish Copper butterfly in the marsh at Bear River MBR

Next up I photographed several Purplish Copper butterflies (Lycaena helloides) at the southwest corner of the auto tour loop in between photographing diving Forester’s Terns and feeding American White Pelicans.

Purplish Copper butterfly nectaring, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahPurplish Copper butterfly nectaring

These butterflies are tiny and I wish I had been able to get closer to them. Hopefully the next time I photograph them I will be able to exit my vehicle and get closer to them.

Clouded Sulphur nectaring on a Common Sunflower, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahClouded Sulphur nectaring on a Common Sunflower

Later in the morning I was able to photograph dozens of Clouded Sulphur butterflies (Colias philodice) nectaring on Common Sunflowers that were blooming next to the road.

Adult Clouded Sulphur butterfly in summer, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahAdult Clouded Sulphur butterfly in summer

The Clouded Sulphurs were moving around frequently and with so many in view it was hard to decide which one to have in my viewfinder.

Clouded Sulphur Butterfly at Bear River MBR, Box Elder County, UtahClouded Sulphur Butterfly at Bear River MBR

I appreciated the Clouded Sulphurs that came in close to me because I could see all the fine details in their scales.

Two Clouded Sulphur butterflies on a Common Sunflower, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahTwo Clouded Sulphur butterflies on a Common Sunflower

And when I could get two of the Clouded Sulphur butterflies in one frame I was more than thrilled and excited.

Even when birds are slow or too far way at the refuge there always seems to be something that catches my eyes and that I want in my viewfinder.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my insect and spider photos. Click here to see more of my flower, shrub and tree photos.

All images were taken with my Nikon D500 with the Nikkor 500mm VR lens and 1.4x TC attached.