Hmmm, is that a glimmer of hope on the horizon?
The weeks of COVID-19 lockdown are getting to us all. As the days grow warmer and the sun beckons us to step out and enjoy its warmth, our impatience grows. There is a glimmer of light, of hope, on the horizon that both tempts us and taunts us.
Once more I turn to my beloved winged wonders for a virtual release. Today I focus on the elusive and effusive Skippers – the tiny but energetic members of the butterfly family for which I have come to have a particular affection.
European Skipper
An accidental species. Introduced here a full century ago. As common as weeds in early July. But such an exquisite sense of where to perch to best effect.
Crossline Skipper
The name makes no sense. Unless it spreads its wings. Not often inclined to yield such a view. We take our pleasure where we can. The pale spotband and big brown eye are enough.
Delaware Skipper
At home in wet grassy habitats. Elegant in unmarked golden yellow on the outer wings. Just the hint of a fringed edge. Simple and common. But elegant in its own right.
Northern Cloudywing
Found of flowers and mud. Often found on the ground. Not a beauty in traditional terms. Clouded shades of brown. Triangular wing spots. Easy to miss. A delight to observe.
Common Roadside Skipper
Strangely misnamed. Found sparingly in woodland edges, openings and streamsides. Framed here by an arching grass stems that seem to bend in worship.
Wild Indigo Duskywing
Maddeningly difficult to distinguish from its duskywing cousins. Will not win any beauty contests. But here, against a blurry backdrop, display itself to full effect.
Beauty can be a contagion too. No social distancing here. Get up close and personal. It is allowed.
~ Now Available Online from Amazon, Chapters Indigo or Barnes & Noble: Hunting Muskie, Rites of Passage – Stories by Michael Robert Dyet
~ Michael Robert Dyet is also the author of Until the Deep Water Stills – An Internet-enhanced Novel which was a double winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Visit Michael’s website at www.mdyetmetaphor.com .
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Tags: butterflies · Common Roadside Skipper · COVID-19 · Crossline Skipper · Delaware Skipper · European Skipper · metaphor · Michael Robert Dyet · Northern Cloudywing · skippersNo Comments