We got home from the dog show to see that 4 of the 5 butterfly's had come out of their chrysalis. There was 1 out before we left but they had all become pupa's on the same day, so I was pretty sure they would all hatch that day.
In all the years we have been doing this (I think this was our 15th year) I have NEVER seen one actually hatch out. I noticed that there was just one left and wandered into the kitchen to put things away. Emily called me and said "Mom, this one's shaking. I think it's going to come out."
I went to look and sure enough - it hatched. It really was quite amazing.
We released them that afternoon.
It was kind of windy, so they didn't stick around much. I should have been more patient & waited until a day with no wind to let them go, but I didn't want to have to bother with getting them food.
It was kind of windy, so they didn't stick around much. I should have been more patient & waited until a day with no wind to let them go, but I didn't want to have to bother with getting them food.
Jacob went first. Look at those grubby "little boy" hands.
Emily's did stay on her finger a little longer.
Poor little Janie had two attempts - but both times they flew away as soon as Rick put it on her hand.
The fifth flew away before anyone held it.
Maybe we'll do a second batch later this summer. I'll be patient & we'll let them go on a still day.
The irony is, I want them to fly away. Far, far away - so they don't lay their eggs on my plants.
No caterpillars in my garden please.
3 comments:
Don't be too patient. We had such a cold spring and then Father's and Son's campout, so we had our butterflies for two or three days before releasing them. I was giving them the sugar water, but I think they were so ready to be out that they all took off immediately too.
I'm amazed that you do this each year. They are some lucky butterflies.
I love that you do that, the children must learn so much about nature.
xx
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