Going through some of my long forgotten photos, I came across this remarkable creature, a white peacock. Back in the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Archduke Ferdinand of Hapsburg built a castle on Lokrum Island, a short distance south of the walled city of Dubrovnik in Croatia. The island belonged to his wife, Archduchess Charlotte of Austria but was part of her dowry. 

 Ferdinand had an interest in tropical and subtropical plants with which he populated his gardens. But he also was attracted to peacocks, which amble freely around the island. (Naturally there were also peahens.) The peacock was was displaying his full regalia. How could any respectable hen resist! 

 

 Look for him in the Birds portfolio.

 

 

 

I’ve been planting flowers beneficial to butterflies and birds. The butterflies especially love the Milkweed Incarnata and the Joe Pie, which grow in the moist soil below my frog pond.  Now, when I go outside there are butterflies  butterflies everywhere. One has had a misfortune, however. Something has taken a bite out of his/her wing. Then, using a macro or closeup lens, I got this ferocious insect staring at me.

You can find these in the Small Things portfolio

 

 

 

 

Butterfly

Butterfly