No, this is not a butterfly convention, and, no, it is not a Photoshop composite. Butterflies gathering in large numbers to absorb minerals and salts from wet soil is called “puddling.” These were gathering on a muddy trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. My hiking buddies thought me a little weird squatting with my phone concentrating on the coming and goings of these beautiful insects.
As fall sets in, many of these fragile beauties will begin thousand-mile journeys far south to other countries. They will gather by millions through the winter before instinct drives the next generations north next summer.
Photographer Chris and painter Robin Rohwer each week share a painting or photograph that captured their interest in hopes that it will also capture yours. Their website is www.ChristopherRobinArts.com. All works are copyright protected.