I’m sure you’ve heard the debate before – Is a person’s behavior more influenced by nature or nurture? Well, I have no idea, but I do know that my own behavior improves immensely when nurtured by nature!
This morning, in need of some soul replenishing, I set aside my task list and took a stroll along the Chattahoochee River. While there, I encountered some lovely wildflowers…
…some sort of water snake that was resting right where my foot was about to land…
…a couple of young deer…
…and the mandatory Mallards.
It’s a good thing I caught them when I did, because as soon as I snapped the previous picture, they all settled in for some shut eye – literally!
The highlight of my outing was the beautiful butterflies I saw along the way.
This Viceroy (commonly mistaken for a Monarch) was basking on the rusty bridge rail.
This Red-spotted Purple (a member of the Admiral family) was also on the rail.
Apparently, butterflies need more than nectar for nourishment; they also need minerals. They will secrete saliva through their proboscis and then suck it back up along with the needed nutrients. The males especially need extra sodium for mating.
And speaking of mating…I came across this pair of Gulf Fritillaries engaged in that very process. I felt a bit like I was invading their privacy, but I couldn’t resist taking their picture. Besides, the covering of their wings made their union quite discreet.
There were also plenty of Swallowtails flying around. Here is a female Tiger Swallowtail of the darkened variety followed by a female with the more typical yellow with blue markings.
There were tons of butterflies hovering about this monstrous bush which I later learned is called Joe Pye Weed. I might just have to get me one of these plants! Here is a picture of the male and female together so you can see the difference.
And last, but not least, this Black Swallowtail posed just long enough for me to get a couple of shots. This is another that I rarely get to see.
Ah…all in all, a lovely day at a lovely place…and I promise to be on my loveliest behavior now that my soul has had a little nature nurturing!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Looks like you had a very refreshing and relaxing walk. You certainly saw some beautiful living things from nature.
Refreshing indeed!
Love the variety of butterflies you have there Kathy, especially the swallowtails. You had a similar snake experience to me, almost treading on a venomous snake, only i came out of it injured and with torn jeans after leaping over it as a reflex action landing on the ground with camera aright next to the snake. Thankfully it decided to leave.
I’ll bet that is an experience you won’t soon forget!
Amazing shots you got! So lovely.
If you’re ever in Georgia, you’ll have to take a stroll there, You would love it!
We really need to fill up our peace tanks regularly. Thx for sharing, Kathy. Gorgeous!!
For me, I have come to realize that God nourishes me through the Word He wrote and the world He made…if I neglect either, I start to sink! 🙂
I was just telling a friend that it’s taken me over 45 years to figure out what I need. And really, I’m still not there. But knowing this is so key. Kathy, it’s nice to know you always have free access to both of those things. 💛
What a great walk! So many butterflies — I’m jealous, but glad to see that there are some in your part of the country.
Sue – you would absolutely love this place!
Lovely butterflies! What a treat!
It really was a treat. I felt spoiled and indulgent in the best possible ways! 🙂
Those mallards looked like they were waiting for you…love all the butterflies. Brought back memories of chasing them with my net when I was 10.
What a beautiful day you had! I am envious of all your butterflies; all I’ve seen here are cabbage whites and Painted Ladies. 😦
In your first mallard photo, the gal in the center looks as if she’s relaying some especially juicy gossip tidbit and enjoying every second of the telling! 😉
Like you, I am nurtured by nature (A great phrase I am sure I will borrow from you. Many thanks. The pictures are great.
I can definitely tell from your posts that you too are one who is ministered to by the beauty of nature.
I really hope I can do some paintings of your beautiful butterflies – maybe this fall. Thank you so much for sharing your gift, Kathy! 😊
Beautiful images, trully inspiring.