Bonnie Rannald's Photo-Explorations in focus with nature. : November 2013

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Southern Butterfly Migrations in the Great Basin

Autumn Flight of Painted Ladies and Pygmy Blues

Autumn 2013 in the western portion of the Great Basin Desert has been very mild, following the record breaking heat of summer. The warm days and cool nights have extended the growing season well into November, which is very unusual for this part of the U. S.

With so many flowers in bloom and the milder temperatures, I was beginning to fear that the Painted Lady butterflies were not going to show this year.

Suddenly, as if on cue and when the days were starting to cool, Painted Ladies, along with the tiny Western Pygmy Blue butterflies were both here in large numbers.

The numerous sightings of painted lady, Vanessa cardui butterflies must be due to the prolific blooms of Rabbitbush and other plants that provide nourishment en route for their southward migration to the wintering habitats.

The Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis) is the smallest butterfly in North America, with a wingspan of only one half inch (1.2 cm), it can easily go unnoticed.

Preferring the Saltbush as its host plant and the alkali soil, it's no wonder the Western Pygmy Blue thrives in such great numbers around Walker Lake.

What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences.

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"

Many of these images are available on my website:

http://www.bonnierannald.com/

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download.

All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Sugarloaf Mountain

Exploring Nevada's Violent Past

Lying within two deserts, the Mojave and Great Basin, Nevada is certainly a land of interesting contrast. The gentle streams that flow through rugged canyons create such a peaceful scene, but look closer and there are reminders of the violence that sculpted this amazing landscape.

On the drive to Carson City, my state's capitol is a departure back in time through Six Mile Canyon.

The mountainous two-lane road winds through cottonwood lined pull-outs with views of vivid lichen covered rocks.

Located directly east of historic Virginia City and rising 775 feet (236.22 m) above the landscape is Sugarloaf, a distinctive egg-shaped rock formation.

Sugarloaf has a very unique history due to it being a volcanic plug.

A volcanic plug or neck is formed when magma becomes trapped in a vent and hardens. This can lead to a violent explosion. Over time, erosion wears away the surrounding rock and the distinctive shape of the plug is revealed. The Devil's Tower in Wyoming and Little Devil's Postpile in Yosemite are examples of famous volcanic plugs in the U.S.

When the weather warms in the spring and the wildflowers bloom, I hope for a return visit to explore more of Sugarloaf Mountain and maybe get a view from the top.

For additional information:

http://www.vcnevada.com/history.htm

http://backyardtraveler.blogspot.com/2009/03/nevadas-roots-found-in-six-mile-canyon.html