Little miracles

Yesterday while outside playing with Alex I was checking out the Passion Vine growing up our telephone pole. That in itself is a miracle since Passion Vines typically like tropic conditions. I can only assume the bluebirds living above the vine in their bluebird house dropped seeds. Anyway, I noticed a bud and thought it might be on the verge of blooming. Sure enough, when I went back out an hour later it had fully blossomed.





Who knew it could open up so quickly? I am going to keep a close eye on the other buds and try to catch a sequence of pictures of the blooming in action.

While examining this beautiful and unique flower I noticed several of these caterpillars munching on the leaves. After a bit of research (i.e. googling....how did we ever find out about anything before google?) I discovered that they were the caterpillars of the Gulf Fritillary butterfly.





As I was sitting there snapping away a Gulf Fritillary butterfly came by. She fluttered all around me visiting the Passion Vine. I quickly realized what was going on. She was laying eggs! What an amazing opportunity to witness!! I sat there for a good 20 minutes watching.





Caught her mid-flutter. If you look right where her leg is pointing you can see where she had just placed an egg.


Taking a short rest.


An egg, so tiny!


I am so grateful to have witnessed something so unique and beautiful!