This is perfect. I’m forward it to all my Russian family, the ones still there and the ones in North America. Thank you for always somehow knowing what’s needed.
Learning that their original name was “Red Admirable” and not Admiral (why must we militarize everything?!). Years ago I also heard that the original name for butterfly was “flutterby”, is that true?
And to visualize them flying over war zones made me tearful 🥹 that spot of red beauty amongst so much bloodshed, breaks & makes my heart 💔❤️
Thanks, Sabrina. The origin of butterfly has long been subject to speculation. I'm still not sure we know. Yeah, flutterby is one of the hypotheses, but I haven't kept up with current thinking on its etymology. I'll see if I can catch up on that (but not before catching up on so much Substack reading, not the least of which includes Seven Senses! 🙏
Beautiful essay! The photo of the wing showed a brilliant myriad of colors that you aptly described! I appreciated the historical context provided as well!
There is so much to appreciate in this essay, including the discussion of the Red Admirals parallel to current world events. However, my favorite line in the whole essay is about Substack: "It’s as if we’re a thriving small town with a modest economy, nice parks, and good ideas." That's so true, and essays like yours are part of those good ideas.
This is an excellent essay, I love Red Admiral butterflies but had no idea about their connection with doom and gloom and I've never been able to see 1881 in their wings, though now I'll start specifically looking for that!
Beautiful breakfast reading - beats reading the news any day! I had no idea that red admirals are migratory… or how exquisite the underside of butterfly wings are. Thank you for helping me start the day on a bright note!
Am I allowed to keep calling them Red Admirables? I love that name. (And if we're being political, it brings to mind that now heavily baggaged antonym, Deplorables.) I've noticed a good number of Red Admirals this spring in my neck of eastern Ontario, but it hasn't felt as strong as the wave of 2012. I think that one came earlier as well, if memory serves? By now, the admirals are sharing the air with lots of little blues, yellow and black swallowtails and more than a few early arriving monarchs. They're all a delight.
I prefer Admirable as well. So does Bob Pyle. Same here on the other leps -- it's been a good spring so far. We'll have to watch for the next generation of those Red Admirables. Keep me posted from Ontario (my favorite province), Brian!
These are so beautiful ❤️ keep up the good work! Keep on inspiring 😎
Whoa, Bryan, you manage to get me warm and fuzzy inside time after time. Big hugs, thank yous, and Odin snuggles.
Back atcha, Micki!
Wow! Another beautiful essay. Thank you for this moment of respite, and for bringing our attention to butterfly light.
Thanks, MK. (Your box turtle is coming up soon on my reading list -- looking forward to it!)
You are a gift, as is your writing and connecting the dots for us. Thank you!
Thanks, John. You're my hero.
This is perfect. I’m forward it to all my Russian family, the ones still there and the ones in North America. Thank you for always somehow knowing what’s needed.
Maybe it's: свет бабочки (or so says Google Translate).
Looks right!
What an amazing species. Thanks for enlightening me!
Thank you so much for your essays and gorgeous photos. 😊 I'm especially grateful since I'm not financially able to become a paid subscriber. ♥️ ♥️
I'm grateful that you're here, Kate. And income shall never block folks from my essays or other offerings on Chasing Nature.
Loved every part of this 🦋
Learning that their original name was “Red Admirable” and not Admiral (why must we militarize everything?!). Years ago I also heard that the original name for butterfly was “flutterby”, is that true?
And to visualize them flying over war zones made me tearful 🥹 that spot of red beauty amongst so much bloodshed, breaks & makes my heart 💔❤️
Thanks, Sabrina. The origin of butterfly has long been subject to speculation. I'm still not sure we know. Yeah, flutterby is one of the hypotheses, but I haven't kept up with current thinking on its etymology. I'll see if I can catch up on that (but not before catching up on so much Substack reading, not the least of which includes Seven Senses! 🙏
Gorgeous creatures!
They are indeed!
Beautiful essay! The photo of the wing showed a brilliant myriad of colors that you aptly described! I appreciated the historical context provided as well!
They should be in your backyard as well! Hope to see you again soon!
That would be great! Btw how do I post a photo?
There is so much to appreciate in this essay, including the discussion of the Red Admirals parallel to current world events. However, my favorite line in the whole essay is about Substack: "It’s as if we’re a thriving small town with a modest economy, nice parks, and good ideas." That's so true, and essays like yours are part of those good ideas.
Thanks, Sarah. I really do feel that way about Substack and our readers. (I hope I'm not being naive. 😀)
This is an excellent essay, I love Red Admiral butterflies but had no idea about their connection with doom and gloom and I've never been able to see 1881 in their wings, though now I'll start specifically looking for that!
It really does take some doing to see the "1881." You can make out most of it in the top right image in the post. Thanks for writing, Juliet!
Fascinating, especially about waves of migrating butterflies. I remember them being common from childhood but not so much recently - must look harder!
I don't think the big wave is happening in Europe this year. But they do get up your way -- in lower numbers!
Beautiful breakfast reading - beats reading the news any day! I had no idea that red admirals are migratory… or how exquisite the underside of butterfly wings are. Thank you for helping me start the day on a bright note!
I'm avoiding daily news -- and going for longer reads, including here on Substack. In any event, yep, I'll take the butterfly news any time!
Am I allowed to keep calling them Red Admirables? I love that name. (And if we're being political, it brings to mind that now heavily baggaged antonym, Deplorables.) I've noticed a good number of Red Admirals this spring in my neck of eastern Ontario, but it hasn't felt as strong as the wave of 2012. I think that one came earlier as well, if memory serves? By now, the admirals are sharing the air with lots of little blues, yellow and black swallowtails and more than a few early arriving monarchs. They're all a delight.
I prefer Admirable as well. So does Bob Pyle. Same here on the other leps -- it's been a good spring so far. We'll have to watch for the next generation of those Red Admirables. Keep me posted from Ontario (my favorite province), Brian!
Seeing lots of Red Admirals here on the island. The underwing photo- so like a rich medieval tapestry!
Oh, perfect -- medieval tapestry. Love it! We need more vivid description like that. Thanks, Kathie!