Butterfly World, South Florida. DUW

[Mindibun]

This has got to be one of the most beautiful places in the state, and I am fortunate enough to live about 15 minutes from it. I spent the day there today because things have been very rough in my life lately, and I needed to slow down. This was just what the doctor ordered.

The photos will be slightly pixellated because they have been through multiple resizing programs. These are originally HUGE photos.

I'll start with the slightly more boring photos: the plants.








The next photo is a Military Macaw. This guy was trouble with a capital T. He liked me (a LOT) for some reason, and climbed off his perch, onto the ground, over a plastic fence, over a wooden fence, and up onto the railing to sit next to me! His trainer was freaking out. He came running over and warned me to stay back. I just laughed, the bird had no intention of hurting me. I said, "This is what I do for a living. I handle large birds like this. He's fine, I promise." The trainer put him back onto his perch, but after the trainer left, the stinker did it again! I wrestled with him on the floor and shared an ice cube with him. He danced and whistled and everything, what a hoot! Everyone was laughing at us as if they thought we were putting on a show. It was great. Here's Mr. Mischief:



Another, much smaller bird:




And, without further ado, the BUTTERFLIES:







Caught one emerging from its cocoon:






















And, finally, one of my favorite shots of the entire day. I felt very inspired by this particular butterfly:





I know my stuff isn't as good as Andrew's , and I know I probably don't need to say it, but just in case...

I like my photography. Please don't steal it.

[Patrick Long]

ooooohh god, beautiful!!!!!!!!!!11


STOLEN!!!!!!!!!! J/K J/K

[Nate]

Incredible pictures!

[Mindibun]

ooooohh god, beautiful!!!!!!!!!!11


STOLEN!!!!!!!!!! J/K J/K

I would hunt you down and put my attack bird on you.

He's very vicious. My whole family is afraid of him.

[python.princess]

very nice! i liked the white one the best!

[Sunny1]

Awww!! Such awesome pics!!! They were all great!!

And the macaw sounded like a riot!!!

Looks like you had a great time!! Thanks for sharing!

[Patrick Long]

deal, i surrender

[Icatsme]

Wonderful pictures! I have to agree Butterfly World is gorgeous.

[starmom]

Haylee (Is this your name? I love it!)
Your photography is amazing and I love this one best ^^^^^
I am so sorry that life's lessons are hard for you right now and yet look at the gorgeous artistry that has been born from your perceived suffering; simply gorgeous work! For you to compare with Andrew's and then compare harshly, speaks to the problems you are experiencing. Let me help: Your photos are wonderful and it is unwise to compare since art is very unique to both the artist and the viewer.
Haylee, thank you so much for sharing the beauty you discovered in spite of your pain (because of your pain?) Learn what you need to learn and grow from it.
{{{}}}

[jknudson]

Your poi looks like a hoot! My favorite of all of those pictures!