Butterfly Archives - Mihaela Limberea

Favorite Photos: May 2026

4th June 2026 Mihaela Limberea

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This is post 45 of 45 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

A close-up portrait of a Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill is dramatically lit against a deep black background.The image features the head and upper neck of a Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, captured in sharp focus against an entirely black background, creating a sense of isolation and emphasizing the bird's striking features. The bird's head is angled upwards and to the right, with its distinctive large, curved, bright yellow bill being a prominent element. The bill shows some texture and color variation, with darker tips and some subtle orange hues. The eye of the hornbill is a vibrant yellow with a dark pupil, surrounded by a bright red, wrinkled patch of skin that extends down its face and neck. The feathers on its head and neck are a mix of dark grey, black, and white, appearing ruffled and textured, especially around the head. The lighting is dramatic, with a strong highlight on the bill and around the eye, and the rest of the bird's body and the background fading into deep shadow, creating a moody and almost theatrical atmosphere. There are no people or other animals in the frame. The mood is somewhat intense and intriguing due to the stark contrast, the detailed rendering of the bird's head, and the dark, empty background. — *Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill*, *Madikwe, South Africa*

Somehow, May has turned into safari month for us. This year, we started at Royal Madikwe, then visited Tswalu, and ended our trip in Cape Town. I began culling photos right after we got back (there were some amazing sightings everywhere), but garden work and other personal things have slowed me down.

That said, I did edit this one photo, I was really excited about it! When I took the shot, I already had some edits in mind and knew it would work well with my dark portraits series. I’m happy with how it looks now, though I might tweak it again later.

The Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill is affectionately nicknamed the ‘flying banana‘ due to its massive, curved yellow beak. Despite the bill’s size, it is surprisingly light because it is filled with a honeycomb-like structure of bone and air.

Here are some other interesting facts about this bird:

1. The bill is a precision tool. That bill is more than just eye-catching; the hornbill uses it like a pair of needle-nose pliers. The narrow tip plucks insects, seeds, and spiders off the ground or out of low vegetation, while serrated inner edges let it crush and break apart tougher items before swallowing.

2. The female seals herself inside the nest. After picking a nesting spot, the female seals herself in, closing the entrance with her own droppings until only a narrow slit remains. She stays inside to incubate the eggs for 24 to 25 days, while the male brings her food through the small opening. Later the chicks reseal the entrance themselves and stay inside for another 40-odd days as both parents feed them. It’s a fortress that keeps predators out almost entirely.

3. It hires a mongoose security team. Yellow-billed hornbills form a real working partnership with dwarf mongooses. They forage together: the mongooses scratch and dig through the ground, flushing out insects that the hornbills snap up, and in return the birds sound the alarm when a raptor appears, sending their mongoose buddies dashing for cover. The birds are so reliable that they sometimes arrive at the den in the morning and call down to wake their partners.

4. The chicks hatch on a staggered schedule. Because the female starts incubating before the whole clutch is laid, the eggs hatch days apart, leaving a brood of different sizes and ages. First-hatched chicks grow faster and are more likely to survive, but the mother’s presence in the sealed nest matters: she feeds bill-to-bill and shares food more evenly, easing competition so the younger, smaller nestlings have a better chance.

5. Those eyelashes are real. Look closely at a hornbill’s eye and you’ll see what appear to be long, dark lashes. They are not hair; they are actually special feathers that help shade the eye and keep out sun and dust while the bird searches for food.

Isn’t Nature amazing?

A delicate male common blue butterfly rests on a vibrant Echinacea flower, creating a serene and magical scene. — *Male common blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) perched on an Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ flower*

This is an older photo that I had processed earlier. I was looking for another photo, came across this one, and didn’t like that edit. At all. So, I started again, and I’m now ridiculously happy with it. We’ll see what happens in a couple of years. Will I still love it then?

This was taken in my garden; it’s so convenient to just step outside and find something to photograph almost straight away!

A soft, ethereal image depicts a delicate white calla lily against a serene blue background. — *Calla lily, Lidingö, Sweden*

A single, ethereal white calla lily unfurls against a soft, hazy blue background. — *Calla lily, Lidingö, Sweden*

While hunting for the photo I mentioned earlier, I stumbled on another old picture I’d edited a couple of years ago. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to reprocess it. I didn’t like my old edit anymore, and I could already see in my head what it should look like.

I went ahead and edited it, but now I can’t decide which version I like best. It’s making me a little nuts! Usually, I have no trouble making decisions, so when I can’t choose, it really drives me crazy.

Which one do you prefer?

A Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) swims purposefully across warm, golden water, carrying a long stick in its beak. — *Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), Lidingö, Sweden*

I took this photo of a Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) on a cold April morning near my house. I really liked watching it swim across the lake to its nest, carrying that big branch.

I wanted to take a break from sharing photos of Australia and Africa for a bit (sometimes you can have too much of a good thing), so I decided to focus on something closer to home.

📸 All photos were taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

To view all my favorite photos archive, click here.

Favorite Photos: April 2026

8th May 2026 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Butterfly Echinacea purpurea Giraffe Grebe Waterlily

This is post 44 of 45 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

The image shows a serene water scene focusing on a single white water lily with delicate petals and a vibrant yellow center. A small bee, its body striped with yellow and black, is perched on the center of the lily, actively engaged in collecting nectar. — *Water lily, Matlabas river, South Africa*

When Life hands you lemons… We were floating slowly on Matlabas River in South Africa, hoping to find hippos. We could hear them somewhere in the distance, and kept going, but never found any. We had to turn back eventually, empty handed, tail firmly tucked between our legs. Still, I had my camera, and the scenery was beautiful. Water lilies were blooming, and I found one just begging to be photographed.

I didn’t get any hippo photos that morning, but I did take lots of pictures of the landscape and flowers. This water lily, glowing in the sunlight, became one of my favorite photos from the trip.

This is a high-key close-up photograph of a giraffe making a funny face against a plain white background. — *Giraffe in High Key, Marakele National Park, South Africa*

Another round of lemons being handed out, during the same safari. Later that very same day, in fact. We left the river and went on a typical game drive, and hoped to spot lions we’d heard were in the area. No lions appeared.

We found a tower of giraffes eventually. (Don’t you like that name for a group of giraffes, tower?). It was late morning, the light was harsh, and the giraffes were busy eating, completely ignoring us. We hanged around for a while, hoping something interesting might happen, but this giraffe doing some tongue calisthenics was the only notable thing.

I did take a few photos, though, and I liked this one eventually, I think it works pretty well in high key.

The tongue of a giraffe is one of those details that feels almost invented when you first learn about it. But it’s all very real, and quite remarkable, really.

Here are some of the most interesting facts:

1. It’s incredibly long
A giraffe’s tongue can reach about 45–50 cm (18–20 inches). That length isn’t just for show; it allows them to reach deep into thorny branches to grab leaves other animals can’t reach.

2. It’s dark, almost black or purple
The tongue’s dark color is thought to help protect it from sunburn. Giraffes spend hours feeding in direct African sunlight, so this pigmentation likely reduces UV damage.

3. It’s prehensile (like a hand)
A giraffe can grasp, twist, and pull with its tongue. Combined with its flexible upper lip, it can delicately strip leaves from branches, even around sharp thorns.

4. Built for thorny meals
Giraffes commonly eat from acacia tree species. Their tongues and mouths are tough and covered in thick saliva, which helps protect them from cuts while navigating thorns.

5. Extremely strong and dexterous
Despite its softness, the tongue has powerful muscles. It can wrap around branches and pull leaves into the mouth with precision.

6. Surprisingly resistant to injury
Between the thick saliva and the tough surface of the tongue, giraffes can repeatedly eat spiky plants without obvious harm, something that would shred most other animals’ mouths.

7. It plays a role in cleaning
Giraffes can use their tongues to clean their noses and even their ears. It’s a slightly odd but very practical feature given their long necks.

The image features two great crested grebes swimming on a pale blue, calm body of water. The grebes are the primary subjects, positioned in the lower half of the frame. The grebe on the right is slightly larger and further back, facing towards the left and slightly away from the viewer. It has striking reddish-brown cheek tufts and a black crest on its head, characteristic of the species. Its plumage is a mix of brown, black, and white, with visible feather detail. The grebe on the left is closer to the viewer and positioned slightly forward and to the left of the other grebe. — *Great crested grebes, Lidingö, Sweden*

wo Great Crested Grebes are captured in a moment of interaction on the surface of calm water. The bird on the left is closer to the foreground and is looking to the left. It has its head held high, with its distinctive crest visible, and its beak is closed. Its body is positioned parallel to the water's surface. To the right and slightly further away is the second grebe. This bird's head is turned towards the bird on the left, and its beak is wide open, as if it is calling out or vocalizing. Its crest is also visible, though perhaps less prominent than the first bird's. The body of this grebe is also horizontal on the water. — *Great crested grebes, Lidingö, Sweden*

A great crested grebe pair (Podiceps cristatus) I photographed on a chilly April morning near my house. Living on an island with so many nature reserves and so much wildlife is something I really appreciate every single day.

The image is a close-up shot focusing on a single peacock butterfly resting on a bright pink coneflower (Echinacea). The butterfly, with its wings spread, displays the striking patterns characteristic of its species. — *Peacock butterfly on echinacea, Lidingö, Sweden*

Here’s a photo from my garden: a peacock butterfly (Aglais io) on echinacea (Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus).

I love my garden because it attracts so much diverse wildlife that I hardly need to leave home to have something to photograph. Most flowers and bushes are pollinator-friendly; trees and shrubs provide shelter and food to birds and small animals, and several bird baths, in various sizes and depth, provide water to all creatures.

📸 All photos were taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

To view all my favorite photos archive, click here.

My 2025 Favorite Photos

16th December 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Baboon Butterfly Cheetah Darter Dragonfly Echinacea purpurea Favorite Photos Grebe Lion

This is post 39 of 45 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s only natural to pause, pour a cup of something warm, and reflect on the whirlwind of the past year. Let’s dive in together, shall we?

This photo showcases two cheetah brothers (Acinonyx jubatus) in a misty morning setting. The sleek felines, with their spotted coats faintly visible through the fog, stand side by side on a grassy plain, their slender bodies poised with alertness. The soft, diffused light of pre-dawn casts a gentle glow on their faces, highlighting their intense eyes and tear-marked cheeks. The background fades into a hazy blend of grey and green, with the mist creating an ethereal, mysterious atmosphere around the pair.

Two cheetah brothers (Acinonyx jubatus), photographed early in the morning, before the sun was up, and the morning mist still hung in the air, creating an eerie atmosphere.

The brothers were out patrolling their territory and stood still for a few minutes, checking their surroundings.

🐈 Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

The photo shows a Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata), a dragonfly perched on a slender stem against a soft blue sky. Its wings are transparent with intricate vein patterns, and it has a striking body with a mix of orange and brown hues, accented by dark spots near the base of its wings, characteristic of the species.

Four-spotted Chaser, a dragonfly so called because of the four dark spots on its wings, two on each forewing.

I photographed it at a lake near our house, an excellent spot for finding butterflies and dragonflies this time of year. I find myself returning to it in every season, as there is always something to photograph: squirrels, foxes, jays, woodpeckers, birds of prey, small birds, insects, and flowers.

Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Trolldalen, Lidingö, Sweden

A mating pair of Ruddy darters (Sympetrum sanguineum) in a serene, symmetrical composition above calm water. The male, with its vibrant red abdomen and translucent wings, clasps the female in the characteristic "wheel" position, their bodies aligned vertically against a soft blue sky. The reflection below mirrors them perfectly, creating an illusion of infinite extension and adding a poetic balance to the scene. Tiny dew-like sparkles glisten on their wings, caught by the gentle morning light, while the minimalistic background emphasizes their delicate forms and the intimate beauty of this natural moment.

A pair of mating ruddy darters that I photographed at the small lake near our house, the same spot where I had photographed the four-spotted chaser. This dragonfly is a common species in Sweden, especially in the southern part of the country.

This was the first time I photographed dragonflies in flight. Dragonflies in flight are difficult to capture due to their speed and unpredictable movement. But hey, the more difficult the tasks, the more rewarding the results! I’m very pleased with this photo, even though I had to take several hundred photos to get the one I wanted.

Ruddy darters (Sympetrum sanguineum)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Trolldalen, Lidingö, Sweden

This photo shows a common blue butterfly male (Polyommatus icarus) perched delicately on an Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus flower in a garden. The butterfly, with its vibrant orange and black wings spread slightly, contrasts beautifully against the flower’s large, daisy-like pink-purple petals and prominent coppery-orange center. The morning light filters through the mist, casting a soft glow on the butterfly’s intricate wing patterns and the flower’s velvety texture. The background is a gentle blur of green foliage and other blooms, enhancing the serene and delicate beauty of this early autumn garden moment.

A male common blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) perched on an Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ flower in our garden. This is what I love about our house: a wildlife garden filled with insects, butterflies, small and not-so-small animals (deer love my flowers, too!), and numerous birds! I need only to step out to find something to photograph!

🦋 Male common blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lidingö, Sweden

Australasian grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae)

An Australasian grebe calling for its young on a foggy morning on Kangaroo Island. It was 6:30 am, and the sun was not up yet. On my way to another location, I spotted this grebe family serenely floating on a small pond, shrouded in the waves of fog.

I stopped for a few minutes to take several photos, and this one became one of my absolute favorites from that trip.

🦆 Australasian grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Kangaroo Island, South Australia

This is a new edit of a lion portrait I worked on a few months ago. While I was initially pleased with the first version, the idea of making a more dramatic edit kept coming to mind—I just couldn’t let it go! So, I decided to re-process the image, and I’m really happy with the final result.

🦁 Lion (Panthera leo)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

This photo depicts a young lioness in the midst of a hunt on a sunlit savanna. Her lean, muscular frame is poised low to the ground, with her coat blending into the dry grass as she stalks prey. Her eyes are intensely focused, ears slightly back, and her mouth is open, revealing sharp teeth.

A young lioness on the prowl, stalking a giraffe under the midday sun. The hunt is on.

High-key edits aren’t usually my style, but this scene demanded it. Harsh light, a bright background, and the lioness in the shade called for a bold, high-key approach to capture the moment’s intensity.

🦁 Lion (Panthera leo)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

Chacma baboon, also known as a Cape baboon, photographed at the Marataba Mountain Lodge. The baboon’s position inspired a low-key processing approach, and I love the result..

🐒 Chacma baboon (Papio ursinus)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Marataba Game Reserve, South Africa

This photo features a lynx standing alert in a misty forest clearing. The lynx’s thick, tawny fur, speckled with dark spots, glows softly under the overcast morning light, its tufted ears perked. Its piercing amber eyes gaze intently ahead, framed by a subtle facial ruff. The background is a gentle blur of pine trees and green foliage, the mist lending an ethereal quality that enhances the wild, majestic presence of this elusive feline in its natural habitat.

A young Lynx male from our trip to Northern Sweden. Isn’t he gorgeous?

🐈 European Lynx (Lynx lynx)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Järvsö, Sweden

This photo of a male cheetah on patrol didn’t get much attention online, but I love it for the memories it brings back. The image itself is unremarkable, but that morning was unforgettable: golden light poured over the savanna, the sky was blue, and distant bird calls filled the air. We spent over an hour following three cheetah brothers on foot, which was no small task since cheetahs move so quickly!

🐈 Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

This year’s Halloween card, I love it!

🐿 Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lidingö, Sweden

A striking portrait of a female Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx), captured in a snowy environment. The lynx's face is prominently featured, showcasing its thick, spotted fur in shades of brown and gray, with tufted ears and piercing yellow eyes that exude a wild intensity. Light snowflakes are falling around it, adding to the wintry atmosphere, while the soft, blurred white background enhances the focus on the lynx's detailed facial features and expression.

Another lynx photo, this time from our February trip to Northern Sweden.

🐈 European Lynx (Lynx lynx)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Järvsö, Sweden

A red squirrel with a silver party hat on and holding a champagne glass in its paw

I hope you enjoyed looking at the photos. Here’s to more, better images to come in 2026! Cheers!

I wish you a very, very Happy New Year! Gott Nytt År as we say in Swedish.

Click here to see all my favorite photos during the years.

How to Help Wildlife in Your Garden During Winter

28th October 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Garden Wildlife

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Aster Butterfly Squirrel

As the days get shorter and colder, many animals looking for a warm place to spend the winter. I love helping them survive the cold season with a few simple steps.

I always leave the leaves. A pile of leaves in my yard has become a favorite winter habitat for hedgehogs, insects, and more. For instance, queens of bumblebee species often burrow into this layer, emerging in spring to restart their colonies. Frogs, beetles, and even certain butterfly species also benefit from these leaf piles, finding shelter to survive colder months. This makes leaf piles essential not only for shelter but also for the continuation of local ecosystems.

I also like making shelters for wildlife. Sometimes I build hedgehog houses or insect hotels, or I just leave a wild corner in the garden. These spots really help small creatures find safety during the cold months. Here’s a simple way to make a basic hedgehog house: take a wooden box or crate, cut a small hole for an entrance, and place it in a quiet corner of your garden. Cover it with leaves or soil for added insulation and to blend it with the surroundings. For an insect hotel, bundle together hollow stems or tubes and stack them in a wooden frame, making sure to include a variety of sizes to accommodate different insects. By providing these simple shelters, you can support the local wildlife even in colder months.

*Small tortoiseshell butterfly on aster*

I also like to keep flowering plants in my garden. Incorporating hardy native plants, such as goldenrods and asters, provides late-season support for local wildlife. These resilient species not only bring color through autumn frosts but also sustain insects and butterfly caterpillars with food and shelter as it gets colder. To help you choose the best options for their local wildlife and climate, I recommend looking into native plant species specific to your region. By choosing plants native to the area, my garden thrives and contributes to a biodiversity-friendly landscape.

A red squirrel with a hazelnut in its mouth peeking out of a bird house — *Not only birds at the bird feeder* 😊

Every autumn, I make sure to put out food for the birds in my garden. I find that fat-rich foods and grains are especially helpful for the birds that visit my garden during the cold months. To minimize predator risk, I top up the feeders at dawn and place them near dense shrubs, allowing birds (and squirrels 😍) to quickly dart to safety.

Close-uo photo of a red squirrel drinking water

I never forget about water, either. Animals near me need fresh water during autumn and winter, so I always keep an easily accessible water source for them when ponds and streams freeze. To prevent the water from freezing, consider using a heated birdbath or placing a floating object, such as a small ball, in the water. This will keep the surface moving and help prevent it from freezing over. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure the animals have access to water throughout the winter.

With a few small gestures in my own backyard, I’ve seen how much of a difference it can make. My garden has become my retreat, and I love knowing it’s also a haven for many animals.

What about you? This fall, I’m working on making my yard a safe haven for animals as usually, and I’d love to hear your ideas on how you contribute to this cause. What winter bird calls or rustling leaf shelters have you noticed lately in your own garden or neighborhood? How do these sensory experiences inspire your efforts to help animals this season? Please share in the comments and inspire others.

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Favorite Photos: September 2025

9th October 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Butterfly Cheetah Dragonfly Favorite Photos Insects Ladybug Lynx Safari South Africa Stewart Wood Sweden

This is post 36 of 45 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

The photo features a mating pair of Ruddy darters (Sympetrum sanguineum) in a serene, symmetrical composition above calm water. The male, with its vibrant red abdomen and translucent wings, clasps the female in the characteristic "wheel" position, their bodies aligned vertically against a soft blue sky. The reflection below mirrors them perfectly, creating an illusion of infinite extension and adding a poetic balance to the scene. Tiny dew-like sparkles glisten on their wings, caught by the gentle morning light, while the minimalistic background emphasizes their delicate forms and the intimate beauty of this natural moment.

A pair of mating ruddy darters (Sympetrum sanguineum) that I photographed at the small lake near our house, the same spot where I had photographed the four-spotted chaser last month.

These darters are small dragonflies native to Europe and parts of Asia, renowned for the males’ striking red abdomen that intensifies with age, making them a vivid sight in late summer. This dragonfly is a common species in Sweden, especially in the southern part of the country.

Trying to photograph dragonflies in flight for the first time was challenging but rewarding. The thrill came from capturing those few “perfect” moments, making the effort worthwhile.

Dragonflies in flight are difficult to capture due to their speed and unpredictable movement. I discovered that holding down the shutter once in focus increases your chances of sharp, well-composed shots, even if it means taking hundreds of photos to get a few great ones.

Use the same settings as for small birds: animal tracking with a high shutter speed (at least 1/2.500 or 1/4.000 in good light). Animal tracking works incredibly well, especially on a clean background such as the sky or the water.

My gear and settings for this photo:

Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM @500mm

Aperture = f8 Shutter Speed = 1/4.000 ISO = Auto ISO (3.200 for this photo)

Drive = High Speed Continous

Steward Wood has a very good video about photographing flying dragonflies, I watched it just before I went out to the lake and it was very helpful, I recommend it if you want to try your hand at flying bugs.

Common blue males typically have wings that are blue above, with a black-brown border and a white fringe, similar to the one in my photo. The females are usually brown above with a blue dusting and orange spots.

These butterflies drink nectar from plants like clovers and bird’s-foot trefoil. Their caterpillars eat leguminous plants and even team up with ants for protection. The adults only live about three weeks, and the males often chase each other around to defend their territory.

This photo features a ladybug perched delicately on an Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus flower. The ladybug’s vibrant red wings, dotted with black spots, stand out against the flower’s large, pink-purple petals and coppery-orange center, which are kissed by the afternoon light filtering through a gentle mist. The insect’s tiny legs grip the velvety petal, and its glossy shell reflects the soft glow, adding a touch of brilliance. The background is a soft blur of green foliage and other blooms, enhancing the serene and detailed beauty of this charming garden scene.

A ladybug perched delicately on an Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus flower – another photo from my garden.

Am I done with the safari photos? Not at all! But there’s too much of a good thing, you know. I needed a break from the hundreds of safari photos, to be honest. And the garden is so beautiful, I was aching to be out and look for butterflies, bumblebees, and ladybugs!

The photo features a lynx standing alert in a misty forest clearing. The lynx’s thick, tawny fur, speckled with dark spots, glows softly under the overcast morning light, its tufted ears perked. Its piercing amber eyes gaze intently ahead, framed by a subtle facial ruff, while its powerful legs are poised on the damp mossy ground. The background is a gentle blur of pine trees and green foliage, the mist lending an ethereal quality that enhances the wild, majestic presence of this elusive feline in its natural habitat.

A close-up photo of a lynx standing alert in a misty forest clearing. The lynx’s thick, tawny fur, speckled with dark spots, glows softly under the overcast morning light, its tufted ears perked. Its piercing amber eyes gaze intently ahead, framed by a subtle facial ruff.

A young European Lynx (Lynx lynx) male from our recent trip to Northern Sweden. I just finished culling those photos, so I haven’t processed many of them yet. However, I started working on this handsome fellow right away. I loved those eyes gazing right at you and wanted to begin working on the photo immediately.

Can you believe I shot this at ISO 10,000? It was late afternoon in the forest. The light was fading, and he was in the shade. The widest aperture on my Canon RF100-500mm lens is f/7.1, so to capture more light, I often have to use high ISOs. If the animal is not moving much, I’d lower the shutter speed a lot (think 1/100 or 1/200). However, this guy was moving too much, so my shutter speed was 1/640s. A noisy photo (grainy due to high ISO) is always preferable to a blurry one.

He stood like this for only a few seconds while I took my safety shots, then vanished before I could lower the shutter speed much more. In these cases, exposing to the right (ETTR) is key. ETTR refers to intentionally making an image brighter by adjusting exposure so that the histogram leans more toward the right side (the highlights), which helps retain more image data. Noise, or visual grain from high ISO, tends to be more visible in the darker areas of a photo, and it’s much easier to remove grain from a bright image than a dark one.

I used Lightroom Classic to reduce the noise in the image, and I think it looks pretty good. For the worst cases of noise, I usually use Topaz.

A male cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) patrolling its territory in the soft morning light, together with its two brothers (not in this photo). I was lucky enough to follow the three cheetah brothers on foot for over an hour in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve. That was no mean feat as it did require some cardio; cheetahs move fast, even when “only” walking.

Cheetah males form coalitions (usually of 2-3 littermate brothers) to establish and defend small territories (15-50 square miles/39-130 km²) within prey-rich areas. Living in coalitions rather than solitude enhances survival and mating success. In contrast, females range over much larger, nomadic territories, spanning up to 300 square miles (800 km²). Patrols by males involve daily circuits (6-11 km at 2.5-3.8 km/h) to monitor territory for intruders, prey, and potential mates.

During patrols, males mark boundaries at least once per hour using urine sprays, defecation, or cheek/chin rubbing, which conveys chemical signals about their identity and status; they revisit these sites frequently to reinforce claims. Vocalizations, such as high-pitched chirps, purrs, or growls, along with visual displays, help communicate and deter rivals. However, conflicts can escalate into fights over access to females or resources, sometimes resulting in injury or death. Coalitions rarely venture far from their core area except briefly to seek estrus females, prioritizing defense over expansion.

Young males leave their mother at 15-24 months and spend years as ‘floaters’ (roaming vast areas up to 1,600 km²) before gaining a territory, often as adults. This queuing strategy, combined with eventual coalition patrols, improves their chances against established groups. Patrols secure breeding rights and facilitate cooperative hunting, highlighting the cheetah’s distinctive, coalition-based social structure amid their decreasing wild population (~7,100).

📸 All photos were taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

Favorite Photos: July 2023

2nd August 2023 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Butterfly Dahlia Favorite Photos Flowers Järvsö Kangaroo Lensbaby Lensbaby Velvet 85 Lynx Sea

This is post 8 of 45 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

This is my favorite photo at the moment. I’ve finally bought a Lensbaby Velvet 85 lens, and I’m in love! This is the very first photo I’ve taken with it. It was meant as a test shot, and I didn’t have any expectations, Lensbabies using manual focus only thus a bit challenging, especially at large apertures – but look how gorgeous that Dahlia came out! Love, love, love it! I took a lot of photos yesterday but didn’t process them yet so, this one will have to do for now. Now I do have some expectations for the new photos, ha, ha!

Still life with a pink dahlia in a pink vase and two antique books

I’ve started experimenting with still-life photos and textures, which I quite like. I used my macro lens at f/2.8 for this photo and a couple of textures from 2 Lil’ Owls Studio. (Denise Love runs the studio, and her textures are gorgeous).

Close-up of a Dark Green Fritillary butterfly (Argynnis aglaja)

It’s butterfly and dragonfly season, and I’ve taken loads of photos. I didn’t have time to process any of them, save for this one, and that very quickly, mostly to test the new textures from 2 Lil’ Owls Studio. This is a dark green fritillary butterfly (Argynnis aglaja).

Portrait of a Kangaroo Island kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus) standing in a green field

Yep, I’m still processing Australia photos. I came home with 20 thousand photos. Even after brutal culling, I still have plenty of keepers to process. I found this funny Kangaroo Island kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus) at Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island (South Australia). I always dreamt of photographing one on the beach, but no luck. Yet.

Two Eurasian lynxes (Lynx lynx) laying together

Northern lynxes (Lynx lynx lynx) rest after playing hard for half an hour or so. I photographed them and many other animals and birds at the Nordic Wilderness Center in Järvsö, some 300km north of Stockholm.

Did you know that these mini tigers can purr just like domestic cats? How cute?

Bonus: the stunning shades of blue and green of the sea on Kangaroo Island. The colors are so vibrant and captivating, it’s hard to believe they’re even real! These photos only start to capture the beauty and majesty of the ocean. I hope they can make you feel like you’re right there, soaking it all in.

I hope you enjoyed these photos, there are more to come next month.

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Garden Life

22nd August 2020 Mihaela Limberea

Garden

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Bumblebee Butterfly Flora Flowers Insects Popular

Bumblebee on echinacea (Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus). www.limberea.com

Summer garden with lots of echinacea (Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus). www.limberea.com

All the hard work of the last four months has paid off (thank you, Covid-19, for the unexpected time off). The garden is lush and vibrating (literally) with insect life; as I’ve mentioned in a previous post, I planned the garden to attract wildlife.

Painted lady butterfly (Cynthia cardui) on echinacea (Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus).

Tortoise-shell butterfly (Aglais urticae) and bumblebee competing for the same echinacea flower. www.limberea.com

Tortoise-shell butterfly (Aglais urticae) and bumblebee competing for the same flower.

Tortoise-shell butterfly on aster (Aster amellus).

Painted lady butterfly in a sea of echinacea.

A bumblebee hard at work on a pink echinacea.

Peacock butterfly (Inachis io).

Bumblee on great masterwort (Astrantia major). Notice the raised leg, warning off other insects from the flower.

Two brimstone butterflies (Gonepteryx rhamni) have a meeting on a pink echinacea flower.

Two brimstone butterflies (Gonepteryx rhamni) have a meeting. Exchanging tips on best echinacea, maybe?

Painted lady butterfly (Cynthia cardui) on echinacea (Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus).

Now I’m off to the garden again, weeding, and deadheading, and watering, and, and, … work never stops in a garden. Or fun.

I hope you have a good summer, considering Covid-10 et al. Stay healthy, stay calm, and soldier on. And don’t forget to laugh.

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Hard-working Trio

31st July 2020 Mihaela Limberea

Garden

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Bumblebee Butterfly Echinacea purpurea Flora Flowers Insects Knautia macedonica Wildlife

Bumblebee on Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus on www.limberea.com. Photo © Mihaela Limberea. — All photos © Mihaela Limberea

Hard-working guy #1: bumblebee on Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus.

Bumblebee on Knautia macedonica var. Melton Pastels on www.limberea.com. Photo © Mihaela Limberea.

Hard-working guy #2: bumblebee on Knautia macedonica var. Melton Pastels.

Painted lady butterfly (Cynthia cardui)on Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus on www.limberea.com. Photo © Mihaela Limberea.

Hard-working guy #3: painted lady butterfly (Cynthia cardui) on Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus.

And for any languages nerd out there (that is, besides me): here‘s an interesting thread about hardworking vs. hard-working. Have a great weekend!

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Mihaela Limberea

Tag: Butterfly

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