When I was a kid, we used to have lots of Morning Cloak butterflies in our backyard. They may have been attracted to the pomegranate or orange tree blossoms, but they were frequent summer visitors, and they seemed to be quite friendly. I used to be able to raise my arm with my index finger pointing out, and if there was a butterfly nearby, it would land on my finger. I had completely forgotten about these delightful moments until recently.
Earlier this spring, a Morning Cloak butterfly found its way into the open greenhouse where I was working. I walked over to it and gently nudged my finger toward its front legs, and it hopped right on. I was able to carry it, sitting quietly on my finger, over to a co-worker about 40 feet away to show her how pretty it was. I called it my "St. Francis of Assisi trick." It had been 45 years since I had held a butterfly on my finger.
I was out watering the front garden on Sunday afternoon when this little beauty arrived and landed on the garden bench to sun itself. Moving slowly and carefully, I coaxed it up onto my right index finger. It was completely calm, and I was able to move it quite close to my face to look at it. It opened and closed its wings in a leisurely manner, displaying its beauty to my astonished eyes.
After a minute or two, the butterfly spotted one of the echinacea flowers nearby in the garden and fluttered off my hand to have a snack. I was able to retrieve my camera and take a photo.
I am... the Butterfly Whisperer.
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