Butterfly on a Beach Stone

A delicate butterfly perches on a sun-warmed stone. Its vibrant wings, adorned with intricate patterns of orange and black, contrast beautifully with the muted grays and browns of the rock. A capture of the delicate balance between nature's grandeur and the simple beauty found in the smallest of details.

I was welcomed with a visit of a "Butterflies Alive" event at the Natural History Museum in Santa Barbara. Also, my last project was about the ecology of butterflies: Butterfly}Pieris{Effect.

Tropical milkweed plant and monarch butterfly

Tropical milkweed is an introduced species often found in warmer climates. While it can offer a food source and attract monarchs, it poses some ecological challenges. Its year-round availability can disrupt the natural migratory patterns of monarchs by providing a constant source of food, which may lead to unhealthy breeding cycles and increase the risk of disease in monarch populations.

There are good resources on native plants available on the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden's website.

Lobster fin on a beach

Lobsters are marine crustaceans found primarily in the Atlantic Ocean, though some species also inhabit the Pacific. Known for their hard exoskeletons and long, segmented bodies, lobsters are prized both commercially and culinarily. They have five pairs of legs, with the first pair often developing into large, prominent claws used for defense and catching prey. Lobsters are scavengers, feeding on a variety of marine organisms.

Shell pile on a log on the beach

Shell piles offer a glimpse into the diverse marine life that once inhabited the area and provide a valuable resource for beachcombers and artists. Additionally, shell piles play a role in coastal ecosystems, as they can serve as habitats for small marine creatures and contribute to the formation of new beach dunes.

Crab and neon green seaweed in a beach circle

Together, the crab and seaweed within the Zen circle create a simple yet profound scene of natural balance and quietude, inviting contemplation and appreciation of the fleeting beauty found in nature’s small, harmonious moments.

Created at the Art+Science residency at NCEAS (National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis)