We very nearly bumped into our Nature Study today.
Mid-morning we came through our front gate after piano lesson and groceries (oh, the joy of doing the yukkeries) when haphazardly fluttering past were these two very large butterflies. They danced gracefully, a little uncoordinated though, across our little suburban garden negotiating their way to the 'right' leaf to mate.
Since I re-started my blog last September I've tried hard, but haven't always succeeded, to keep my camera with me. Somewhere handy so I can grab and click. This was one occasion where I was so thankful to have the opportunity to slip the camera out of my handbag and fire away.
My boys were pleased to observe our little visitors and as they fluttered past hither and thither we followed them around noting their colours, how they flew, what they were doing and where they may flutter off to next. Too soon the butterflies parted ways to which Kookaburra announced that they must have mated.
Really?! I replied in a little disbelief.
Between you, me and the front gate - it was much too brief :D
Really?! I replied in a little disbelief.
Between you, me and the front gate - it was much too brief :D
So we took our photos inside. Downloaded them and dug out our 'Backyard Insects' book.
Turns out these little beauties are in fact a wee bit of a pest for our citrus growing friends out there. Its name is the Orchard Swallowtail Butterfly or Citrus Butterfly. One can deduce from the name the little fellas favourite snack.
In the Charlotte Mason world of homeschooling, I should have encouraged my boys to draw the butterflies but seeing as drawing madly has been their main occupation this week, I let them print, cut, paste and narrate to their hearts content into their Science Notebooks.
I don't mind Kookaburra dictating. Through giving him the chance to 'tell' me all he knows about the butterfly, we're developing his knowledge and I'm happy for him to develop his writing skills in his Language Arts program (for the moment).
Kangaroo's contribution was a little smaller but he's pleased with getting to know the inhabitants of our backyard a little better.
For fun we googled a few videos of the Orchard Butterfly too.
Firstly,
the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly hatching
Giant Swallowtail Butterfly becoming a chrysalis
My boys especially loved the little alien hatching and the chrysalis boogie dancer. It really appealed to their super silly side and had them cracking up with laughter.
