We made a special trip to a butterfly house about 45 minutes away from where we live for this challenge. It was a super fun and informative day! The place is called the Panhandle Butterfly House and is run strictly by volunteers and donations. It is located right next to a spectacular children's park and the beach, so of course we had tons of fun there as well, but that's all for another post. :)
When we first entered the butterfly house the tour guide showed us a splendid butterfly collection donated to them with butterflies from all around the world. They were beautiful. She explained about the difference in butterflies and moths, their defense mechanisms, etc. Some of the insects had such intricate designs on their wings! One's wings looked like bird profiles and one looked exactly like an owl's face.
We then left the air-conditioned room and stepped into the sauna they called a butterfly house lol. No kidding, we were drenched in sweat the whole time, but didn't want to leave because it was so much fun.
This is an atala, the personal favorite of ds2 and me. These are really beautiful, you may want to click on the pic to get closer.
Check out the caterpillars. They had little plants growing just for them to live on, then these little houses for them to make their chrysalis and morph into the butterflies.
Here is ds3 in front of one of the little chrysalis houses.
I couldn't get pics of all the butterflies we saw, they were pretty active and I have a crappy so-so camera. There were plenty floating around and many even landed on us. The kids and I had a great time and learned a lot.
Here are ds2 and ds3's nature journal entries. Ds2 drew the atala and ds3 made his own butterfly and named it "amusement park butterfly." He described it as being big and with 6 eyes on it's wings.
These are ds4's renderings. I love the little people on the bottom of the pages!
So, a great assignment this one was! Now I am sure the kids will be more aware of the butterflies they see in our own backyard. :)
We need to find a butterfly house. That looks like fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to see the whole transformation from caterpillar to butterfly.
Great pics, even with the "so-so" camera!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your hs memoirs post. I forgot to post mine this week!
Pam
Oh how fun! I just know it was beautiful there!
ReplyDeleteI wish we had one of those around here. It looks like an awesome place to visit.
ReplyDeleteI really need to get involved in this outdoor challange!
What a great idea! I just remembered that we have a place we could can go and look at butterflies like that....better put it on the schedule. :)
ReplyDeleteI thought your photos were great and the journals are perfect.
Thanks for sharing your idea and your link,
Barb-Harmony Art Mom