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My Quarantine Activities

By on July 3, 2020

Its been more than 3 months since ECQ but still infection rate is high, to the rest of the world we see similar numbers raging. Coronavirus pandemic, dangerous as it sounds, more and more people being infected, it’s effecting the entire country and the world.

From my previous blog last month, I have mentioned (with back-up photos) on how pandemic has quitted Pasig city and my hometown Piat Cagayan. Before I forget, today is the feast day (July 2) of ”Our Lady of Piat” the patroness of Cagayan Valley, the Sambali celebration deferred this year but devotees will gather for a special mass at Santo Domingo Church on Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. You can just imagine how coronavirus disrupted our lives, no more public events, no gatherings, the need of wearing mask and social distancing, it seems to be a normal part of life already. This year 2020 is a big blow following 2 patterns of events, after the major eruption of Taal volcano in Batangas last January and now faces COVID 19 pandemic, this is a big blow to our economy and its relatively hard to face the crisis.

The government COVID 19 Task Force extended quarantine measures with new rules to adopt, we are still undergoing new restrictions except for essential purposes following appropriate measures. During challenging times, we are experiencing concerns, many have been working from home for almost 11 weeks now, we don’t know how long coronavirus last with another new rules to adopt upon reopening this coming July and still raising hopes there is vaccine. Other countries cautiously reopening from months long shutdown and Phils slowly reopening.

Oftentimes, my sisters would talk about fiestas, missing social events like birthday celebrations, fancy night out parties, graduations, buffet gatherings, get- together with friends and traveling. Mindful of social distancing blues, no more face to face bonding, other people are very eager to go out as I’m also missing social gatherings with my buffet friends too. Months of March-April-May and July, it was a summer homebound for the family and now, rainy season coming up next, we are really facing a new phenomenon, summer 2020 is not like no other this year. Coronavirus has disrupted everything and I’m trying to live by it.

What’s the impact might be? Would be sharing some of my quarantine activities here, got 5 family members here, a sort of, like prisoners staying inside the room for long hours working that I have to feed them, preparing home cooked food and of course clean water for them, not to mention all the alcohol, hand sanitizers all around ready to use.

Mobile Palengke in Pasig to lessen public trips around, it is ”Presyong Palengke” and it’s very convenient.

My daily life is no boredom, being flexible coming up with a schedule that keeps me busy all day long, the entire day devoted to my family, it’s a home to share bringing family closeness together, the good bonding and dedication will hold us firmly.

While at home, it’s really a homey feeling of togetherness, my family is complete and I’m keeping a master list on hand, there are a hundred things to do and this is also the best time to appreciate the beauty in our own backyard, we are the Backyardigans experiencing beautiful adventures in our own backyard. Moving productively, more and more things done in one day and in the coming days and months. The things I’ve missed before, those things I’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done yet, this is the perfect time to get things done, it’s a big opportunity to finish and not to rush. Cheers!

Here’s sharing with you my stay home ECQ activities that keeps me going from day to day, just a few list of stuffs:

Enjoying my daily cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

My Mango Float is an easy recipe and it’s everybody’s favorite.

Everyday Photography

I have captured few morning visitors in the garden, this kind of pleasurable activity keeps me going from day to day.

Gardening/Landscaping

Gardening includes planting, morning visit in the garden and harvesting fruits. Photo above, just one of few snapshots taken around, a lovely butterfly pollinating a wide variety of flowers.

Morning walk with my favorite pets

Excellent date to take out our dogs and cats for a morning sunshine.

Among others, of course I need to update my blog, daily exercise, cleaning, afternoon nap, playing piano and electric guitar, listening to my favorite songs, reading my latest books and watching TV for the latest coronavirus pandemic updates. All these activities saved me from boredom blues during this pandemic season and dreaming we would be back to normal life soon, to welcome friends without any mask and social distancing.

Take time to take to check my daily photography snapshots going on for the best subject in our own backyard. I’m really hopeful we will overcome this crisis soon and hoping our economy will bounce back before the end of this year. I wish you all well and keep updated.

To all those who are in the frontline,”our COVID Warriors” I’m inspired by your courage, Thank you very very much and May God bless us all. Keep safe and Take Care!

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Brilliant Red Dragonfly Pictures

By on November 7, 2019

I’ve photographed my morning visitors, it’s a daily ritual to welcome all winged insects such as honeybees, butterflies and of course, today’s subject is a sleepy one, a brilliant red dragonfly or Red-veined darter Dragonfly landed on a small tree trunk. Using only a single subject and constantly changing position to consider the best creative angle to choose from. Let me show you the result, it’s a fresh shoot taken this morning.

Stunning Pictures of  Red-veined darter Dragonfly

Brilliant red dragonfly or Red-veined darter Dragonfly is not widespread, it is rare here in the Philippines.

You can clearly see the three distinct segments here.

This is the best advantage of macro you can see and discover what is hidden behind.

The center of interest is the visual appeal of the dragonfly.

When photographing dragonflies, it usually requires macro to see tiny details that even the naked eye can’t see.

How I wish to create a clear detailed dragonfly image.

Morning atmosphere is just right this time. Following the basic rules, Macro photography is not always as easy as you think but it is rewarding.

Point of focus to my subject to which I think is suitable for my morning hobby. Just a closer shot from a distance.

Morning light works well this time. I just hope you’ll enjoy viewing my dragonfly images. Thank you for visiting my website.

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Rainforest Butterfly House

By on July 26, 2019

Butterflies are one of the most visually stunning and scientifically fascinating insect that can be found on earth, they receive the widespread admiration they deserve. Today, I’m confident that I’ll be able to capture something interesting and I’d be delighted to share the narrative on how I managed to do in here the wonderful world of butterflies.

Considered by many as the most beautiful habitat, Rainforest Butterfly House displayed several species of living butterflies from a garden enclosure. You are free to wander around in this area to admire and engage with different kinds of butterflies. You will also see here all the nectar flowers which is a butterfly favorite but the most interesting part is that you will witness the release of the newly hatched butterfly on their first flight. Butterfly house offers an educational tour with a guide to supply adequate information about butterflies.

This is not my first time to visit this location in fact my last visit here was in October of 2018, a month in which the temperatures are mild and the amount of sunshine and cloud cover in the sky is definitely good in comparison to this year. I’m enjoying a half-day of shooting here.

Rainforest Butterfly House

Butterfly garden is an enclosed butterfly habitat, it is a place that caters to the feeding and housing needs of butterflies at every stage of their lives. It is also a place for guests to watch the insects and engage in educational activities with them.

Butterflies are winged insects that have antennae that are knobbed and wings that are rainbow-colored. When at rest, butterflies hold their wings in an upright position. The most effective pollinators are butterflies, dragonflies and bees.

Components that make up a butterfly

A graphic depicting the anatomy of a butterfly including important parts presented here. Students and researchers alike will view this as of basic importance. I just snapped these photos, you may have noticed that it is a picture that captures the natural clarity of a butterfly as it pollinates a flower.

Feeding the Paper Kite Butterflies

My sister snapped this photo as I strolled around the beautiful behind-the-scenes moments.

Taking in every little bit of time I get to spend with my most beloved pollinator. My spirit is alive by the process of documenting my interactions with the various pollinators that flit around the numerous flowers. I couldn’t wait to get some pictures of them.

Caterpillar Habitat
Monarch and Paper Kite Caterpillars

Raising eggs, caterpillars and butterflies. You can clearly see the life cycle of a butterfly here. (Butterfly photos below)

Newly hatched paper kite butterfly

As the butterflies emerge from their cocoons, I get to witness butterflies maiden flight outside.

Butterfly feeder

What sort of food do butterflies consume? In addition to the nectar of the flowers which is more nutritious for them however, kite butterflies have a preference for sweet fruits such as ripe mangoes, bananas, watermelons to name a few. You’ll find all of the butterflies favorite fruits right here.

At home, we also have our own backyard garden which is frequented in the morning by honeybees, dragonflies, and butterflies but when it rains, we do not have a weatherproof enclosure for the butterflies, it is just a free and natural habitat.

Paper Kite Butterfly

These dazzling insects have a certain endearing quality perhaps, it’s their rainbow of colors or the fact that they serve a useful purpose by pollinating flowers either way, I can’t take my eyes off of them.

Feeding time

Complex and drawn-out process of courtship.

Butterfly mating

Wonderful World of Butterflies

During my recent visit, I was able to capture these beautiful photographs of butterflies. Only three distinct species of butterflies were able to be photographed at this location: a lime butterfly, a golden birdwing butterfly, and a paper kite butterfly. Other species were not present during the time of my visit.

I hope my readers will enjoy viewing these photos and it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who feels this way. When I set-up to write about these lovely pollinators to feature here, I just wanted to share a few things. I have already received praises from students and fellow bloggers who love butterflies. Photographing butterflies is a very satisfying hobby and I’m having fun with it. Let’s get started. Happy viewing!

Lime Butterfly

Paper Kite Butterfly

Golden Birdwing Butterfly

Lime Butterfly Gallery

Note: To view images in a larger size, click on them.

Lime Butterfly
Lime Butterfly
Lime Butterfly

The monarch butterfly prefers to feed on sweet fruits such as mangoes, watermelons etc. However, in my garden, in addition to nectar from flowers, monarch butterflies hang from lime trees which bear citrus fruits.

Paper Kite Butterfly Gallery

Note: Click on images to view larger

Paper Kite Butterfly
Paper Kite Butterfly
Paper Kite Butterfly
Paper Kite Butterfly

Golden Birdwing Butterfly Gallery

Note: Click on images to view larger

Golden Birdwing Butterfly
Golden Birdwing Butterfly
Golden Birdwing Butterfly
Golden Birdwing Butterfly
Golden Birdwing Butterfly

Golden Birdwing Butterfly
Golden Birdwing Butterfly

Golden Birdwing Butterfly
Golden Birdwing Butterfly
Golden Birdwing Butterfly

If you are an insect lover like me, you should invite butterflies and bees to your own garden, make your own garden an educational ground and a lovely place to enjoy all the agents of pollination.

The Rainforest Butterfly House is an ideal location for conducting research on butterflies and taking photographs of them. Let us work together to ensure the survival of butterflies by preserving and protecting their habitats.

 Thank you for reading my blog!

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition

By on March 11, 2019

The international event, ‘’World Flora Exposition’’ (officially opened last November 3, 2018  and runs through April 24 2019) It’s a festival of Taiwan’s world of greenery held across 3 different areas; Houli Horse Ranch & Forest Expo Site, Fengyuan Hudulun Park and Waipu Expo Site. The annual event participated by international exhibitors and recognized by the International Association of Horticultural Producers.

World Flora Exposition featured modern trends in agriculture as the major theme, botanical gardening, modern landscaping, vegetables, culinary herbs healthy spices and it also showcased beautiful species of different types, all enchanting and colorful in profusion.

Among the 3 exhibition sites, missing the two areas and only the Fengyuan Hudulun Park in Taichung was visited. When I was in Taiwan, we keep on moving to explore around. A week vacation is still not sufficient, my unfamiliarity with other site locations of the exhibition, there is not enough time as we only have one day in Taichung. My area of coverage is only within Taichung, the location of the hotel (Ful Won Hotel) where we stayed in is an easy access to Fengyuan Hudulun Park expo site.

All exhibits pretty much as they are even in winter. I saw what must have been close to a thousand different species and varieties on display. World Flora Exposition, this event will inspire agriculture and commercial growers as well as flower enthusiast and gardeners.

Note: My descriptions are necessary brief due to the multiple numbers of flowering plant photos.

Fengyuan Hudulun Park Expo Site

The flora exhibition will run through wintertime to springtime, it’s wintertime and exhibitors will settle for winter blooms perhaps, the kinds that blooms and evergreens too. what I can present now are the wintertime species, these are the cool growing species enjoying the climatic conditions of winter. Most featured are the spectacular beauty of winter orchids that includes; Phalaenopsis, Cymbidiums, Dendrobium, Odontogrossum and other hybrid type botanical specials.

Special Highlights ~ Flowering house plants, Ornamental and colorful foliage, Gorgeous trailing orchids, Stunning landscape and many more.

Note: My reminder to be cautious when photographing these flowers.

Fengyuan Hudulun Park Expo Site , puts on its winter exhibition. Lets get started

Dark Solid Purple Phalaenopsis

The good idea of carrying such flowers, a better approach you can see here over winter.

Purple Dendrobium


Enjoying the climatic conditions of winter, Counting down to more stunning Orchids and Petunias down there.

Dark Red Phalaenopsis

Jane Almquist Phalaenopsis

The generation of winter white orchids

Enobi Purple Dendrobium 

Flowering orchids of vibrant colors, incredibly beautiful Phalaenopsis.

Purple Spotted Harlequin Phalaenopsis

Among the most distinctive flower shapes

Graceful arching stems, lovely polka dots!

Thongchai Gold Dendrobium

Lewes Jubilee Phalaenopsis

The display of flowers in every kind is imaginable.

This flowering tree is a winter season interest.

Flowering Petunias moment of glory, two-color combinations.

Are you familiar with these Petunias? any gardener who’s been close to a garden knows these kind of hanging plants. Petunias grow well in cool temperature and will stand few degrees of frost. Definitely, it is suitable for winter exhibition, you can see more of Petunias hanging over here.

Series of Petunias available in many colors.

Suitable background set-off a garden to its best advantage.

Infinite variety of flowering plants

Petunias, they give the most flowers per hanging plant, How lovely!

White and Fuchsia Petunias

Dark purple petunias

Cool season display loved for their attractive colors.

Stunning Deep Purple Petunias

Deep Pink Petunias

Gorgeous blooms and wintertime colors.

Soft Purple Petunias

Dark Pink Petunias

Deep Pink Petunias

Deep Pink Petunias

Beds of colorful flowers

Exhibition main entry point

The charming foundation of this landscape is the background show-off flowering borders.

Creative landscape

Featuring the best landscape from Taiwan

You will pass by this area before Fungyuan Hudulun Park

The expo site is a beautiful place to watch winter flowers in full bloom. Here in the Philippines, my favorite flowering plant doesn’t normally grow in our area because they are more adapted to colder climates, they are best suitable to grow well in Baguio and Tagaytay, these 2 areas are my favorite vacation destination too. How I wish to have the same kind of winter flowers around here. To include those beautiful flowers on my wish list.

See you again next post> Sun Moon Lake Ropeway– scenic gondola cable car

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Beautiful Flowers of Taiwan

By on March 5, 2019

Foggy and windy it may be during winter but the charm and scenic beauty draw thousands of visitors yearly. Aside from the beautiful Sun Moon Lake, Sunrise Alishan, Taroko National Park, one attraction to behold when you are in Taiwan are the winter bloomers, any paths where plants are in full bloom, you’ll see surprising variety of lovely blossoms and colorful blooms.

My Taiwan journey from one destination to the next, gives me the opportunity to capture beautiful photos of all kinds from food to fashion, Michelin star restaurants, sunrise, stunning pagodas, mountain scenic areas, Shilin night market and now, these beautiful flowers.

Taiwan’s climate allowed spontaneous growth of beautiful flowers during each season that blends with assorted group of Tung flowers, Red Maples, Lavender, Plum flowers, Cypresses and Cherry Blossom like those at Nantou on the side of Sun Moon Lake and Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.

Most flowers have their own limited season to bloom but when it’s winter, you can’t expect each of them to flower. A stroll within  Alishan National Forest Recreation Area just beside Ho Fong Villa Hotel, you’ll find delightful blooms around.

Lisianthus flowers, a rare beauty with stunning elegance.

Misty Pink Lisianthus, an elegant rose-like flower.



White Lisianthus Flower

Not so far away, the most preserved botanical garden trees and flowers.

Cool season trees loved for their winter colors, all flowers that comes in nearly every color and range.

Impressive Scarlet Fire Thorn which is well known for its bright red berries that last through much of winter and fall.


Scarlet Fire Thorn white flowers are small and extremely numerous often covering much of the plant. Full sun leads to more flowers. The orange-red fruits ripen in September and last through the winter.

As well as mountain slopes, the wild mountain Sakura.

Cherry Blossom trees in bloom is a wow factor in the city

Cherry Blossoms on mountain ridge looks like an isolated wilderness…

White orchids

Orchid flowers in all colors are available in Taiwan

Deep Purple orchids

Purple spotted orchids

Widely grown cool season petunias.

Petunias striking colors and unusual forms.

Two color combination Petunias

Deep Purple Petunias

Soft Purple Petunias

Glorious pink flowering plants

Other popular varieties on mountain slopes.

A delightful welcome to greet you in front of Ful Won Hotel

Stunning orchids around Taichung

Phalaenopsis Jane Almquist

Deep yellow rose

Colorful display greatly appreciated, other winter flowers are beginning to burst into bloom. A few, they bloom every month.

Orange winter foliage

Delightful and most reliably colorful brilliant red in color.

Charming blooms

Stunning double color combinations

Beautiful violet orchids

Beautiful landscape in Taichung as a part of Taichung World Flora Exposition


Taichung World Flora Exposition next post…

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Cherry Blossoms Taiwan

By on February 20, 2019

On our journey to Wuling farm, we came across cherry blossom trees blooming beautifully along the mountainside. We decided to make a quick stop to snap some photos. While it might not be the perfect spot, the stunning display of pink hues is bound to thrill any cherry blossom enthusiast.

Cherry blossom usually begins to bloom early spring, this may happen mid-February to mid-April definitely,Spring is usually the prime time to enjoy the beauty of these flowers, but during our trip to Taiwan, we found ourselves in winter. December isn’t the ideal month for flower spotting. Fortunately, I managed to see some early blooms, which appeared sooner than anticipated, adding a lovely touch to the winter landscape.

Winter chills, the rain was falling, and the temperature had fallen below 7 °C. It was quite chilly, and I found myself shivering, having neglected to wear my winter gloves. Other areas of my body were losing heat rapidly, but I needed to persevere. The fierce winds howled through the fog-laden Wuling mountains, making it increasingly difficult to walk. Wuling Mountain, standing at an elevation of 3,275 meters, is the highest point along the Taiwanese highway.

Cherry Blossoms Taiwan

There’s something enchanting about being up here on a chilly morning, taking a stroll to soak in the stunning views of the cherry blossoms and the mountains.

Seasonal Celebrations

To commence the year with vibrant festivities, the Cherry Blossom Festival at Sun Moon Lake takes place every February, featuring a variety of events that emphasize themes of nature, culture, and environmental conservation. The pathways around Sun Moon Lake and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture are alive with enjoyable celebrations. Throughout February, the stunning hues of the cherry blossoms can be admired, particularly in the enchanting nighttime displays.

Here’s the path that takes you to the mountain peak, and the breathtaking view at the summit is a fantastic reward for everyone who makes the climb.

Cherry Blossoms Taiwan

Looking down from the viewpoint
Photography location: Wuling mountain

A handful of flowers drooping from a sudden winter breeze, while the stunning mountain scenery steals the spotlight, was captured in an instant.

Cherry Blossoms Taiwan

Cherry Blossoms Taiwan

Cherry Blossoms Taiwan
Cherry Blossoms Taiwan
Cherry Blossoms Taiwan

Cherry Blossoms Taiwan
Photography location: Qingjing Farm

A cherry blossom tree stands solitary amidst the lush Green Green Grassland of Qingjing Farm.

Cherry Blossoms Taiwan
Photography location: Wuling mountain

Cherry Blossom photos taken in different parts of Taiwan

The delightful nectar of cherry blossoms draws in a variety of birds. This particularly attractive species is a winter visitor frequently observed in this area. I find it challenging to identify it, as I have encountered a similar bird during our visit to Alishan Township.

Photography location: Alishan mountain

Birds gliding above the treetops have minimal opportunity to catch sight of a small creature that retreats further into the underbrush. Their brief flights, characterized by sharp turns and the rustling of leaves, shift my perspective upward. I find myself in an unsuitable position for photography beneath the tree, and the nearby woodlands of Alishan provide the birds with an easy escape, complicating my efforts to capture the moment.

The most visible kind of birds during winter, they prefer open habitat with shrubs and trees for nesting and cover.

I’ve planned a half-day birdwatching adventure in the Wuling mountains and then I’m heading to Alishan. I’m keeping track of all the species I spot and snap photos of, but I haven’t seen many so far. I’m still trying to figure out how winter birds manage their schedules!

Best places to see Cherry Blossoms or Sakura filled places

  1. Alishan National Scenic Area
  2. Wuling Farm
  3. Sun Moon Lake
  4. Formosan Aboriginal Culture- regarded as the best cherry blossom spot

Don’t miss it! Taiwan sights and more. Taipeh 101, Sun Moon Lake, Wuling Mountain, Sunrise Alishan, Qingjing green green grassland, Golden Waterfall, Night life, Night market and Dining. See you next posts…

Note: Lovely note down there will brighten my day!

Thanks for reading my blog!

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Beautiful Monarch Butterfly Landed On Flower

By on November 27, 2018

I adore being able to go outside and enjoy the perfect weather. This morning has started off very kind! Both the presence of beautiful garden delights and the value of this feature as a visual element contribute to the overall aesthetic value of the garden and the beauty of flowers with the surprising variety of butterflies. A burst of color can be provided by your garden’s ornamental components if it has been thoughtfully designed. This month, there has been an abundance of butterflies of many different species; they provide a pleasant source of joy in the morning.

Lantanas possesses an inherent beauty all its own, with cascading colors that open to the most exquisite flowers in pink, yellow, and fuschia.

A monarch butterfly alighting on a flower for a moment before taking flight…

A monarch butterfly feeds on the nectar of lantana flowers in a cluster. They perform the same function of pollination as bees.

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Feather White Pampass Grass Farm / Piat Cagayan

By on November 19, 2018

We passed by Feather White Pampass Grass Farm on our way back to Piat from Tuguegarao. I was amazed to see the feathery grasses, I can’t pass without taking a few shots, it’s just so great not to miss these gorgeous shots for a simple souvenir.

From the attractive edge on a bright sunny day, what a dramatic backdrop by the view of the orange-purple glow of the sun above, I’m enjoying hiking trails into the areas set amidst a roadside under laid with beds of ornamental grasses.
Gorgeous photos taken on a bright sunny day, it’s particularly unique and full of life. I don’t see the same kind of ornamental grasses everyday.

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

8 Beautiful Photos of Blue Banded Bees

By on May 15, 2018

Blue Banded bee is also known as Orchard Mason bee is found throughout Philippines. Just like the native honeybees, it is a common sight in the city. Blue Banded bee is a flying insect with a blue stripes across its black abdomen. I just love capturing interesting subjects inside our own territory. I have a handful photos of Blue Banded bees with the black Carpenter bees and honeybees on my camera, I’m taking too much pictures of these species and my file folder is already full. huh! It’s worth keeping it for educational purposes as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

More bees to come next posts..

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Fruit for the Butterflies

By on April 5, 2018

How to attract butterflies to your garden? One way to attract butterflies is to feed them with fruit scraps such as mangoes, overripe bananas, apples, plums,  watermelon to mention a few.. They love fruits with the most natural sugar in it. Got 2 kinds of butterflies feeding on mangoes, one of the world’s most popular tropical fruit.

Feeding Station for the butterflies. 2 butterflies; monarch and admiral butterfly  feasting a plate of mango slices.

Just like human, admiral butterflies love mangoes.

Monarch butterfly enjoying the natural sweetness from fruits.

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