Broken Wings

It’s that time of year where the butterflies are nearly everywhere you go. They are very plentiful around here. You can see all sizes and colors. They are absolutely beautiful. I like to watch them feed off my butterfly bush that was given to me years ago by my neighbor Mr. H. 

On the way home from shopping on Saturday, a beautiful Canadian Tiger Swallowtail flew into our path and we unavoidably hit it with the grill of the car. I was not aware of this. When we parked the car in the carport the butterfly fell to the ground and wobbled into the grass as his wings would sway back and forth hitting the pavement from side to side. I immediately called for Nick to come see the hurt butterfly. That’s when he admitted hitting it but did not want to tell me. He did not think the butterfly had stuck to the grill and survived the ride home. 

I did not want to touch him causing him to loose anymore flying dust but I did reach down with some water on my finger. He grabbed hold around my finger for a sip but never gained trust. When I would try to lift my hand up to get a closer look, he bounced off. It never would walk onto my hand to be carried to safety. 
The butterfly would rather sit on my shoe. As you can see, he had a broken right wing and a torn edge. 


So with it sitting on my shoe, I carefully walked out to my butterfly bush and lifted him up to a floral, sweet smelling stem to rest on. I do not know if he eventually gained flight or fell to the ground and wobbled away.


I can’t help but wonder if butterfly wings heal themselves. If not, I guess this guy is a goner . 

12 comments

  1. They live for such a brief period that I doubt he will heal. Thank you for putting him somewhere beautiful.

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  2. They are so fragile healing seems unlikely. I am surprised Nick noticed he'd hit it!

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  3. Oh- You are so like me. I hate to see any poor creature injured. I am sure he is over the Rainbow bridge with all of our pets. xo Diana

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  4. Butterflies have such a great story, and so much beauty. I think many people feel the same, do not harm the butterfly if you can help it. Good story. We do what we can in life and pray for the best!
    Sherry & jack.....just off S. Point Road.

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  5. Sweet Nature. Cruel Nature. Beautiful Nature.

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  6. Apparently the answer is no, with their short lifespan, healing wasn't a vital thing when it came to DNA. Best thing you can do is an act of mercy.

    Now if you want to talk about cruel, one of my brothers used to hit fireflies with a baseball bat to see the glow bounce.

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  7. I had one in my garden the other day with broken wings . . . so sad.

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  8. At least you tried to help that beautiful creature!!

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  9. Oh that is sad but maybe he recovered and flew away.

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  10. That was very thoughtful and kind of you to help the butterfly!

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  11. Butterflies are so amazing and beautiful and fragile, yet some migrate a thousand miles to Mexico from the USA. I hope he enjoyed some delicious nectar.

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  12. Shows your sweet heart even more. I was blessed to see not one but two monarchs the other day. I heard their population is dwindling.

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