Metamorphosis Completed

The first Black Swallowtail emerged from its chrysalis last night, but I was not vigilant enough to see it happen in the viewing box.  It was miracle enough to find the empty shell, still nearly intact, and to witness the impossibly large creature that was now hanging from the netting at the top of the container.  We decided to move it outside in case it wanted to fly, and there we were with the yard lights on at ten oclock at night, taking pictures and discussing the safest place to let it rest.  Marveling at its furry body and exquisite colors, we felt its light touch as it perched on our fingers, and helped it settle on a sheltered stick under a blueberry bush.  Early this morning he was still in the same place, but he began to move a bit, and when the sun reached his wings he flew--oh he flew!--over to an iris in a nearby bed.