Our readers studied nature up close this week. Please send your photos to editor@gazettejournal.net.

Judy Poland’s grandson, Henry McFarland, was mesmerized by a butterfly while on vacation near Vesuvius, Va.

David Simmons sent a photo of monarch caterpillars feeding on butterfly weed. Brenda Davis of Bena found this lovely scene in her garden on Thursday.

A butterfly bush at the home of Barbara Verdone, Gloucester, attracted a hummingbird moth and a swallowtail butterfly.

Benny Leigh’s backyard décor in Gloucester. Red spider lily, sent by Cheryl Battle, Bavon. Larry Sherertz saw this healthy 8-pointer foraging along Timberneck Creek last week.

From Mary Bourne of Bena: bumblebee on autumn clematis, and an armada of Canada geese.

From Bob Waldrop’s camera: Tiger beetle at Bethel Beach Natural Reserve, Onemo; Waldrop notes the beach is posted that this is an at-risk species, and that these are difficult to photograph; a wind-filled competitor in the weekend’s St...