Favoritos de patrmcgo

This shrub is very common along the banks of the local ponds, where it helps slow soil erosion of the steep banks.

In this photo: Male flowers are long pendant catkins, not yet shedding pollen. Just above are small reddish female flowers; leaf buds further down the stem.

My first view was with the wings closed and I knew I needed to see the underwings. So I gently coaxed the moth with my finger, it flew a short distance, but still landed with wings closed. Fortunately try #3 was successful and I got clean shots of the forewing and underwing. A definte eye opener at 4 am.