Sunday, August 28, 2011

Sunny Delight


We are growing a variety of sunflowers in our garden this year and they are in full bloom. I love this burgundy/peach version, and apparently, so do the bees! If you look closely at the photo below, you'll also see a shiny metallic Japanese Beetle in the center. They were especially pesky this year and invaded many of the trees and gardens in our neighborhood.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Oh, Deer


This young doe was taken by surprise during our recent hike. We stood quietly just watching her, and she stared at me (and Nik) for a long time before cautiously walking away. Suddenly, another deer joined her and they bounded off into the woods.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Black Butterfly - Part 3


I believe this might be the 'Spicebush Swallowtail' butterfly. It looks very similar to the 'Pipevine Swallowtail' or the black version of the 'Yellow Tiger Swallowtail.' Mother Nature loves to fool us!

The angles below shows the butterfly 'mid-flight' - as it's landing on the clover - and then as it's perched. Be sure to double-click on the images to see them full size.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Butterfly - Part 2


In keeping with the "Lepidoptera" theme of a few days ago, I am posting a few images of some pretty, buttery yellow tiger swallowtail butterflies that we saw up on the Ryan Road hiking trails. The one above really enjoyed the pink clover. If you look closely at the photo of his fluttery friend below, you'll notice the poor guy's wing looks like it has seen a little rough action, but he still seemed to get around fine.
It's amazing how, at first glance they all sort of look alike, yet if you compare them closely, you can see lots of differences.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Lepidoptera

...meaning butterflies and moths! Of which there have been plenty to see this summer. These tiny little orange butterflies were congregating around some marsh flowers at Simmons Woods a few days ago.
This furry moth (below) was resting in the sun at the Ryan Rd. trail. I love his feathery little pantaloons!