The butterflies have been very busy the past couple of weeks. It’s been fun to watch as they enjoy the wildflowers and dance and flutter in the afternoon sun.
I took a short video of three of these beauties.
“We constantly wait in anticipation for a miracle to happen in our life, unaware that the miracle is actually life itself.” ~Daniel Chidiac
September’s “Corn” Moon, marking the time of corn harvesting and the last full moon of summer, has now peaked. Along with a photo of this luminous moon,
I also thought I would share some pictures taken while out walking beside the corn fields near our house earlier in the summer.
“Our deep respect for the land and its harvest is the legacy of generations of farmers who put food on our tables, preserved our landscape, and inspired us with a powerful work ethic.” ~James H. Douglas, Jr.
I was sitting peacefully in a rocking chair on a covered porch at a wildlife refuge when, out of nowhere, this Yellow-throated Warbler darted in. Disoriented beneath the roof, it landed on the rocking chair beside me to find its bearings.
For a time, I remained still, not wanting to scare it away. Eventually, I gently snapped a few photos.
The bird’s bright yellow throat stood out vividly against its gray and white feathers, accentuated by its black mask and streaks.
After having time to inspect its surroundings, the warbler regained its composure and took off as swiftly as it had arrived.
“Life’s most beautiful moments often arrive unannounced, wrapped in the shimmering paper of unexpected surprises.” – Unknown
The Gulf Fritillary, also known as the longwing or passion butterfly, is a stunning and delicate insect. Its vibrant orange wings are accented with black streaks on top, while the undersides display white and brown spots. Their lives are brief, lasting only a few weeks. During this period, they spend their days feasting on nectar as one of their major sources of energy.
A butterfly just fluttered by
as little wings just kissed the sky.
And when it flew just out of view,
God whispered,
“I made that for you.”
~Anne Peterson
In late July, as we drove slowly down the road at the wildlife refuge, I was excited to spot an adult Yellow-crowned Night-Heron walking around on the floor of the swampy woods. It was quite shy, staying close to the cover of trees and vines as protection from prying eyes.
In early August, when we drove this road once again, we glimpsed the shadow of a large bird as it took flight from the forest floor and settled in a distant tree. This time it was a juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Heron. With its spotted brown feathers and streaky underparts, it did an excellent job of blending in with the background of the branches and foliage. Had I not seen where it landed, I’m sure I wouldn’t have been able to find it among the trees.
“Scientists have found the gene for shyness. They would have found it years ago, but it was hiding behind a couple of other genes.” ~Jonathan Katz
It’s impossible not to be fascinated by this alien-looking insect. I spotted it crawling along the handrail of the lake’s boardwalk. Busy on its prowl for prey, it paused long enough to give the human observer a curious glance.
From whence arrived the praying mantis?
From outer space, or lost Atlantis?
glimpse the grin, green metal mug
at masks the pseudo-saintly bug,
Orthropterous, also carnivorous,
And faintly whisper, Lord deliver us.
~Ogden Nash
One afternoon, my husband came inside sounding puzzled, saying that the mockingbird in our front yard had been unusually aggressive when he went out to get the mail. That evening, I spotted a young bird sitting in the yard, and suddenly it made sense. He had encountered a mother bird whose protective instincts had kicked in.
“I may seem quiet and reserved, but if you mess with my children, the mama bear in me will roar.” – Unknown
l was excited when this Monarch floated gently by and landed on the leaf of a nearby tree. This was the first one that I had seen this year, though I have since spotted others.
“Strength is found in every wingbeat of a Monarch’s journey.” ~Willow Hart
A trip to the lake just wouldn’t be the same without spotting these little guys enjoying their favorite sunning spots.
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Who says a turtle can’t climb a tree? This little fellow was determined, and up he went, climbing higher and higher. I imagine he was also seeking a sunny spot to relax.
“Never give up. Today is hard, tomorrow will be worse, but the day after tomorrow will be sunshine.” ~Jack Ma
A recent rainstorm at sunset, crowned with a dazzling rainbow.
With His Word He formed the mountains,
Made the skies and filled the sea.
Gave the land its wonderous beauty
Gave life’s breath to you and me.
He was there before the song was sung,
He still abides through its refrain,
And when the song gives way to silence
Still the Word of God remains.
~Lawrence Keith Holder
walking on a country road 