We saw these viceroy butterflies flitting about in a garden close to the lake. Similar to the monarch in appearance, one way to distinguish the viceroy from the monarch is by the visible black line that runs across its hind wings.
“Butterflies … flowers that fly and all but sing.” ~Robert Frost
We drove to Reelfoot Lake to see the water lilies and got the added bonus of watching a swallow family that was hanging out around the water’s edge.
“In nature we never see anything isolated, but everything in connection with something else which is before it, beside it, under it and over it.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Every spring, a flock of cedar waxwings stop by to feast on holly berries in our neighborhood. They are sociable birds, feeding cooperatively and often seen sitting together, lined up on tree branches early in the morning or late in the afternoon. After a few days, when the berries have been plucked from the bushes, the waxwings continue their nomadic journey in search of other food.
“Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” ~ Izaak Walton
A few of the “winged things” that I have taken photos of during the summer.
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” ~Leonardo da Vinci
Back in the spring, while my grandkids were visiting for spring break, we took them to a nearby animal park. One of the highlights of the trip for me was seeing the beautiful peacocks. They were really putting on a show the day we visited.
My personal favorite was the white peacock handsomely tailored in his dazzling, snowy plumage which was highlighted in great delicate detail.
Then came the exotic Indian peacock, looking all snazzy in his colorfully embellished plumage attractively displayed for all to see.
Also making a bold statement was the female peahen, all dolled up and sashaying about, showing off her best sides,
followed by this pied white peacock, all gussied up in his ornate colors of great daring and originality.
Each peacock had a look of their own, making for a most enjoyable show.
“People will stare. Make it worth their while.” ~Harry Winston
Because we were close by, my husband and I decided to make an unplanned stop at a little country cemetery that we help maintain. We were quite surprised when we drove up and saw a red fox standing right in the middle of it. While we watched, the fox appeared to be foraging for food as it strolled to the back of the cemetery and out of sight.
“Expect the unexpected. Life is full of wonderful things just waiting to surprise you.” ~Unknown
It was nice to get away recently and spend a few days relaxing with family at Chickasaw State Park. The park is a rustic place, not too far from home, where one can be out in nature enjoying walking trails, picnics, camp fires, and a variety of lake activities.
“A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking.” ~Earl Wilson
The common grackle is one of those birds that both irritates and fascinates. A flock showed up in our yard in early spring, bringing with them noisy chatter and rowdy behavior at the feeders. A pair or two stuck around, and during the past couple of months they have been through courtship, nesting, and are now raising a brood which clamor loudly for attention and food. The juveniles are dull brown with dark eyes. The adults, with their beautiful iridescent colors and stern-looking golden eyes, seem to be devoted to the fledglings, looking out for them and eager to meet their needs. If the past is any indication, they will all soon move on to places unknown, and the yard will once again be quiet and peaceable.
“It’s amazing how lovely common things become, if one only knows how to look at them.” ~Louisa May Alcott
There’s a place on our country road where I consistently see red admiral butterflies when I’m out walking in the evening. They are territorial and tend to patrol the same area, chasing away other males that enter their space, and often returning to the same perch.
Recently I spotted the red admiral pictured below, flitting around, stopping occasionally to perch on a leaf and soak in the last bit of sunlight as the sun was setting in the westward sky. Its wings were so tattered that I wondered how it could possibly fly, but fly it did, without the least bit of obvious trouble.
“There’s no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections.” ~Unknown
walking on a country road 