The fragrant white flowers of the Sweet Autumn Clematis attract a number of tiny creatures that find food and shelter among its vines.
“Many things grow in the garden that were never sown there.” ~Thomas Fuller
Among the Sweet Autumn Clematis
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Hanging out around the feeder
A few photos of female ruby-throated hummingbirds hanging out around a feeder at Big Sandy Unit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge.
“Have you ever observed a humming-bird moving about in an aerial dance among the flowers – a living prismatic gem … it is a creature of such fairy-like loveliness as to mock all description.” ~W.H. Hudson
Finding bugs
Occasionally during the summer a climbing milkweed vine will spring up in our backyard and cover another already established plant. Though considered a problem weed, sometimes I allow it to stay around for a while because I enjoy observing the variety of native insects that are attracted by its strongly scented, tiny white flowers and sappy stems.
“Leave part of the yard rough. Don’t manicure everything. Small children in particular love to turn over rocks and find bugs, and give them some space to do that …” ~Richard Louv
Watchful calves
One of my favorite parts of our country road walk is getting to see the young calves out grazing in one of the fields that we pass. They always stop, and seem to be watching with such interest as we pass by.
“Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.” ~Robert Fulghum
Fowler’s Toad
Sometimes when I’m out walking in the backyard, this common little toad will jump out of its hiding spot in the grass and surprise me. I’m guessing that it has a nice secluded spot under our porch where it goes to stay cool during the heat of the day.
“Nature poets can’t walk across the backyard without tripping over an epiphany.” ~Christian Wiman
A stroll around the boardwalk
You never know what you’re going to see while strolling around the boardwalk at Reelfoot Lake State Park. Here are some shots that were taken back in June and July.
… Dust if you must, but the world’s out there
the sun in your eyes, and the wind in your hair;
flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
This day will not come around again …
~Rose Milligan
Weathered Barns
Some of the weathered barns that can be found in the rural countryside of West Tennessee, each from a different time and exhibiting its own unique character.
“Old places have soul.” ~Sarah Anderson
Common buckeye
There were a number of buckeye butterflies fluttering about the tall grass that was growing along the Mississippi levee. Occasionally they would alight for a short rest (and a photo) before continuing on their way.
“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” ~Unknown
A deer in the soybeans
This deer was grazing in a soybean field near Big Sandy Unit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. She raised her head to watch as we drove by.
“Nature has been for me, for as long as I remember, a source of solace, inspiration, adventure, and delight; a home, a teacher, a companion.” ~Lorraine Anderson
Wildflowers
Here are a variety of wildflowers which pepper the fields and country roads in our area during the spring and summer months. Wildflowers not only brighten the landscape, but also provide habitat for birds and insects and food for many animals.
“Flowers are the music of the ground
From earth’s lips spoken without sound.”
~Edwin Curran
walking on a country road 