butterfly

Finding bugs

/ Rebecca / 10 Comments

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

A stroll around the boardwalk

/ Rebecca / 16 Comments

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

Common buckeye

/ Rebecca / 8 Comments

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

Tattered Gulf fritillary

/ Rebecca / 10 Comments

Life has taken a toll on this butterfly as revealed by its tattered and torn up wings.  But regardless of the predators and various environmental challenges it has faced, it is still a beautiful butterfly that has survived to fly another day.

“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph”.  ~Thomas Paine