In the shallow water around the lake’s edge, these skippers encountered a vibrant array of delectable Pickerelweed flowers, reminding me of purple popsicles on a warm, sunny day. The sweet-scented blossoms provided an enticing treat as they eagerly feasted on pollen and nectar.
Additionally, the buttonbushes, adorned with their white pom-poms made up of numerous tubular flowers rich in nectar, attracted a variety of pollinators with their pleasant scent, inviting them also to partake in this aquatic garden celebration.
In whispers of blooms, a story unfolds, Nectar beckons, secrets untold. Amidst the chaos, a purpose aligns, Timeless pathways through nature’s designs. ~tinypoetry.com
The land along the levee was embellished with striking, crimson flowers that danced and swayed in the gentle breeze. If spring were to have a laugh, I am convinced it would resonate through these dramatic conical blossoms swaying merrily on the sunlit embankment.
Additionally, nestled among the clover were several wildflowers that contributed to the charm by providing additional pops of color to an already vibrant landscape.
Aside from the calls of red-winged blackbirds nesting in the tall grass, the scenery appeared to be peaceful and uninhabited. Then I began to notice them — all the small, busy insects hiding in plain view among the flowers, including several bees and butterflies hovering to collect nectar and pollen from this valuable source of food.
It was a blessing to see this seasonal spectacle in its full beauty and to observe the serene yet active environment that thrives within this ecosystem.
“The Spring came suddenly, bursting upon the world as a child bursts into a room, with a laugh and a shout and hands full of flowers.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“God is an artist of Nature; He paints in colors, so rare, The bursting bud in the Springtime, The lovely trees everywhere …” ~Gertrude Tooley Buckingham
Here are a few photos taken around the lake and wildlife refuge in March. It’s always exciting to witness the flowers blooming, the leaves turning green, and the little creatures stirring after their winter rest.
One of my favorite sightings was a mink that ran across the road in front of us and quickly vanished into the swampy woods, showing no inclination to stop for a photograph.
Just as the earth awakens and renews itself in spring, so too Christians celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, during this Easter season.
“Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.” ~Martin Luther
Earlier this summer, as I was out walking, I heard a persistent buzzing sound I hadn’t noticed before. Curious, I looked around and discovered a hive of busy bees tucked behind vines inside a hollowed-out tree trunk beside the road, each one diligently working away.
“The hum of bees is the voice of the garden.” ~Elizabeth Lawrence
I believe this was my favorite—the American Bumble Bee (Bombus pensylvanicus). Such a beauty! It plays an important role in pollinating many different plants.
The careful insect ‘midst his works I view, Now from the flowers exhaust the fragrant dew, With golden treasures load his little thighs, And steer his distant journey through the skies. ~John Gay, Rural Sports (canto I, I. 82)
This year, morning glories blossomed along my fence, and it was fascinating to observe the bees as they slept—with their heads tucked inside the flower blossoms and their tiny bottoms sticking out. When the flowers opened in the morning, the bees busily buzzed about, gathering nectar and pollen.
… Why are you so busy, pray? Never still a minute, hovering now above a flower. Now half-buried in it! by Julia Dorr
Although less conspicuous than butterflies, these frequently overlooked insects display a remarkable diversity in size, patterns, and colors. Some serve essential roles as nighttime pollinators and are a crucial food source for larger creatures.
“I would rather live in a world where my life is surrounded by mystery than live in a world so small that my mind could comprehend it.” ~Harry Emerson Fosdick
Note:Credit goes to my husband for the Luna mothphoto.
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
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
Each year I look forward to the season of the stately and charming Queen Anne’s Lace. The delicate lace-like flowers, which grow wild along our country road, beautify the landscape, attract pollinators and provide habitat for a variety of insects. Ants, attracted by the flower’s nectar, are beneficial since they help protect them from aphids.
“Not a weed but a seed that has blossomed into a flower indeed.” ~Deborah Parise
Each day, during my walk along the country road, I come across a small cluster of white asters. This area has clearly become a “happening spot”, serving as a source of sustenance for a number of pollinating insects. It is fascinating to watch as they perform their graceful dance among the blooms.
The careful insect ‘midst his works I view, Now from the flowers exhaust the fragrant dew, With golden treasures load his little thighs, And steer his distant journey through the skies. ~John Gay
With the arrival of cooler autumn weather, the familiar chirps, rattles, ticks, clicks and buzzes of the insects have grown quiet. For some, the sound lacked harmony, but for others, it struck a peaceful chord.
“Music is in all growing things; And underneath the silky wings Of smallest insects there is stirred A pulse of air that must be heard; Earth’s silence lives, and throbs, and sings.” ~George Parsons Lathrop
walking on a country road 