The World of Crimson Clover

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

March Awakenings

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

Busy Bees

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

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Throughout the summer, it was encouraging to see various types of bees diligently transferring pollen from flower to flower.

“For so work the honey bees, creatures that by a rule in nature teach the act of order to a peopled kingdom.” ~William Shakespeare

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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)

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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

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“It is not how busy you are, but why you are busy – the bee is praised, the mosquito is swatted. ~Author Unknown

Amazing Moths

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 moth photo.

Gulf Fritillary

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

Praying Mantis

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

Queen Anne’s Lace

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

Dancing Among the Asters

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

Nature’s Background Sounds

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

Dragonfly Perches

Dragonflies use a variety of perches on which to land, and then utilize their large eyes to keep a lookout for both prey and predators.  By choosing a good perch, they have the advantage of resting while being on the hunt. They are also able to use several techniques to regulate their body temperature from this resting position.

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest.  Use both and overlook neither.”  ~Alan Cohen