Monarch butterflies enjoying the flowers on a warm October afternoon.
“Gardening is cheaper than therapy … and you get flowers and butterflies!” ~Unknown
Monarchs
nature
Chicken of the woods
These bright orange mushrooms, which were growing in clusters on a dead tree, immediately caught my attention as we drove down a winding, wooded road. Known as ‘Chicken of the Woods’, these edible, wild mushrooms fit in perfectly with all the other beautiful colors of autumn that we are seeing.
“As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.” ~Vincent Van Gogh
Bald eagle
Walking along the boardwalk at the Reelfoot Wildlife Refuge, we spotted a Bald eagle sitting near the top of a cypress tree a short distance away. It was keeping a close eye on a number of coots which were swimming among the vegetation out in the lake.
“Food may be essential as fuel for the body, but good food is fuel for the soul.” ~Malcolm Forbes
An unexpected guest
This pine warbler made a quick stop at my feeder one day this week. Though not one that I had seen around before, his bright color and cheery trill were most welcome.
“Always remember to set a place at the table of life for the unexpected guest.” ~Linda Ellerbee
Summer sightings
I’m always on the lookout for a beautiful butterfly! Here are some of my summer sightings.
“Divine creation can be seen painted on the canvas of a butterfly’s wing.’ ~K. D. Angelo
A Serene Scene
A walk along the boardwalk at the Grassy Island portion of the Reelfoot Lake Wildlife Refuge revealed a serene scene as a great blue heron stood statuesque in the shallow water, awaiting his next meal.
“There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.” ~Henry David Thoreau
Insects
I saw fewer insects in my flower garden this summer than I have in the past. The sweet autumn clematis and climbing milkweed vine, which usually teem with a variety of insects, seemed still and quiet. However, around the lake, the insects were more visible. Maybe because of the high heat and humidity that we’ve had, they, like me, have sought a cooler spot to pass the day away.
“How could this earth of ours, which is only a speck in the heavens, have so much variety of life, so many curious and exciting creatures?” ~Walt Disney
Barred Owl
Several evenings while out walking, I could hear the loud, clear call of a barred owl off in the distance across a field. This evening, I spotted a large bird soaring along from tree to tree on the road up ahead. I walked quietly to the last spot where I saw it land, and was excited to see its large eyes looking back at me through the branches.
“But the owls themselves are not hard to find, silent and on the wing, with their ear tufts flat against their heads as they fly and their huge wings alternately gliding and flapping as they maneuver through the trees …” ~Mary Oliver
Hovering around the flowers
Hummingbirds are attracted to the bright red color of the cardinal flower. From these delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers, the hummingbird receives sweet nectar. In return, the cardinal flower depends on the hummingbird for pollination.
Across the downs a hummingbird
Came dipping through the bowers,
He pivoted on emptiness
To scrutinize the flowers.
~Nathalia Crane
Venturing out
His presence given away by the clear, loud notes of his song, at first this little prothonotary warbler tried to stay hidden, moving about in the shadows of the low foliage at the edge of the lake. Eventually, his desire to forage brought him out into the open, as he actively hopped from branch to branch in search of insects.
Here, he ventured out to sun and preen himself on the boardwalk.
walking on a country road 