Somehow I missed taking photos of poppies this summer until I came across this one in a wildlife garden. It’s approaching the end of their season so I was pretty pleased to get the photo.
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Sunbeam
Even on a cloudy day, there’s always a bit of sunshine to be found in the summer.
SINGLE-MINDED
This female downy was enjoying her meal. When these little birds are feeding they don’t notice the photographer lurking in the background 😊
METALLIC BEE
Metallic or Sweat Bees have to be among the most colourful of bees. They can be attracted to the salt in human sweat though this one was more interested in pollen 😏
FRAZZLED
It happens to the best of us!
MILKWEED BEETLE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
The other day we came across quite a few milkweed beetles and I took a lot of photos; more to follow. They certainly have impressive antennae!
Friday Follies
Something made me look up. I’m glad I did 😊
ROYAL FAVOURITE
Another bee this week (and several ants); all enjoying the Queen Anne’s Lace.
TUESDAY BLUES
I saw this Blue Jay in a wildlife garden back in May. He was staying close to the feeder but I took this shot when he flew to a nearby tree.
BALANCING ACT
I’m happy to be seeing a lot of bees this summer going about their business.
MORE BEETLE TALES
This beetle has only faint spots on its dome, I had wondered if it was an immature ladybug or an asian beetle. It has been identified (see comments below) as the later. It was searching for aphids just like its spotted cousins.
BEETLE TALES
We noticed a lot of aphids on the flower stems and so did the larva of this ladybug. It seems that aphids are their meal of choice.
RING-BILLED GULL
I don’t much care for these gulls in the city but on the river my opinion of them changes. They fish and fly and even pose quite nicely; and you don’t need to keep “an eye to the sky” 😏
BY THE RIVER
On this muggy overcast day, we thought we’d cool off by the river. I shot through a break in trees and was rewarded with this scene.
PASSING PARADE
One day in June we were treated to a mallard and her chicks swimming along close to shore. They had passed a gull earlier on who didn’t glance their way and this Great Blue Heron who was very preoccupied with finding its next meal.
EUROPEAN STARLING
European Starlings are an introduced species to North America. They’ve adapted very well which is reflected in their numbers and range. They aren’t a popular breed; considered bullies at feeders and they often nest in the same tree cavities as native birds. On the plus side they have a wide vocal range and they consume a variety of harmful insect pests. I enjoy seeing these attractive birds as they’re one of the first to return in spring as the weather starts to warm up.
MORNING SHADE
It has been very hot here lately. Just off the path I found a little shade along with this daisy.
ROBIN
I’ve seen a lot of robins this spring and summer. They are always a welcome sight.
SOFT LANDING
Into a bed of roses.
SEEN ON A WALK
I thought these looked like autumn flowers although the photo was taken in May.
Canada Goose
The goose had found a tranquil spot though its young were just off to the side.
IN A GARDEN
It seems to be a summer of encountering plants I don’t remember seeing before. It stood out amongst the other vegetation. (I believe it’s goat’s beard.)
LADYBUG
There’s something very nice about seeing the first ladybug of the season.
WALK ON BY
I couldn’t take my eyes off of the ducklings but the gull was unimpressed 😏.
GOSLING IN THE GRASS
It seems like a good summer for goslings. I’ve seen quite a few. I was lucky with the light here.
DAY LILY
Although you often see day lilies growing along roadsides, fields and in gardens they are not native to North America but Asia. Right now they’re popping up everywhere. This one was dressing up the side entrance of a neighbourhood house.
PAINTED TURTLE
I don’t often see turtles as close as this one was. Occasionally I’ll see one swimming by but more often they’re sunning themselves in the middle of the lake.
DINING ON DAISIES
I watched as the insect (wasp?) flew between the flowers, its face covered in pollen.
LAZY, HAZY DAYS OF SUMMER
It was a perfect Sunday morning.
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
The day was overcast and the colours muted. I thought the scene lent itself to black and white.
WATCHFUL
We stopped the car to stretch our legs and I noticed this curious grouping of plants by the side of the road. I wonder if they’re a form of teasel. I’d love to know, can anyone identify them?
(Mystery solved, see below)
GOSLING IN THE GRASS
The gosling peered at me through the tall grass never far away from its watchful parent.
TREE SWALLOW
I took quite a few photos of this tree swallow in May. There are nesting boxes nearby. I should get back there and check on them.
COMMON GRACKLE
I’ve seen only a few grackles this year, this one was close enough to get a decent image. Like some other birds, grackles have a bad reputation. They can be bullies at feeders and forage in gardens and farmers’ fields. I enjoy them though and like the way the sun illuminates their plumage. Another bird that migrates here during the warm months.
SPOTLIGHT
The woods are thick with vegetation now, pleasantly cool and shady. The sun found its way through the bush and illuminated these flowers beautifully.
LOOKING SMART
A little clean up does wonders. The mallard stood by the water’s edge and did a little preening after its swim.
BEES ABOUND
Up until now I have seen very few bees. Then I remembered a patch of wild roses where I had seen a good number of bees last summer. We took a walk there and were not disappointed.
BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE…
Some might just see weeds but I see more. I like the little bug centre stage as well.
BY THE LAKE
By the side of the lake the remains of a tree was coming into leaf. It had been battered by harsh weather over the years but still had some Spring in it.
THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE…
… Ant! I was surprised to see what the robin had in its beak. I guess it couldn’t find a worm 😏
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 