Goldfinches breed later in the summer than a lot of other birds. I watched as the goldfinch gathered nesting material and flew back and forth to her nest deep in the trees.
The coneflowers caught the sun while most of the garden was still in shade. At a different time of the day the light would have been more balanced but then I don’t think the picture would have been as interesting.
The downy woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America. We see them all year round. If you hear a tapping sound in the woods it’s likely a downy going about its business.
Given our short summers, it’s not only the warm weather I enjoy but the variety of flowers that spring up throughout the season. It looks like the blanket flowers are having a party!
A local business association maintains a small garden on a busy city street. I stop by frequently to see what’s in bloom. They only plant native species and I’m always pleased to see the insects they attract.
Queen Anne’s Lace is just coming into flower. These flowers were in a garden setting though I usually see them in fields and along roadsides. It’s nice to see them thriving in the city too.
The rock dove or common pigeon is not a bird I usually pay attention to but this one was kind of special. I had been aiming for a goldfinch that flew off as I approached but I didn’t walk away disappointed.
Nothing common about this Common or European Starling. Their plumage is extremely colourful and unlike many birds in the neighbourhood, they never shy away from my camera.
I’ve noticed a lot of violets this year. They’re pretty tenacious and can grow in shade or bright sunlight. As pretty as they are, they can take over a garden. Like many wild flowers/weeds, attractive to some a nuisance to others.
I had to admire how a gardener turned an old tree stump into a thing of beauty.
I almost passed by the little statue in the second photo as it was quite hidden by all the vegetation. Its surroundings made it rather appealing.
We might not be able to gather but nothing is stopping the tulips from putting on a show. Some varieties are beginning to fade but many are still in fine shape.
I didn’t have a chance to change the exposure compensation as the robin landed close by. I took the photo and despite how dark it was I liked it. I made a few adjustments in Lightroom and Photoshop and this is the result.