A Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia), a butterfly that I don’t see in early summer. I adore seeing them in mid to late summer, once they show up. These lovely butterflies are migratory, and are unable to survive freezing temperatures. They stay safe in the Deep South during the cold of winter, migrating north during late…

May 27, 2026 So many birds love the birdbath. They may not care at all what I am offered at the bird feeder, but I can count on them showing up for a dip in the water to care for their feathers, or for a refreshing sip. This is a male American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)…

February 12, 2026 My camera and I got to play at the vernal pool today, the one at the yoga studio where I take classes. It has been dry for so long, much longer than is usual, so we had a great time. Melting snowcrete created a marvelous amount of moisture, perfect for imagination. One…

January 2, 2026 Word seems to have gotten out. No songbirds there for a meal. A Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) sitting on the garden gate, a spot where there are often many birds. Try, try again little hawk. And it is indeed a small hawk. The males of this species are the smallest hawks in…

The seedhead of a Scarlet Beebalm (Monarda didyma), wearing its snow white winter cap. Just waiting for a hungry bird to come along for a meal. And Happy Winter! Yes, today is the first day of astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The shortest day and the longest night of the year. _______________________ If you…

October 26, 2025 The Red Maples (Acer rubrum) are joining in with many of the trees in the woods to create a celebration of autumn. As is often the case, this week is the peak of the spectacular color display. Before long it will look like winter, with shades of black and white leaving only…

August 3, 2025 Just no telling when Mother Nature will allow her children to make an appearance. Even at a walkway leading to the Post Office. A seed made its way to a crack between the sidewalk and curb. The seed germinated and managed to live to produce a bloom of a rose-colored Zinnia (Zinnia).…