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Hoary Edge Skipper
Hoary Edge Skipper (Achalarus lyacides) Native to the eastern United States. Adults active April through September. Caterpillars eat leaves of plants in the Legume family. As adults, they eat the nectar of various flowering plants, including Common Milkweed, New Jersey Tea and Buttonbush. A small Skipper with a wingspan of 1.5 to 1.75 inch. They’re…
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Pushing The Season
Each of these photographs, that I’ve posted here, represent the current changing of seasons. Going from summer to autumn. It is September 1st, after all, the first day of meteorological autumn. I love the change of season. No matter what season it currently is, I’m ready, and looking forward to the change. Which perhaps explains…
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Compound Leaves
From Oxford Lanuages, the definition of a compound leaf: a leaf of a plant consisting of several or many distinct parts (leaflets) joined to a single stem. The Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) has compound leaves, up to 24 inches long, often ending with two leaflets rather than the single leaflet that one might expect. There…
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A Neighbor’s Visit
What a delightful surprise this evening to see a Black Bear (Ursus americanus), stopping by for a visit. A young one, but old enough to be out and independent, a teenager. I was pleased to see it looking quite healthy, with no signs of sarcoptic mange. Excellent! As I saw it nibbling on this green…
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Tickseed Sunflower
Tickseed Sunflower (Bidens frondosa). An annual herbaceous plant in the Aster (Asteraceae) family. Tickseed Sunflower is native to North America, and widespread across the continent. Looking at the flower of Tickseed Sunflower, it seems to me there is something missing – the ray flowers. But in some circumstances there are a few, very short ray…
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Another Flower Fly
This Flower Fly is an Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus geminatus). A very small critter of about 1/4 inch long. Found hovering around flowers from which they feed on nectar and pollen in the eastern and central United States and Canada. The larvae dine on various aphids and mites. They also enjoy landing on sweaty arms. For them a…
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Relax, They Don’t Sting
As is often the case, this critter has many common names. One of the common names repeats what some people would automatically think — Yellowjacket! That common name, Yellowjacket Hover Fly. The common name that I prefer to use is Virginia Flower Fly (Milesia virginiensis). A more friendly name, which these insects certainly are. They…
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Wingstem
A lovely expanse of Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia), a member of the Asteraceae or Aster family. Wingstem can easily grow to 8 feet tall. A plant that is native to eastern and central North America. The bloom is a composite flower, each looks like a single flower but consists of a bunch of small individual flowers…
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Collared Lizard
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, in the middle of New Mexico, between Tularosa, and Carrizozo. One of my favorite places to be. To see what is happening there in the world of nature. To be amazed by what happened back in 200-1450 AD, when beautiful artwork was created by Jornada Mogollon people. Over 21,000 petroglyphs just waiting…
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Treat After Yoga
Sitting there, stretched out, sunning itself, as I pulled up to the garage this morning after yoga. Not the least bit concerned that a pick-up truck had pulled up beside it. A handsome adult, Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps). Yes, a Skink, but also a type of Lizard. Look at that cute little face! Such a…