Celebrating the ordinary
I’ve been captivated recently by our Red Maple (Acer rubrum). It’s just outside our dining room window and I’ve tremendously enjoyed its brilliant leaves.
It is especially beautiful in the morning when the leaves are backlit by the morning sun, creating a stained-glass effect. Continue reading “Autumn’s last hurrah”
I was surprised last week when I saw a Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) in the backyard. And on Sunday, I saw this one sunning on the ground at The Arboretum.
Harry and I recently hiked in the Red River Gorge in Eastern Kentucky to enjoy the fall color. Trees were creating the biggest splashes, however shrubs and low-growing trees were also adding to the color and bringing it closer to eye level.
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) was abundant with its colorful mitten-shaped leaves.
The leaves of our Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) also known as Black Tupelo, and the Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) are signaling a change of seasons.
I’ve been using the photographs I took recently of the insect show on the Rough-leaved Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa) to try to identify the insects I saw.
I was surprised to discover that what I thought was an iridescent green fly was actually a sweat bee (Augochloropsis metallica).
And this interesting-looking insect is a Feather-legged Fly (Trichopoda pennipes). It doesn’t fit my mental image of a typical fly, and it’s considered a beneficial insect. I’ve not found any information on what function the leg “feathers” serve.
I wouldn’t have guessed this Yellow-collared Scape Moth (Cisseps fulvicollis) was a moth, either. It is apparently widespread over much of the U.S., feeds on flowers by day and is attracted to lights at night.
I’m not sure which is more challenging – getting good insect photographs or identifying the subjects later. I’ve got a lot to learn on both counts, and I look forward to discovering more about all of our backyard visitors – large and small.
What plants, birds, insects, etc., are you noticing in your backyard?
P.S. Click on the images to see a larger view.
