Butterfly Flourishes

Several butterflies could be seen flitting about at the park yesterday.  A number of people have expressed concern about the monarchs.  I am happy to report many more sightings this year than last year. 

Enjoy!

~ Robin

More More Summer

Spotted Touch Me Not

Wasp on Swamp Milkweed

As promised.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Monarch on Swamp Milkweed

Mourning Cloak on Common Milkweed

Dragonfly

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Iridescent Beetle - Chrysochus auratus

Among the Milkweed Blossoms

Found many interesting things among the milkweed blossoms this morning.

Speranza Pustularia

Monarch Caterpillar

Ant

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Labor Day Overflow

The grasshoppers are nearly all grown up now.  When they fly, they really fly and might be mistaken for a moth or butterfly.  This one found a place to rest under a patch of flowers.  Butterflies and bees shared his place. 

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Swallowtail Tale

There are some things that were abundant last year, but seemingly missing this year.   As I started my walk this morning, I wondered if I might find them.  To my pleasant surprise, toward the end of my walk, my missing Swallowtail (Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, male) was discovered enjoying Bee Balm.  He was not the most cooperative, laying low and hiding among the leaves and flowers.  After a short time, a Monarch also discovered the Swallowtail and chased him away.  Monarchs are territorial? Maybe!

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Killdeer and Swamp Milkweed

Saw a family of Killdeer this morning at the park.  Killdeer get their name from their shrill call 'kill-deer.'  I've also noticed that more of the swamp milkweed are growing among the cattail this year.  A Monarch butterfly is enjoying this one.

Happy 4th of July!

~ Robin

Monarch, Which Generation?

Monarch butterflies migrate in the winter.  They show up here when the milkweed starts to grow.  During the summer, the Monarch life cycle is short - only up to 8 weeks.  The late fall generation, however, is different.  They live up to 7 months.  They are physiologically different than their predecessors in order to last the migration south to Mexico.  This one is the first I've seen at the park.  It probably is freshly returned.  Most likely, it is her children that will be the 'First Generation'.

Looks to be a stormy week-end.  I'll post more of today's pictures then.  Hope you had a chance to get out today and enjoy!

~ Robin