Late Summer Beauty

Change is in the air ... as we move into mid September, the oppressive summer temperatures and humidity levels have decreased. A deep inhalation of cool morning air feels oh so refreshing. Of late, I have noticed hardy statuesque stalks of corn beginning to brown. Soybean fields, once richly green and lush are mottled with golden leaves. Many trees and bushes are starting to shimmer with colorful migrating warblers. Breathtaking vibrant sunsets, always a delight for our eyes, occur earlier in the evening. As we wind down this unusually steamy summer in the Midwest, there is still much activity and brightness to view. Please join me on a leisurely stroll around our country property as I take in some late summer beauty.

~ I welcome identification assistance ~

This ever vigilant iridescent green beauty, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird keeps a watchful eye on her claimed feeder

A Silver-spotted Skipper encounters a passing diminutive fly

A Green Stink Bug under the protective cover of a curled leaf

A Golden Northern Bumble Bee delights in the Rough-stemmed Goldenrod blooms

A young, beautiful Eastern Bluebird gives us a great view of his new stunning cerulean blue feathers

This big eared, speckled White-tailed Deer fawn paused for a moment to look curiously my way and then went back to nibbling succulent greens along the tree line.

The dazzling purple petals of an Ironweed flower appeals to this golden Skipper

 A pale yellow Virginian Tiger Moth Caterpillar looks so very soft and woolly as it scales a weed stalk

A hungry Monarch Caterpillar finishes off a tasty milkweed leaf

A leggy Mabel Orchard Spider repairs its damaged silky web

A serene scene on our country acreage

Happy Father's Day!

This spring Bruce and I were overjoyed when our resident Eastern Bluebird couple from last year returned. The pair attempted to set up home in two different nest boxes, but to no avail (story in a future blog). Third time's a charm! Dad and mom bluebird are now proud parents of five cheeping, hungry nestlings. I don't believe the little downy feathered ones know how lucky they are. Dad works overtime to keep them clean, happy and well fed.

Soft, plump wax worms seems to be a favorite meal in the bluebird household. I've noticed for every four trips dad makes to the worm bowl, mom makes one. Mom often indulges in a few squiggly appetizers before selecting one or two worms for her nestlings. Dad is all about the kids, I have not seen him partake in the wormy delights since the eggs hatched. He even tends to the kids while mom is out splishin' and  splashin' in the bird bath. No doubt about it, this bluebird dad is tops!

This Father's Day post is dedicated to my fabulous, generous dad and all the other wonderful father's who lovingly provide and take care of their children.

Though some of the images are of poor quality, I hope you still enjoy the post.

This photograph of the male was taken in April when the Eastern Bluebird pair were actively searching for a nest box to raise their young

  Dad with nesting material, patiently waits his turn while mom works decorating magic

One juicy wax worm fits between the beak quite nicely for this father of five hungry nestlings

Two squirming worms are easily handled

With wiggly three, the degree of difficulty is increasing

Five makes quite an ambitious father

Super dad!

Lucky nestlings!

Mom bluebird enjoys a calm, relaxing moment in the whirlpool while dad tends to the youngsters back at the nest box

Dad performs the task of waste removal

After a busy day of tending to the youngsters, dad still makes time for mom

Happy Father's Day!