Splendid Country Sights

Summer is a splendid time to observe nature in all of it's glory. Peach, nectarine and cherry trees become laden with plump, sweet, juicy fruit, avian parents are busy tending to their hungry, demanding fledglings and flowering flora delights the eyes with colorful butterflies seeking nourishment.

Though our acreage out in the country is beautiful year-round, the summer season is especially magical. Below are several photos taken on our scenic property in southwest Indiana.

A radiant Great Spangled Fritillary alights on leafy forest groundcover

This handsome Eastern Phoebe perches conspicuously on a wire fence

An elegant Widow Skimmer Dragonfly clings to a blade of grass

A closer look at the delicate lacy wings

While checking on our peach trees, two small figures caught my eye ~ These frisky spotted White-tailed Deer fawns romped and played in the grassy field for a moment and then disappeared into the forest ~ This was one of those times when I wish I had my telephoto zoom lens attached to my camera ~ This shot was taken with a macro lens.

A Flower Longhorn Beetle finds this bright Wild Bergamont wildflower very appealing

A noisy Great Crested Flycatcher shows off its colorful plumage ~ An interesting note, this eastern flycatcher often uses shed snakeskins as lining for its nest

A colorful insect sporting tufts of black, orange and white setae, this Milkweed Tiger Moth Caterpillar was one of several feasting on the leaves of a Common Milkweed plant

This little Gray Tree Frog has become one of our favorite property pets ~ It has taken up residence in the spacious underside of our tilted bird bath basin ~ Quite a smart choice as it is fully protected from the wind, rain and scorching sun

Every time I clean out the bird bath I get a glimpse of our hopping friend ~ When I am finished cleaning the basin, I must be especially careful snapping the bowl gently back into place. This little creature has to be positioned JUST right in order not to be a flattened frog