Summer Beauty

As many of you know, we are currently in the process of building a permanent residence out in the country. This summer, while Bruce has been busy clearing an area for our home with machinery, I have been taking care of maintaining the property and tending to the wildlife. With 14 hummingbird feeders, 6 bird feeders and 4 bird baths to clean and refill, my days are occupied. While going about my daily chores, I make sure to bring my camera and a couple of lenses along in a backpack. There is always something new and interesting to see. Below are several macro photographs taken on our lovely country property.

Identification corrections are always welcome.

The beautiful wings of a Red-spotted Purple

Pearls of dew dot the long feathery bristles of a Common Dandelion

Silver-spotted Skippers are plentiful in our area

A lovely Widow Skimmer perches upon a blade of grass

A tiny Spur-throated Grasshopper explores the tip of some meadow foliage

Sightly Pearly Crescentspots are a common sight during the summer months

The center of this Oxeye Daisy looks very appealing to a busy Hover Fly

The impressive wingspan (3 1/2 - 5 1/2") of a Polyphemus Moth

Butterfly Milkweed fittingly attracts this stunning Great Spangled Fritillary

A Leaf-cutter Bee delights in a Common Milkweed Bloom

A pretty Little Wood Satyr clings to a thin pine needle

A most striking Calico Pennant alights upon field greenery (Identification courtesy of Greg Haworth)

Hanging on ~ Margined Leatherwing Beetle