Captivating Summer Colors

While driving around our neighborhood, I can't help but notice the many stunning, colorful gardens in our area. Recently, camera in hand, I set out on foot to take a closer look at these bountiful flower beds that brighten up our streets. Always aware of privacy, I made sure never to step foot on anyone's property, unless invited. All but two photos were taken standing on the sidewalk or street.

A magnificent Monarch samples beautiful yellow garden flowers

This breathtaking blue beauty is a Sea Holly (identification thanks to Debbie Miller)

A Silver-spotted Skipper peeks under a golden petal

The exquisite beauty of a Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

This photo of a Red Admiral Butterfly is very special ~ While walking around with my camera, a smiling young girl and her friendly mother inquired as to what I was photographing ~ They graciously invited me into their lovely garden to photograph whatever I pleased ~ The kindness of strangers ~

A slightly tattered Great Spangled Fritillary and busy bee gather nourishment from pretty Purple Coneflowers

I was struck by the deep Persian red Japanese Maple leaves against clear Cerulean blue skies

A lovely Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly explores one of many stunning garden flowers

The vibrant center of a Purple Coneflower appeals to a hungry Red Admiral Butterfly ~ This photograph was also taken in the wondrous garden belonging to the kind neighbors

Pollen Wallowers

Pollen is plentiful during the summer months. Bees, moths, butterflies, hummingbirds and some nectar feeding bats are several of nature's all-star pollinators. These winged transporters carry the protein-rich pollen grains from flower to flower as they feed. Plants benefit from the pollinators, as the transfer of the golden dust enables them to reproduce. In turn, the flowering plants provide sustenance for the pollinators and their offspring.
(I welcome identification corrections)

The wing underside of a Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is blanketed in pollen dust

A cheerful, bright Blanket Flower plays host to a satiated bee ~ Note the full pollen baskets on the hind legs of the bee ~ These sacs are for pollen storage

This Golden Northern Bumble Bee seems to have found the perfect flowering plant ~ A Honey Bee looks as if it is waiting its turn for a tasty treat

If you look closely you can see a few yellow pollen granules dotting the wing and thorax of this Missoni-like patterned Red Admiral Butterfly

Legs coated, pollen baskets full to bursting, this bee is earning its pay when it comes to assisting in plant reproduction

This Virescent Green Metallic Bee looks as if it has bathed in pollen powder

 A busy Golden Northern Bumble Bee collects pollen from Purple Coneflower florets

A beautiful Eastern Tiger Swallowtail sprinkled with pollen particles

Color Blooms In June

After several days of tempestuous storms, muggy air and sweltering heat, Thursday's mild weather brought welcome relief. Thrilled that the summer sun was shining its glorious rays upon Chicago, I set out, camera in hand, in search of glimpses of radiant beauty that June has to offer. Enjoy! (I welcome identification corrections)

A resplendent Monarch Butterfly explores a milkweed bloom

Brilliant yellow flower petals dotted with moisture

A pollen dusted American Hover Fly

The intricate, dazzling center of a hibiscus flower

A Golden Northern Bumble Bee can't resist this stunning purple bloom

A Red Milkweed Beetle finds this milkweed plant especially attractive (the little ant does too!)

This vibrant dianthus was spotted in the middle of a trail that runs along a beautiful pond

A lovely Painted Lady Butterfly flits from flower to flower