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

Wordless Wednesday: Black-crowned Night Heron

Curious Gestures

One of my favorite birding spots is a 13 acre pond located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. Green Heron sightings are common at this urban nature oasis. Most often I view the ever colorful Green Heron in the same pose, perched on a limb or log, crouched low, eyes alert, ready to strike at some unfortunate fish, frog or insect. Though, if I observe long enough, every once in a while, I will spy some curious behavior. This beautifully plumed, shy bird becomes a rather goofy clown with a variety of humorous gestures.

I usually observe Green Herons hunkered down, still and ready to strike ... but, once in a blue moon, I will delightfully see interesting behavior such as ...

A bit coy

Dancing the Hokey Pokey

"You talkin' to me?"

Perhaps a furball?

Aspiring Hip-Hop artist

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