Outside of Olivedale before club.
I believe this is a juvenile Red Tailed Hawk. He was perching on the powerlines on Old Bremen Road. There was another one on a fence post, but he flew off as soon as I stopped. He was met by a third in the air. Those two flew off while this one allowed a few shots.
Unfortunately there were no full blooms on the plant today, but there was one ready to bloom, one finished blooming, and one gone to seed. I watered them well today, so hopefully I will see a few more blooms this year.
Today, out at Chestnut Ridge, the bees were busy working the thistle flowers.
For today's picture I am showing a pre-view of part of my Alley Park display. I decide to do a National Park theme in honor of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. 21 parks are rpresented in my display. To see the rest of it come on out to Alley park this weekend. Hours are 10-6 Saturday and 11-5 on Sunday.
I found this Praying mantis while out watering this morning. It wasn't too happy to be spotted, and was watching my every move. I like the moody backlighting on this one, although I am also posting two others.
After a rainy morning the sunflowers were enjoying the setting sun.
I took a short walk out at Alley park today and found this guy. I thought he was pretty.
I will probably post a gallery from today on my website tomorrow. It was hard deciding. This little side waterfall at Yellow springs really intrigued me though.
There were several butterflies out in the garden today.
Near the gift shop at Old Man's Cave there were quite a few butterflies on the golden rod and butterfly bush.
Bees and wasps have been all over these plant for the last few days.
Taking over at the Mothman Festival in West Virginia today. Strange to see Ghostbusters(complete with 5 different vehicles), Men-in-Black, Big Foot, and Batman all in the same place. Oh, and of course several different Mothmen, Mothwomen and Mothchildren.
Lots of butterflies at the Bremen butterfly garden today. I will have to spend a little more time there tomorrow to try and get some of the smaller butterflies. There were quite a few of these, a Buckeye, a Monarch, and a bunch of different types of skippers flying around today.
There were lots of late summer wildflowers blooming in the meadow areas at Clearcreek Metro Park today. Some, like this thistle, still had a fine coat of morning dew.
I was working outside earlier and the flowers were buzzing with bees and butterflies. This evening they were covered with wasps.
One lone bee was working the sedum this evening after everyone else had gone home. Now that's dedication.
I was outside for a short time this evening with my camera when this plane flew overhead. It's a bit different than my normal shots, but I liked the ghostly appearance it had.
Monarch Chrysalis hanging on Fennel at the Bremen Butterfly garden. Hopefully the brown spot isn't a sign that things aren't going well.
We were out at Boch Hollow today as the storm was moving in. The cool temperatures and light breeze really made it feel like fall. Golden rod and the red leaves of the Dogwod trees along the grassy path took on beautiful hues as the clouds moved in. We met Levi, the park manager, along the trail and he told us the new Buckeye trail through the preserve will officially open on Friday. Some of the trails we walked today will no longer be available for the public, while others will be opened. There are currently 3 miles of trail for public use at Boch. After the opening on Friday there will be 8 miles. Many of the trails will be re-routed to get people closer to the rock formations. I look forward to seeing the new maps and signage soon.
We are finally getting some much needed rain. This Morning Glory was still looking pretty good this afternoon with the cooler temperatures.
Goldenrod Soldier Beetles(Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus) continue walking around and feeding on the butterfly bush even when otherwise occupied.
Found this guy at Wahkeena Nature Preserve today near the parking area. He will turn into a rather plain moth.
This red blanket flower was opening in the front garden today.
He didn't like me turning over his log.
