This Queen Anne’s Lace wildflower was one of many in a field. There were many, many insects feasting on the nectar. ☙
Image #82 – That Will Be Four for Lunch …
Image #81 – Sorry, this one’s mine
Exploring the nearby West Macon Track and adjacent Willow Falls housing development I came across some lovely passionflowers in a field. Most were being “worked” by the bees. This particular bee seems very possessive of his flower, clinging to it and giving me a look that says “Mine!” Perhaps my camera lens seemed like a rival? ☙
Image #80 – Carolina Crepe Myrtles
The Carolina Crepe Myrtles are in bloom. They dot the landscape, rising to heights of 13-15 feet. They are lean, quite different from the shorter, bushy-style crepe myrtles I’m accustomed to in Florida. The hot pink color of the Carolina myrtles is also very different from the soft pink and white flowers that you see in Florida. Either one is fine with me. They both have beautiful flowers that last a long time. ☙
Image #79 – Well, maybe not all briars ….
You know how it is. Just when you make a strong statement about … well, almost anything…life throws you the exception and there you are eating crow. So, that’s me today. In my blog yesterday I ranted and raved about how I hate briars. And I do. But then I was reviewing these pictures from yesterday and what do I spot? Briars! Tiny but, nevertheless, briars. It is, in fact, a Sensitive Briar or Littleleaf Sensitive-briar (Mimosa microphylla). The bee gives you a clue to its size. It grows down our hillside in an overgrown patch that needs some attention but I’m unsure what kind of attention it needs. For the moment it is a pleasant enough area for wildflowers to occupy. The bees are very happy with the arrangement. This particular bee was one of several varieties I saw. Not all the various kinds of bees would come to this particular flower. There were different varieties of flowers and the bees had their favorites. This bee returned again and again to this flower. And why not? It’s one briar I think I could love. Yin-yang, my friends.☙
Image #77 – The King Farm
Things sure can change fast in a life. A year ago I was still working and had no clue that in about six weeks I would be laid off. And I never imagined that in less than a year I would be living in North Carolina! I was thinking about all this and wondered what I was doing, photographically, a year ago. Well, turns out I had just met Ben and Shelby King, of the King Farm in Bradenton, Florida. I wanted to do some photography on their farm and Shelby was kind enough to give me a tour. Along the way we met these inquisitive creatures. I also met Bubba The Bouncer. Thanks for a nice afternoon, Shelby. ☙
Image #76 – Shelter from the Storm
We have a good deal of rain here on Fawn Hill. I’ve been told that the Nantahala Forest, in which I reside, is actually a rain forest. Well, I don’t know about that but, as I said, we have a lot of rain and it is often tropical in nature. It pops up, comes down in buckets and then the Sun comes out. During the downpours the birds often take shelter on the feeders. Hey, on a rainy day what better to do then stay dry and eat good food? These finches and a male cardinal seem content with each other’s company … at least as long as it rains. ☙
Image #75 — Sub-adult Ruby-throat Hummingbird
Read enough bird identification guides and you come across some curious terms. Like “sub-adult”. Why not “young adult”? Why not “aged juvenile”? Oh well… He’s strong and well-fed. May he live long and prosper. ☙
Image #74 – Female Hummingbird
A female ruby-throated hummingbird sits on a crepe myrtle. ☙
Image #73 – Summer’s Bounty II
Today the birds descended on this berry tree behind my house. Like yesterday’s squirrel they seem to enjoy the bounty. ☙
Image #72 – Summer’s Bounty
We are moving into late summer and nature’s bounty is feeding its children. This squirrel has followed the lead of several birds and is feasting on the berries of an as-yet-unidentified tree in my backyard. The cardinals have made several pilgrimages to these berries and they must be quite delicious. Look at the stuffed cheeks on this fellow! In coming months, years I hope to add to this bounty and give the critters what they need. Winter is coming. Those who cannot fly away must pack on the calories and the fat. Everyone has said the last few winters haven’t been too bad. But one never knows, do one? ☙
Alice's WanderLand 