This was the first Monarch Butterfly I saw this summer, on August 26. And I don’t think I’ve seen one since.
He was very industriously feeding on Lantana.
Twisting and turning as he went I got a few body views.
Monarch Butterfly
Category Archives: Nature
More Creatures in the Green
I passed by a number of creatures moving about in the greenery on a recent walk. First a Carolina Anole balancing on a frond.
Then a grasshopper checking out a dried cattail reed.
And a Tree Frog, just hanging on.
Bee On Morning Glory
A bee disappeared into the center of this wild Morning Glory and I waited at the ready for him to come out.
And waited.
Finally, I was starting to think that maybe I’d missed him and he awkwardly backed out.
And slowly took off casting a shadow on the bloom.
Shelf Fungi
I spotted all three of these fungi just a few yards (meters) apart from the boardwalk crossing a swamp.
The first one struck me as a great spot for a bird or insect to perch although I don’t know how securely it is attached to the tree and no obliging subjects came along to test it out.
The next one was much more delicate, and also could serve as a perch but I suspect it wouldn’t hold up to much weight.
This final group was on a tree facing the one just above, looking like auditorium seating for a performance.
Vireo Nest, Empty
I’ve checked back on the White-eyed Vireo nest from my June 15th post a few times, and about a week later got a similar image, without the rain.
Two weeks later, the nest was empty. Could chicks have hatched and fledged in that short time? All About Birds says their nestling period is 9 – 11 days, so yes it is possible.
Once I was sure there were no birds in the nest I got closer for a side view. Although a bit shabby looking at the bottom, what an engineering marvel this nest was.
Also from All About Birds:
Males and females build a pendulous nest suspended from a Y-shaped fork. They collect insect silk and spiderweb and attach it to the fork until it makes a lacy shell. They then stick leaves, bark, plant fibers, rootlets, and bits of paper to the spiderweb shell. They also stick lichens, moss, or leaves to the outside for additional camouflage. The female lines the nest with rootlets, fine grass, or hair. It takes the pair around 3–5 days to complete the nest.
Two Mints In One
Mint colored frogs that is.
When I spotted two Tree Frogs nestled down in a white Calla Lily bloom a certain advertising slogan started in my head.
Reflections, Dew Drops, Pond Vegetation
Pond vegetation and reflections.
Pine Tree Perch
This pine tree serves as a frequent perch for Bald Eagles as they survey the pond below, looking for a meal. The tree dwarfs the raptor and depending on which branch they choose not easy to spot until they fly.
Back Pond
Some individual birds seem to prefer a quieter location and not being part of the big flock. The front pond had hundreds of wading birds and White Pelicans the day I took these.
Out in a back pond a pair of White Pelicans was joined by a handful of wading birds, all quietly going about their day.
Broken By Dorian
Hurricane Dorian blew by Charleston at the beginning of September leaving some destruction in its wake.
Some old trees at Magnolia Cemetery could not stand up to the wind this time.
Some that weren’t so old took a fall, too.
September 26, 2019, Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC
