I am out and about most days, and Nature never fails to deliver exciting and satisfying experiences.
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
There is magic in the air when a kingfisher utters its loud rattling call and zooms over the water. Sometimes they even perch for a picture!
Spotted Spreadwing (Lestes Spreadwing)
So called because of its habit of perching with its wings spread at about a 45 degree angle from its body, this is a late flying species that I often see well into October.
Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
This very attractive and widespread frog is a master of camouflage, enabling it to prey effectively on the insects that comprise the bulk of its diet, while simultaneously providing cover from would-be predators.
Western Honey Bee has colonized most regions of the world, often to the detriment of native species .
Narrow-headed Marsh Fly (Helophilus fasciatus)
This is often the first flower fly I see in the spring, and well into the fall. They are associated with wet areas, but they are commonly found on flowers, from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen.
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Much beloved by everyone, Northern Cardinal is always a welcome sight.
Common Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)
The species name autumnale refers to the flowering period of this plant. It is called sneezeweed since its powdered leaves were used to induce sneezing, believed to rid the body of evil spirits.
Milbert's Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)
A very handsome butterfly, Milbert's Tortoiseshell is a fierce, pugnacious defender of its territory.
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Red Admiral is instantly recognizable, even to people with no particular interest in butterflies. It is common and nectars on a variety of plants. It is sometimes seen in prolonged territorial disputes with Milbert's Tortoiseshell.
Northern Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus)
Generally not aggressive away from its nest, it is nevertheless wise to treat this species with respect and not annoy it. It has an intense, painful sting.
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
I will leave you with a Canada Goose standing on guard for all of us in these troubled times.
Until the next time.....
Such beautiful creatures! These days I'm happy to see a lot of birds chirping on the trees outside my windows. But I haven't been able to capture their pics since I don't have any better a camera than my mobile phone. Your birds and butterflies are so lovely.
ReplyDeleteVariedad de especia animales y de vegetales . Es lo que hace interesante a tus buenas imágenes.
ReplyDeleteUn cordial saludo.
Such lovely observations. I love them all. Thank you for sharing. I can tell by the subtle hue of your photos and some yellow and brown leaves that autumn is arriving there too. Have a lovely week!
ReplyDeleteI was just looking closely at the pollinators in my bolting parsley blooms. There are still quite a few about, including wasps and tiny little hover flies.
ReplyDeleteA kingfisher visits our pond, and I've seen it catch a fish, then beat it up on the birch tree limb that goes out over the pond a bit, it's favourite perch.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful! YAM xx
Just back from our walk and I didn't see half as many birds as you usually did.
ReplyDeleteAll are a welcome sight to see, love the Northern Cardinal.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures of the birds, bees and butterflies. Have a wonderful day, David.
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful series of photos.
You come across a lot on your walks.
The Canada goose is my favorite.
I wish you a lovely week.
All the best, Irma
Some terrific shots here, especially that half-hidden frog!
ReplyDeleteHave never seen a Milbert's Tortoiseshell before. Very handsome specimen.
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure to visit your blog and see what you had catch with your camera !
ReplyDeleteBelle semaine aux couleurs automnales !
Bisous
Anna
Příroda v každém ročním období nabízí něco zajímavého k pozorování. ☺ Ledňáček bělohlavý mě zaujal, protože u nás žije ledňáček říční a ten si v hlinitém břehu řeky staví hnízdo. Je asi pestřeji zbarvený.
ReplyDeleteSeverní kardinál se prozradí svým výrazně červeným peřím, který se vyskytuje ve velké části Severní a Střední Ameriky. To znamená, že v Evropě ho nemohu vidět. Škoda, leda v zoo. Podobné je to s výskytem Severní leopardí skokan ( Lithobates pipiens ), který se vyskytuje jen v ekosystémech Severní Ameriky.
Děkuji za lekci z přírodopisu a přeji příjemné podzimní dny. Hanka
Great photos, David. The Belted Kingfisher is a very beautiful bird. The frog is almost invisible.
ReplyDeleteHeleniums are beautiful flowers, and they come in several colors. The Red Admiral visits my garden in August too, but it has headed south by now.
Hugs and kisses, Marit
Hallo David,
ReplyDeleteonce again I learned something from one of your walks. I had no idea that butterflies could be so territorial, let alone engage in prolonged battles with one another. We tend to think of butterflies as the peaceful creatures of the insect world, quietly moving from flower to flower, so the thought of a Milbert’s Tortoiseshell fiercely defending its territory rather changes that picture!
Your collection is a lovely reminder of how much can still be discovered outdoors at this time of year. A kingfisher, frogs, insects, flowers and that splendid Northern Cardinal make quite a cast.
And I am relieved to see that the Canada Goose has taken responsibility for keeping watch. We can obviously all sleep a little more peacefully now.
Best wishes,
Anette
Yes David, you find the magic and then bring it to us. Thank you for that my friend.
ReplyDeleteHola, David.
ReplyDeleteQué bonitas fotografías, ¡muy buenas!
Un abrazo.
Feliz día.
I've only once ever captured a decent photo of a Kingfisher. They are some amazing birds. I have occasionally found some of those beautiful paper wasps on golden rod, they are fascinating to watch!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea sneezeweed got its name from leaves that were ground up to make people sneeze and chase away evil spirits. Also liked the spreadwing perching with its wings held out like that, I'd never have recognised it as a damselfly. Lovely mix of small things this week.
ReplyDeletehttps://canalsandcitrus.blogspot.com
What a fantastic collection of natural wonders you encountered. I'd never heard of sneezeweed before. The birds there are vastly different to those here in Western Australia.
ReplyDeleteI really think I need to see a kingfisher some day. What a beautiful bird. Your flowers are looking like ours, a bit long in the tooth!
ReplyDeleteUsually not that difficult if you know where to look.
DeleteIt looks like you're having some lovely outside adventures still. Catching a photo of a kingfisher isn't easy. And I didn't know that about sneeze weed. We're getting your chilly temperatures in our direction right now, so I guess we can both say autumn has really arrived. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteWe now have our first frost warning of the season.
DeleteI like that kingfisher. We've had plenty of geese flying around lately.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to see.
ReplyDeleteLove Canadian Geese and that frog is a master of camouflage:) I'm glad nature is sharing her ever changing bounty and beauty with you.
ReplyDeleteThey are Canada Geese not Canadian Geese, Sandra.
DeleteCoucou, friend! lovely collection of your recent encounters with nature. I always enjoy these little glimpses of the world around you. That final Canada Goose standing guard made me smile😊 Gros bisous, my dear professor 💗
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! The Belted Kingfisher is a new one to me, but the Common Sneezeweed – what a great name!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy seeing your photos especially since you identify everything. I know that there are kingfisher in my area of Pennsylvania/New Jersey but I have. never seen one. It is an interesting looking bird. Thanks for sharing your outdoor time. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteHi David, beautiful serie photos, especially the kingfisher. We have only common kingfishers. Have a nice day. Greets
ReplyDeleteAnd we have only the Belted Kingfisher.
DeleteAn enjoyable wander through the variety of 'Miscellaneous Recent Sightings' David. Two in particular took my eye, the Spotted Spreadwing - not seen in the UK - and the Northern Paper Wasp, which - believe it or not - I have not previously heard of, but which my app made a correct ID for me.
ReplyDeleteRegards....Pete.
Great captures, David! That Canada Goose has a big job "standing on guard" for you and me. :))
ReplyDeleteS/he can do it!
DeleteLove the kingfisher. I used to see them quite frequently here but haven't seen one for a while. That's likely just because I haven't visited their habitat in quite a while. All the pictures are wonderful but I have to say my favorite is the Canada Goose. He or she looks very alert!
ReplyDeleteIn South Texas, Dorothy, there is also the possibility of Green Kingfisher and Ringed Kingfisher.
DeleteSo much beauty.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Mucho por donde ve el ojo del fotógrafo...
ReplyDeletesiempre las abejas y mariposas son más que apreciadas
por acá tenemos pocos aves vistozas ,asi tal ese rojo...
pero por donde vivo aprecio la loica de pecho rojo
el cometocino , que dan colores entre otras avecitas...
me crie con gansos
ese ganzote es espectacular!
Saludos.
Lovely sightings David and yes, the Northern Cardinal is always a welcome sight :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
This is the my favorite time of year for outings when the weather is not too warm and the colors of the flowers are so vibrant, like those asters. The birds were also colorful!
ReplyDeleteA delight as always, David! That Belted Kingfisher shot is magnificent.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I post about birds, the bird that always gets the most comments is the Northern Cardinal. I am happy that Northern Cardinals frequent my yard.
ReplyDeleteThey have such a joyful song, too.
DeleteWhen times get tough, Send in the Geese. I have seen them fly over my house and over our heads when our walking, but so far not one has stopped in for a visit. I once had an affair with a Red Admiral. Everytime I went outside, it sat on my head, my face, my shoulder or clothing. It spent the night in the same bush every evening. they were common until Milton came through. thanks for your comment today.
ReplyDeleteStunning photos once again. And finally, a magnificent Canada goose.
ReplyDeleteWhen you are surrounded by such natural magic, it is hard to stay indoors. I always take great pleasure in viewing your beautiful photos; you showcase such stunning insects, flowers, and birds.
ReplyDeleteSending autumnal greetings :)
ReplyDeleteDear David, here I am again (after a short getaway that included lovely encounters with nature, music—which likely wasn't to your taste 😉—and, following the wonderful meeting with Marja, two more blogger meetups, this time in Germany. But I’ll tell you all about that on my blog another time.)
Today, I enjoyed the nature walk with you. I hadn't realized that butterflies could be aggressive. So, I’ve learned something new from you again—how lovely!
Warm regards to Miriam!
All the best from Austria 🤗
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2026/10/reisebericht-2025-kekuli-bay-spion-kop.html
Maravilloso reportaje querido amigo. Nunca me canso de ver toda la naturaleza. Abrazos.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while since I saw a Kingfisher. When I'm at the lake, I usually hear them, but rarely see them. I've also noticed that there are less herons at the moment. Last time I only saw one Green Heron - usually I see (and hear) more and also at least a couple Black-crowned Night Herons. Invasive water hyazinth are covering parts of the lake right now, maybe that is a reason.
ReplyDeleteA carpet of water hyacinths would impede the ability of the kingfisher to dive for prey, and might explain its absence, Carola.
Delete