winged friends

This time of year, the air space around and over the garden is buzzing with winged activity.  I was lucky enough to capture a few of those flying creatures yesterday including this terrific dragonfly, although I wish I could identify it:

He lighted on a Joe Pye leaf, right in front of me (a photographers gift), and appeared to be washing/cleaning his eyes with the small legs near his head  ~ it was interesting to watch especially magnified by the camera lens.  I snapped a dozen photos and could have snapped a dozen more, he showed no signs of leaving or being bothered by my presence.  I am thanking my pond for this opportunity as I have more damselflies and dragonflies than ever and I attribute that increase to having water in the garden.  Now we can all just hope I'll get better at id'ing them as they become more a part of everyday life.

Moving from insects to birds, there are still plenty of babies to be found in the garden ~ this time it's the mourning doves that have fledged the nest.  Btw, it was the best nest I've ever seen a dove build ~ good thing since it was positioned right over the pond.  I had nightmares about the eggs/babies rolling or falling right into the water.

Here they are sitting in the middle of the rock pathway.  I've also seen them sitting on top of the gate (flanked on either side by a parent) seemingly enjoying the early morning sun.  There is quite a difference in size when you can compare like that, unfortunately, I didn't have my camera handy to capture that moment for you.

High in the branches of the Bur Oak tree, a robin sits on her third nest!

 

It's been a banner year for baby robins in my garden.  The first group of babies has moved on but there are still babies from the second brood hopping about.  I don't remember so many before.  Last year was not a good year so maybe they're making up for it???  Have you noticed this in your garden as well??

We've also seen quite a few more butterflies (compared to last year) ~ mostly Western Tiger Swallowtails but a few Painted Ladies & Sulfurs too.  There has been less rain and warmer temperatures tho which I'm sure helps.  I have yet to be patient enough to capture any in a photo but I plan to work on that and surprise you with (at least) one soon.

Comments

[tina]

A photographers gift indeed. Dragonflies NEVER pose for me here. It is awesome to look at them all thru your lens.

[Sweetbay]

Gorgeous shot of the dragonfly. Randy Emmitt might know its identity (Randy and Meg's Garden paradise) even though he does live in the east. You could also try BugGuide.Net. Those folks are very knowledgeable!

[marnie]

Seeing more butterflies than last year here too. Still not as many as we used to see.

Doesn't that dragonfly have a wonderful face. Huge eyes, a jaw like a bull dog and kind of a pug nose:)

The doves are bringing their youngsters to the feeders here too. Their beaks look too large for their little heads.
Marnie

[Racquel]

Great shots as always Kathleen. The face on that Dragonfly is a bit terrifying, lol. ;)

[Gail]

Oh Kathleen, That's a fantastic shot of the dragonfly! How nice that it posed so prettily for you. gail

[Kala]

Amazing detail in that image of the dragonfly. Really excellent shot Kathleen.

[Sherry Wright]

Amazing!!!! Best dragonfly photo ever. I've so enjoyed browsing through all your photos! btw, I'l send you some photos of the kitchen cupboards (painted & glazed). :)