I took over 200 pictures of this tattered looking butterfly. I loved watching his tongue (I am sure there’s is a technical word) suck out the nectar from the thistle plants.
Until next time…peace
Tattered Beauty
A Bee Searching for Nectar
I snapped this photo of a bee pulling out the flower petals to get to the nectar in the inner part of the thistle plant. I am sure there are technical names for each part of the plant. So, if I got them wrong I apologize.
I just loved watching the bees work.
Until next time…peace
Happy Earth Day!
This year most of us will celebrate Earth Day at home. Since Mother Nature is gracing mid-Michigan with snow right now. I know I will be indoors most of the day.
But, I still plan to feed the birds, plant flowers when the weather is right, and do what I can to help the planet Earth.
What is your Earth Day pledge?
Bridgeville Beauties: Burdock
Growing up to five feet tall, Burdocks are another oddly beautiful plant. Most people pull the “weed” from their yards. I leave the plant just to watch the slow blooms occur. I love the purple flowers with the little spiny white ends.
Of course, the bees find the Burdocks very tasty. Honey bees and other insects love the pollen from the Burdock. I find any plant that attracts Honey Bees a valuable asset to my yard.
The next time you see a Burdock, do no think of the plant as a weed, instead consider how much the bees love and need the vegetation to survive. From my research, I read the Burdock is actually a medical herb. I might have to be brave and try the Burdock Root Tea.
Until next time…peace
Bridgeville Beauties: Butttonbush
I often hear, “it’s just a weed” or “it’s just a bug”. Despite their humble beginnings, I find everything in the natural world beautiful. I mean, don’t get me wrong, there a few critters that make me squeamish. Wild rats, did I mention rats? I know the irrational fear comes from reading too many history books about the plague.
My new nature series, Bridgeville Beauties highlights my finds in my area. The weeds, bugs, and critters of Michigan will be my area of focus.
Starting with the first one, the Buttonbush or Bush Willow is one of my favorite plants to photograph. Growing up to 12 feet, I generally find the white flowering bush near the creek line. The white flowers with spike-like yellow heads are oddly beautiful.
Attracting bees and hummingbirds, I find the Buttonbush to be a very beneficial “weed”.
Until next time…peace
Photographing Bees…
An earlier conversation…
A friend asked, “What are you doing?”
My response, “Photographing bees.”
“No, seriously, what are you doing?”
“Photographing bees.”
Off from my porch, I have a Burdock plant in bloom. I know most people wonder why I let the “weed” grows so close to my house. The answer is simple. Photographing bees.
Until next time…peace
Wild Burdock
Most people consider the common burdock an annoying weed. But I find the flowering buds intriguing.
Until next time…peace
Dragonflies
I could photograph dragonflies all day long. The tiny winged creatures hover and fly around my flowers. Of course, if I use my imagination, I can almost see fairies fluttering along the flowers.
Have a great day!
Until next time…peace
Happy Iris Day
Today, May 8, 2017, is Iris Day. I love Irises. To me, an Iris is old fashion plant. I have the traditional purple ones in my yard. And, a couple multi-colors ones which I mixed in for color. After searching through my catalog, I want to plant more this year.
Until next time….peace
Uniquely Beautiful
I know this is a common weed around here. But I find the thistle to be uniquely beautiful. I always get helpful suggestions that I should cut them down along the edge of the property. In my opinion, the flowering thistle is not harming anyone. I know the bees like them. So I just leave the plant alone.
Until next time….peace
