Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Early yesterday morning I sat on the swing reading, well, I sat on the swing attempting to read. It was kind of hard to read with a hummingbird close-by. This one was very busy guarding the feeder and was flitting around chasing all the birds away. It didn't even want the sparrows in the yard. Here is the shot before cropping...

and here is the shot after cropping.

I'm beginning to see more of them now, usually they come early in the morning and in the evening.

Another sunflower bloomed by the birdbath. There have been several of these already and they all seem to bend towards the water as if they are gazing at their reflection.

Last year I tried so hard to get a good picture of the delicate flower on the sweet potato vine, but never could get one. I don't know why it is so hard to capture. I still can't get a good closeup shot.

Yesterday was a very good day for butterflies. I saw monarchs...

a painted lady...

and the red admiral.



I think something was wrong with this bumblebee. It never moved away even though I had my camera within inches of it.

I went to Cool Creek Park a few days ago and saw this posted on the bathroom wall, I thought it was fitting for today's post.

The bee is not afraid of me,
I know the butterfly;
The pretty people in the woods
Receive me cordially.

The brooks laugh louder when I come,
The breezes madder play.
Wherefore, mine eyes, thy silver mists?
Wherefore, O summer's day?

Emily Dickinson

22 comments:

Shibaguyz said...

The sunflower bending toward the water is definitely my favorite. What a great shot with the reflection in the birdbath. Definitely looks like it is gazing at itself.

Jayne said...

Beautiful hummer! So many pretty flutterbys too. :c)

garden girl said...

I love your stone bird bath Robin. The hummers and butterfly shots are amazing.

Patricia said...

That does it! I'm going to buy a hummingbird feeder first chance I get to go into the city!

Beautiful photos, as always, Robin.

Anonymous said...

Great butterfly and hummingbird pics Robin. I love the sunflower bending toward your birdbath!

Robin said...

I have also found that bees will sit nicely for the camera, even when you are mere inches away. They are vain little things.

That is a beautiful hummingbird shot.

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Shibaguyz, these are volunteer sunflowers and the stems are pretty thin, I think they can't hold up to the weight of the flower. I've definitely enjoyed their birdbath reflection.

Hi, Jayne! This is my favorite time of year as an hobby photographer. I just love taking pictures of the hummers and "flutterbys".

Thank you, gardengirl.

Patricia, you definitely need a feeder! I can't wait to see your amazing photographic captures.

Perennial gardener, I've definitely enjoyed the weak stemmed sunflowers. The birdbath area was a perfect place for them to volunteer.

Robin, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Usually the bees are too busy to notice me as I'm photographing them too. This one seemed to be in a little distress. If you click to enlarge the picture you can see the tongue sticking out. It seemed to be stuck and it looked like it was swallowing repeatedly. Hopefully it recovered.

Gail said...

Lovely Robin, really lovely. I wish I could see more hummers here...I think that I am going to have to put up feeders and not just hope they'll visit the flowers!

Gail

CIELO said...

Ahhhh... what a lovely lovely post! I so enjoyed seeing all your wonderful photographs! I've never seen a hummingbird in my garden; I've tried the special sweet red-colored food to attract them, but only attracted a bunch of bees... ay! :) I really liked that stone birdbath... just lovely...

cielo

CIELO said...

There....!! I've added you to my list of "charming blogs".... I'll visit often...

Hugs

cielo

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Your feeder looks so inviting nestled in with the flowers Robin. No wonder the little hummer was trying to keep it to herself. Lovely pictures all. I also like Emily Dickinson.

ChrisND said...

Great photos...sometimes those little flowers are tough to shoot. From your post I now know the second butterfly visitor to our garden this year is a painted lady (no photos though).

Debbie said...

Robin, fantastic photos, as always. Again, I see your wonderful bird bath. I see another project in the works. Very nice.

Randy said...

Wonderful photos! I'm just not quick enough to get shots like that!
-Randy

Anonymous said...

Great photos, Robin! How do you keep ants out of your hummingbird feeder? No matter where I place mine, the ants find it within a day. The water dam's don't work, nor do the sticky ones - they make a bridge to cross. I'd love to put a feeder up, but I have to figure out a way to defeat the ants first.

beckie said...

Robin, although your bee may have been ill, he was probably drunk or high on pollen. They can get quite sated. I think the sweet potato flower turned out lovely-I don't think I ever noticed them blooming before. Hummers can be such feisty little creatures. They seem to have no idea they are small.

Unknown said...

These are great photos, Robin. They just settle my soul right down to loook at them. The next day we have a sensible weather day, I'm going to go sit outside with camera and tripod and see what I can see too.

Mary said...

Robin,

Oh, I've been away from
blogs too long. Your photos are fabbo! I browsed through your recent posts and love them. The hummingbird at the feeder surrounded by flowers knocked me over. I'm so glad you have them, finally!

Seems you are loving summer...

I want to be back more often,

Mary

joey said...

Your photos are delightful, Robin. So enjoyed my peaceful visit :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful photos. I like the sunflower and the birdbath.
I wish I could get in touch with you. Is there some way, Robin?
Girish

Anonymous said...

I never knew sweet potato vines bloomed!!?? Isn't that interesting? Thanks for sharing that ~ I've grown them for years but never noticed (if I had blooms). I'm going out to check mine right now. Of course your butterfly & hummer photos are gorgeous. You just have a knack.
Keep hanging in there on your husbands job search. I bet something good will come along soon.

spookydragonfly said...

I absolutely love your hummingbird photo surrounded by the coneflowers!! I can't have my feeders that low anymore due to the fact of stray cats(which I suppose are mine now!!). The sunflower photo is too cute!!