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