I spotted my first dragonfly in the garden today. I quietly stepped outside and snapped a few pictures. I wanted to get on the other side and get a better picture of it, but the movement startled it and it flew away. I've seen some really amazing pictures of dragonflies and damselflies on other blogs. They are such interesting creatures. Hopefully next time I'll be on the right side of the garden for picture taking.
The black-eyed Susans are in bloom. They are like little rays of sunshine in the garden. They instantly cheer me up.
The bee population has exploded and bees are all over the place right now. I don't mind the big ol' bumble bees or the honey bees, but there are also wasps and some kind of angry looking bee that keeps chasing away the bumble bees. I've wondered if killer bees are this far north!
I'm still on the lookout for butterflies. I've seen only a few of them so far. A monarch and black swallowtail quickly fluttered by but didn't land on anything. The butterfly weed and bee balm are passing their prime, I hope they show up soon.
I have the most difficult time taking pictures of bees. They are never still. I am amazed that you can get such sharp photos of them. Love all of your pictures here Robin. I hope your family is well. Or at least on the mend.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny how different our areas are--my blackeyed Susans are not really open yet (oh sure one or two, but not in mass) and I have been having dragonflies and damsel flies for a couple weeks or more.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Robin! We saw our first dragonflies (two of them) yesterday, and were also very excited. I just wish I was seeing more bees! We're having a good year for butterflies here, though, and the lightning bugs (fireflies) have begun once again to light up the nights. Hooray!
ReplyDeleteNow - just look at you go, Robin!! I really like your view of the dragonfly.
ReplyDeleteI'm still working on the patience for the butterfly and the bee. {sigh}
:) super
I kind of like the underside view of this dragonfly.Butterflies seem to be slow in coming this year,over here as well.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Ruth
I've noticed that the more bees I have the fewer wasps seem to visit. I like that trade off! Very neat picture of the dragonfly.
ReplyDeleteRobin...I've been wondering, too where the butterflies are hiding. As soon as the phlox blooms I know they will show up! The monarda is starting to decline...thankfully it's been a bee haven. No Susans blooming here and I am in zone 7! As always your photos are stellar! Do you think having water in a garden helps bring in the dragonflies? gail
ReplyDeleteI love the purple coneflower with the butterfly on it! What a lucky shot!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, Robin. The bees have returned to my garden this year as well. It's so good to see them again.
ReplyDeleteYou're at least two weeks ahead of us in bloom time there. Can't wait to see my Blackeyed Susans again.
Robin I have mastered the dragonfly thing! I sit in the garden and wait for them to light on something then snap away. I have found that the blue dragonflies are more camera friendly! I have some green and copper dragons that are more shy, they tend to fly away pretty soon
ReplyDeleteYOu can see some of the pics here:
ReplyDeletehttp://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/2009/06/dog-days-of-summer.html
The pic. with the dragonfly is fantastic. How lucky I am that I found your blog. I'll stay here :) Have a nice weekend. Hanne
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa. Unfortunately my mom-in-law is going to have to have surgery on her shoulder. So, it will be a while longer before things settle down.
ReplyDeleteHi, Janet, I'm surprised that I haven't seen more of the dragonflies, especially since it has been so rainy.
ReplyDeleteRobin, what beautiful pictures. I love the dragonfly one!
ReplyDeleteRobin, your photos are just works of art. I always know that I'll find beautiful things when I visit here and it's been WAY too long since I stopped by! I'd actually like to stop by in person one day! (How's that for inviting myself? LOL!)
ReplyDeleteWe haven't noticed a great number of butterflies yet, either, for some reason. A few Monarchs, spring & summer azures (I can't tell the difference), swallowtails, skippers, commas, red admirals, and a mourning cloak, but other than the skippers and cabbage whites, they've been few and far between.
LOTS of bees of all types are always around though. And lots of dragonflies, too. Your dragonfly photo is just the most gorgeous thing!
I see the hummingbird! Those Japanese beetles are a big pain! Hoping the birds get them!!
ReplyDeleteRobin, it's always a pleasure to visit your garden. It inspires me.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE LOVE LOVE the dragonfly shot!! And the yellow butterfly is awesome! Another fabulous set!!
ReplyDeleteRobin, the photos are so lovely!
ReplyDeleteYour bee is a wool carder bee. See this site for more info.
http://www.cirrusimage.com/bees_Megachilidae_Anthidium.htm
Thanks for sharing your beautiful garden. ~~Rhonda