August has been a very hot and humid month in our corner of the world. June and July were the wettest months in summer for all the years I can remember. August is just the opposite. We've had very little rain. I'm so thankful as I write this, that it is raining now. Not much is expected, but I'm happy for all we will receive.
In spite of all the heat and humidity and lack of rain there has been much to observe in the garden. The butterflies have been flocking to the buddleia. There is so much joy watching nature all around us.
"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells us it's going to be a butterfly." Fuller
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| Black Swallowtail |
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| Eastern Tiger Swallowtail |
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| Female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail |
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| Red Admiral Butterfly |
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| Fritillary Butterfly |
The flowers have grown so much this month. As much as I don't like the oppressive heat, the flowers love it. They do if I continue to give them supplemental water. Pot bound plants now need more water than usual.
The patio impatiens, that were planted from seed, are now filling in nicely.
This little hummingbird comes to call on the geranium blooms.
We've watched this little fellow grow up this summer!
We've always been worried about our bunny and this fellow. Nature can be quite harsh!
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| Red-shouldered Hawk |
Our backyard bunny is now larger and hopefully will not be seen as dinner for this bad boy. He was overlooking this bed of rudbeckia goldstrum.
Summer is slowly leaving us and another season will be coming soon. The angle of the sun is quite different as it shines through our windows. Samuel began school this week and Alex and Miles will be starting another year of school after Labor Day.
The swings are waiting for another visit. Meanwhile the spiders are taking up residence and Autumn is not far behind.
I have Swallowtails in my garden, too, but I've yet to see the other two that you have in yours. We have a hawk, too, but not sure what kind. He's much larger than yours. He always appears mid-August in our woods. I'm glad I don't let my cat out. Great shot of your hummingbird. Ken saw ours at the feeder, but I've yet to catch it there when I have my camera handy.
ReplyDeleteCathy, we have several hawks that circle around our neighborhood. A friend of mine said there were three nesting pairs nearby. I'm thinking this hawk is a juvenile. Yes, be careful with your kitty! I was reading that if you have hawks you might want to remove your bird feeders for a while and the hawks will move elsewhere. I haven't done that, but maybe I should as I've been seeing less bird activity lately. ♥
DeleteYou know, I was wondering why I don't see as many birds as I used to either! This hawk has been appearing every August for 3 years now. I don't leave out birdseed in the summer, but I do all winter. There is a Cardinal family that I see every once in a while, but that's all.
DeleteCathy, I know that many birds are now migrating south--so maybe your hawk is stopping by your property on his way. Our hawks have been around most of the spring and summer. I've seen the birds scatter when they hear their call. ♥
DeleteOh, what wonderful nature photos you have shared with us in this post!! All so very pretty! I am quite impressed with your photo of the spider's web!!
ReplyDeleteAutumn is my favorite season, and this recent spell of heat and humidity has made me ready for it! But I can't help but cast a backward glance at Summer as she passes...
Autumn is my favorite also, Cheryl. I'm looking forward to more refreshing times spent outdoors! The spiders are getting quite busy this time of year and I seem to walk into their webs frequently these days. Enjoy your weekend. ♥
DeleteAren't butterflies just the most magical things? They have been slow to return here this Summer, but it has been so unseasonably cold, but now there are a few about ~better late than never~and I haven't had to water all Summer long ~~~
ReplyDeleteOur resident hawk is a sparrow hawk. I wish he'd find somewhere else to feed but our biggest problem seems to be from gulls ~ they are now attacking everything, including people in some places to steal their food.
Some really super wildlife photographs here, and the hummingbird is quite something, how you have captured the movement and shape of these little wonders of nature.
Deb, aren't seagulls the most aggressive? I remember sitting on a beach once, and a man had his sandwich snatched from his hand! Some folks like to feed them, but we've always thought it best not to lure them to us!
DeleteThe little hummer was just outside my window---the camera just happened to be at the right place at the right time.
Have a lovely weekend. ♥
Nature is quite vicious; I see it every day but it's the way God made things so... Great photos of the rabbit and hawk, as well the rounded brick flower bed...simply beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI know you see the many changes of August, Sandra. I marvel at the survival of all the animals great and small. It's not a fairy tale world for sure. I hope the weekend brings you rest and relaxation. ♥
DeleteGorgeous photos, Mary Ellen! We have had the same weather patterns in the Midwest this summer. It was amazing to see how fast the soil dried out in early August, after the above average rainfall totals of June and July! Last week, we had several more inches of rain.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is filled with such wonderful activity this month! So many beautiful butterflies visit your garden! I had to share your photos with John. He is our resident butterfly expert! He just loved your beautiful photos, too! How did you get that cute, little bunny to pose for you? :)
It's good that you are aware of the hawk that comes to visit. Although we've never seen one in our yard, we know there are a few in the area. Perhaps they live by the creek nearby. Your little hummingbird is such a welcome friend! It's so lovely that you have watched him grow all summer long.
Thanks for sharing all of the beauty in your garden today, Martha Ellen! Wishing you cooler temperatures and lower humidity in the days ahead. Soon there will be a very special book arriving... and it would be so nice to enjoy it on your pretty patio, with a tall, glass of iced tea!
♡Dawn@Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes
Dawn, thank you as always for your kind words. I need your John to verify my identification of these butterflies! Looking them up, I tried my best to id them correctly. Seeing the red admiral butterfly was a thrill for me as I don't recall seeing him before.
DeleteThe iced tea is ready for your visit! I just brewed some more this morning. The weather is perfect to enjoy reading outside today. It would be lovely to share your thoughts about Susan's new book together! xo ♥
Lovely photos of your yard and garden and an amazing spider web! Your impatiens look plentiful and healthy. Ours come up every year on their own--after many years of putting in annuals.
ReplyDeleteThe spider's web was so intricate, Dotsie. It's almost lace like and delicate. Having annuals become almost perenials is a thrill for me also. Gifts from the garden are always lovely suprises! ♥
DeleteMartha Ellen, your pictures are truly wonderful. You got a picture of the butterfly! Whenever I try to take one, they always fly away too quickly. The hummingbird is my most beloved bird. When I went to the nursery yesterday, they were all around me. That rabbit is too cute, and looks like he's posing for you hehe. Your patio is very nice, and it looks like you have a lot of space in your back yard. I really enjoyed these pictures, especially the first one with the purple flowers.
DeleteHave a terrific week.
~Sheri
Thank you, Sheri. Our butterflies are not too shy for me to photograph. Sometimes I just want them to let me see their top side, but they love to hang upside down on the butterfly bush. I love seeing your hummers in California. Yours are a little different than ours. I remember seeing a lot of them at Point Loma. I know you enjoyed seeing them at the nursery--how lovely. Enjoy your week. ♥
DeleteMartha, It is all so beautiful and I love your patio. It is bittersweet to say goodbye to August, despite the wretched heat. We will miss those perfect butterflies and hummers. That is a splendid shot of the bunny, he is in such a great position.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a thrill for me to see wildlife in my little corner of the world, Jeri. Today is wonderful--no humidity! I will not miss that as we prepare for another season. We enjoy our patio so much--we just came inside after having lunch out there on this beautiful day. ♥
DeleteMartha,
ReplyDelete(I am late once again) You have captured the LOVELIEST images in your own
corner paradise!! I loved every picture!
Warmth, love and blessings, Linnie
It's always a pleasure to welcome you here, sweet Linnie! xoxo ♥
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