6 September 2023 A Perfect Afternoon to Be at Sunny Lake...

unless you were a sunfish.

2 September 2023 Donkeys and Mules

I expect some day the donkey and mule show will end at the Geauga County Fair. One look tells how this portion of the fair is for the eldest of the fair entrants. We will stay and watch as long as we and they are around. With a little luck the youngsters who ride will stay around as they become adults.

We stopped for a park walk after the morning's events. The summer wildflowers will soon wind down, but the last of the butterflies were still here for our pleasure.

1 September 2023 Sunset Together

With my travel schedule for work, we don't have many evenings to see sunset together. This evening's was awesome.

27 August 2023 Summer Passes

A pair of common mergansers were out for a swim.

An orb spider closing a web in the yard.

Broadleaf helleborine is called a "weedy” orchid by most botanists. The same group will also say it is become a "problem". It was introduced in 1891 so it hasn't exactly been a problem for over 100 years. We have a small number on out property. They aren't showy, but do add late season color.

26 August 2023 Visiting a Quadripoint

We were out for the afternoon to continue seeking geocaches placed to celebrate the Allegheny National Forest Centennial. This afternoon included a visit to McKean County after a walk in our woods.

A tiny toad sitting on a small leaf...

Our trail to start the journey

Great Spangled Fritilary on Joe Pye Weed

Following the powerlines to the quadripoint

The Warren County side of the marker... The other three sides are McKean, Elk, and Forest Counties on this marker from 1902.

Unknown Remains from a Different Time

19 August 2023 Hardworking Bees

In the later parts of summer, hardworking bees can be spotted at most parks. These bees were hunting for food at wildflowers in Medina's Allardale Park

13 August 2023 Lake Erie Bluffs Visit

Aftter chores, we stopped for a visit to Lake Metroparks Lake Erie Bluffs. It looked like a blip when we were looking from the shore. At the edge of the horizon there was a freighter moving east to west. It took all the camara zoom to bring it into an image.

We also spotted the marine research vessel Muskie passing by. This is a serious ship known for being on the Great Lakes for research work in all weather.

An attractive song sparrow on the trail along the shoreline.

12 August 2023 Butterflies and Birds

I stopped at home to visit with the dogs. I was happy to see butterflies and bees enjoying the zinnias.

An evening of birding was calling so after the dog walks, I made my way to Mentor Lagoons.

It was a great evening to relax and bird.

10 August 2023 Scenes From a Local Park

I stopped at a park on my way home from work. I was happy to see a great blue heron walking on the grass near the water's edge.

My visit also included a rainbow sighting.

5 August 2023 Walking in the ANF

We stopped to take a walk in the Allegheny National Forest along the Allegheny River. We were treated to seeing a little green heron at the water's edge.

When we reached the fields Purple Coneflower was in bloom with song sparrows moving around the bushes.

The lilies were a surprise and treat.

4 August 2023 Metroparks Surprise

I stolled for an evening walk along the Chgrin River. I am often happy to spot a great blue heron in the waters of the Chagrin. This evening was not an exception. My surpise came during a walk in a near field where I saw a hummingbird moth. I see them very infrequently so each sighting is a treat. This one was concentrated on gathering nectar and gave me an opportunity for a few images.

1 August 2023 Visiting Mohican

Our long weekend was on its last day. We made a detour on the way home for a visit to Mohican State Park. We spotted a few butterflies and saw buckeye nuts on the trees. As August begins the wear and tear visible on butterflies calls out an approaching end to summer.