12 September 2024 Strolling the Stream at Rogers Road

Summer was making the final turn as I made this visit to Cleveland Metroparks Rogers Road. There was still plenty of work for the bees.

This goldfinch showed signs the seasons were starting to change.

Fall Floral Display

This great blue heron was quietly making its way along the shore of the Chagrin River.

Asters in the trail at the edge of the field were still showing off their colors.

24 August 2024 Another Stop at Sunny Lake

Walking out from the edge of the shore.

Getting in deeper

Striking pose.

3 August 2024 Sunny Lake Visit

My journey started with a fritillary gathering nectar on flowers.

Turtle Town

Mallards beside the shore with another turtle nearby.

Coneflower in Bloom

Goldfinch up high

26 July 2024 Visiting a Prairie

We were out for a longer weekend to visit the prairie cemeteries in central Ohio and hopefully enjoy some great bird sightings. With no bridge deck, this is quite a crossing.

The turtle seemed unconcerned about our presence near the bridge.

When hummingbirds aren't aggressively chasing each other, they are flying at very fast speeds or drinking nector from wildflowers.

Royal catchfly abounds at one of the prairie cemeteries. Most of the flowers are a bright red, but this pale salmon is eye-catching.

Tanking a sip from the royal catchfly

17 July 2024 Summer Marches On

It was a blue sky day with perfect weather for a visit to Sunny Lake for a walk with the camera. A hawk on a utility line and a great blue heron fishing for an early evening meal were on offering.

Purple coneflower brightened the trailside while beebalm offered a bed for a weary bee to rest.

14 July 2024 A Quiet Visit to Orchard Hills

This evening was a solitary visit to Orchard Hills. I was hoping to spot a great blue heron on the edge of a small pond The pond was quiet and birdless.

The pond is small but is host to a number of bass.

A swallowtail in the field

A spicebush swallowtail stopped long enough for an image by the monarda in the field.

9 July 2024 A Short Visit to Sunny Lake

I had time for a short visit to Sunny Lake.

6 July 2024 A Park Journey With Phineas

The day was perfect for enjoying a park walk with wildflowers.

A yellow swallowtail stopped by wildflowers.

Phineas has cancer and is dying. He has good and bad days. Today, he was having a good day. I was thrilled for being able to give him a park trip.

The bees were staying busy gathering pollen.

4 July 2024 Holiday Visit to Hogback Ridge

The two-tiered fanning waterfalls at Hogback Ridge are a sight to enjoy. Despite nearing the middle of summer, the flow across the falls was still strong.

First frog of our visit...

Back-to-back bunny sightings on park visits...

Blue vervain was in bloom at the water's edge...

This salamander appeared to be sleeping when I spotted it.

Another frog sighting finished our journey.

3 July 2024 Bunny, Birds, and Blossoms