Hummingbird Moth

It was a gazillion degrees out on Wednesday but somehow I let Olivia talk me into going butterfly hunting.  The butterflies were having a blast.  She caught eight in 45 minutes.  I stood around (in the shade) and took pictures.  These Hummingbird Moth's were pretty cool.  And then after we left the garden we went straight to the pool!

Het Zwin

There is a lot more to Het Zwin then I was able to explore in 3 hours, especially on foot.  But what I did see was very beautiful, full of birds I'm still working on identifying, and makes me want to go back for more.

(I love the internet.  After posting I got curious about what that first sign means and used Google Translate to get:  "Cyclists Dismount")

Storks!

Our first order of business after flying from NYC to Brussels was to drive out to Het Zwin, a nature preserve near the town of Knokke-Heist not too far from Brugges.  This was a last minute addition to our trip because I found out they have storks.  So after no sleep on the plane, Matt drove our rental car (diesel, stick shift car in the pouring rain) to Het Zwin (about an hour from the airport) so that I could look for storks and other birds.  It was like hitting the jackpot.  The birds were everywhere.  I spent two hours walking through the reserve while Matt and Olivia slept in the car.  When the storks came close to the car (seems like someone threw them bread) I tried to rouse Olivia and Matt (to no avail.)  The storks made a great CLACKing sound when they snapped their beaks together.  Totally awesome.  So I let the sleeping beauties rest for another hour before I pushed them both out of the car to look at the storks.

A Walk in the Park

We took advantage of the chilly 88 degree temperatures today and walked around Heinz NWR at Tinicum. The water level in the impoundment is very low and after a week of 100 degree temps the fish are kind of smelling up the place. At least near the boardwalk. But, despite needing to breathe through your mouth in some places, it was really beautiful out today.

Osprey Chicks!

We finally got back to Forsythe NWR and at last there were osprey chicks!! Looks like they are about ready to fledge.

A family with two chicks.


Feeding time.


Three chicks in this nest!


And an only child. More about this guy tomorrow.

Through the Branches

Ruddy Ducks

These cute little guys are Ruddy Ducks. I'm so sad that their bills won't turn blue here on the east coast. I guess they only do that during breading season which happens out west somewhere. But they sure were adorable hanging out in New Jersey at the Edwin B. Forsythe NWR.



Keep an eye on those feet!

Osprey at Edwin B. Forsythe NWR

Hideout

Judging by the droppings this is a favorite hideout for deer. LOTS of deer. Probably the same deer that shared the Lyme's disease with our poor beagle. Soon it will be impassible to humans. But until then I'll sneak around with the camera.

Surging Ahead

We stopped by Great Falls National Park in Maryland recently. Lots of rain and melting snow caused recent flooding and the water levels were still pretty high. There's something about rushing water surging over rocks!

I've been laying pretty low lately, not many images to share, but yesterday I had a big break though in the studio. Could be some good things are about to happen. I'm working on a canvas version of the boxes (see previous post). I think I'm going to put it together with zip ties so today I'm going to try my hand and putting some gromits in the sides of the boxes. Sounds like fun right?

Mystery

I love this mysterious landscape.

There are some parts of the woods around us you can walk into. There are a few worn paths. There are other places that are less worn but still possible to explore.

And then there is this spot.

Bark

Trees are fascinating. I really want to know more about why they have the bark they have. There has to be a reason. Flowers are all organized to draw in pollinators so what does the bark do? In the mean time I can enjoy them. I think the first tree is a Bald Cyprus but I don't remember for sure. The second is a Loblolly Pine. The third and fourth I don't know. So much to learn.

Morning Stroll

"Nature" Walk