hummingbirds and butterflies

This hummingbird is scanning the yard for others to chase off. Moments after I snapped this he took off to fight another bird.

There are tons of butterflies in the garden right now. The butterfly bush is very popular.

Images from the end of August

Some hummingbird shots from this week(and one goldfinch too)

Migration is picking up here and we are seeing more hummingbirds every week. It should peak here in another week or two. September is the busiest month and by October they will all be gone except for an occasional straggler.

The woodpecker and the sunflower

This is the first time I've seen a woodpecker on a sunflower plant. He seems to be enjoying it.

Birds from the northwoods

We took a weekend trip up to Rhinelander, Wisconsin this weekend. We saw a couple eagles, loons, herons and lots of sea gulls. It also got down to 34 degrees there last night! Beautiful area to visit. Too bad we live over 4 hours south.

Defender of the garden

This young guy like to hide in our pine trees protecting his turf. You can see his little red feathers on the side of his neck showing he is a young male. When he sees another hummingbird he flies out and starts fighting.

butterfly bush with butterfly

Looks like my butterfly bush is living up to it's name.

One Wet Bird

This finch looks a little scary when wet.

monarch on phlox

My phlox was a bit late blooming this year thanks to a hungry deer at the beginning of the summer. Now it is out and the butterflies are enjoying it. I can't resist posting another hummingbird picture as well. This little guy is trying hard to defend his territory.

hummingbird pictures of the day

More hummingbirds are showing up now. There are many fights during the day, despite adding more feeders and plenty of flowers. Crocisma, Candy Corn Vine and Cardinal Flower are still big hits here among others.

goldfinch, sunflowers and a hummingbird moth

This goldfinch was really enjoying this sunflower plant. I've also spotted lots of hummingbird moths since I've been back.

A couple more pictures from Vermont

I can't resist posting a few more pictures from our Vermont trip.

Dividend from Mr. Chipmunk

I never would have thought of planting a sunflower in my window box, but Mr. Chipmunk did. Who am I to pull it out?