We have had a spring of extremes, monsoon conditions (swirling rain (think dishwasher) and lightning) or extreme heat (105+ with high humidity). The other day the weather relented and gave us pleasant conditions for hiking. A temperature of 89 with 75% humidity is currently considered moderate in our southern location. The climate extremes have meant we have seen fewer bees and butterflies.
As we came out of the dense Forest into a clearing we could see several large patches of Black-eyed Susans. The golden petals appeared to be moving in a breeze. On closer inspection it was an illusion of wing pushing the petals. The Black-eyed Susans were covered in feeding Bumble Bees and American Lady Butterflies. It was a glorious sight.
Love to ALL!
Lee
HSNP Upper Dogwood Trail
HSNP Upper Dogwood Trail American Lady Butterfly on Black-Eyed Susan
HSNP Upper Dogwood Trail American Lady Butterfly on Black-Eyed Susan
HSNP Upper Dogwood Trail American Lady Butterfly on Black-Eyed SusanBlack-Eyed Susan
HSNP Upper Dogwood Trail Bumble Bee on Black-Eyed Susan
HSNP Upper Dogwood Trail Bumble Bee on Black-Eyed Susan
Stained glass panes flutter bathed in fragrant nectar. American Lady Butterfly sips sweetness from each tiny bloom. A delicate breeze swaying Sweet Olive blossoms to release their lovely perfume.
A mountain hike last Friday with my husband Rick included a surprise from Nature. As we headed up the Tufa Terrace Trail I noticed movement above us in a Chinaberry Tree. A colorful variety of Butterflies were feasting on the nectar warming in the sun. A breeze blew gently as American Lady, Red Admiral and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies soared between the Leaves and Blossoms. As we moved further up the mountain we looked up to see a cluster of Chinaberry Trees. In the canopy of purple, pink and green was another lovely view of dancing and mating Butterflies. Sometimes the Universe gives us a gift, a moment of grace and beauty. We are always thankful to witness Nature’s artistry.
I hope you enjoy the photographs and the video below.
Love to ALL!
Lee
HSNP Chinaberry Tree American Lady Butterfly
HSNP Chinaberry Tree American Lady Butterfly
HSNP Chinaberry Tree American Lady Butterfly
HSNP Chinaberry Tree American Lady Butterfly
HSNP Chinaberry Tree American Lady Red Admiral Butteries
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Butterflies
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Butterflies
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Butterflies
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Butterflies
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Butterflies
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Continuing from Some Of My Favorite Moments from 2010… Where to begin, it would not be possible without YOU! Thank You to those who have kindly subscribed and clicked through to my blog this year. A blog is nothing without readers, those who hike with me via my words and photographs on Hike Our Planet this is dedicated to you!
A special Thank You to my beloved husband Rick who puts up with my time away hiking and photographing the beauty of Arkansas.
2011 was filled with wonderful moments along the trails in Arkansas. I created more videos and became more adept at capturing creatures with my new camera and lens. I visited two new parks (for me) and hiked many new trails. Snow fell, leaves sprouted, wildflowers bloomed, heat sizzled and autumn painted the trails. In November 2011 I celebrated the 2nd anniversary of my Hike Our Planet blog. Added 40+ new videos to my new YouTube blog Channel Lee Hiller Designs Photography. Videos included a series for Photographers For Japan to aid Mercy Corps with Japan earthquake/tsunami relief. Lake Ouachita State Park’s Caddo bend Trail was hit by a tornado so sadly the trail won’t reopen until late 2012 (hopefully).
If you have your own favorite post or photograph from my 2011 blog posts please share it in the comments below. You can click on any of the blog titles below to re-read any of my favorites.
Hike Our Planet - @HikeOurPlanet 