Chasing the Prothonotary

What a treat to catch this little bird in the garden! The Prothonotary Warbler, a tiny blast of yellow that is on the decline. This is about the time of year I spy one and it is hard to catch with a camera. Constantly on the move, searching the limbs and leaves for food. The song reminds me of the goldfinch, a little squeaky and sweet string of notes.
Next year we may try some boxes and see if we can get some mating pairs at the water's edge, though I think they favor the swamps.
Here are shots of the warbler scurrying through a sugar berry tree; it is a busy bird!

The garden pre-ride

In full Tour de France withdrawal, I planned a nice long bike ride. Just before I headed out, I visited the garden with my camera. My sunflowers are being enjoyed by cardinals and goldfinch and I was hoping to catch a shot.


No luck, but I did catch a grackle eating a fig. It's okay, this tree is not as sweet as my other one and I have plenty to share.

Dragonflies, interpreted

The skies have been full of dragonflies since early summer. By late July the beauties are about: the reds, the lime greens and the large blues. I have yet to see the heavy blacks that look like they are carrying extra packs.
I really wanted to see what I could do in my new found art of watercolor.


When a good friend saw my little painting, she suggested putting it on a hat. So I painted a fly on my only plain ball cap. Of course the fabric and the fabric paints do not allow the detail of the watercolor, but it is a fun look. I think I may get some more plain caps and paint them up!