Waves of Fun

Jack at Sunset Beach

Life at the Beach

Black Swallowtail

Red Pentas

Black Snake

Young Male Cardinal

Led Zeppelin Roller Coaster

Construction begins on the new Led Zeppelin roller coaster at Hard Rock Park. Reminds me of a giant version of the Erector Set from my childhood. I get dizzy just thinking about dropping 150 feet and reaching 65 mph through the loops.

Say 'ah'

Tiny bloom on the Angelonia.

American Painted Lady

Peek-a-boo

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth

From a distance, this day-flying moth is often mistaken for a hummingbird. They have been an annual visitor to our Butterfly Bush.

Assassin Bug Nymph

I love to photograph these guys for their bright orange coloring and willingness to pose.

Assassin bugs get their name by the way they capture insect prey.
( Warning! the following contains graphic description)

This stealthy hunter often approaches its victims from behind and stabs them with stylet-like mouthparts that inject a debilitating enzyme. (see last year's post) This enzyme dissolves the preys’ inner organs so that the assassin bug can suck them out, leaving behind an empty shell.

A Pearl Crescent Day

The small Pearl Crescents enjoy the Black-eyed Susans

Orb Weaver

An Orchard Orb Weaver and egg sacs.

Duskywing Butterfly

A Horace's Duskywing ( Erynnis horatius ) which is a common and widespread member of the skipper family.

Raindrops

Black and yellow Garden Spider

The Argiope aurantia spiders are prevalent in the backyard again this year.

Eastern Pondhawk Dragonfly (female)

A Swallowtail Returns

The backyard butterflies have not been as plentiful this year. This could be due to the late freeze we had in April. I hope it is not due to any major change in the surrounding ecosystem.

Yesterday an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail visited the butterfly bush and lingered long enough for a few photos.

Pool Time

Ethan watching William jump into the pool.

Tunnel of Fun

Ethan and William

Boys at the Beach

Ethan and William

William

Skipper on a Daisy

Morning Spider

Summer Flowers

Bad Hair Day at the Zoo

Waccatee Zoo

The Flower Inspector

Fireworks in the Neighborhood

Spider and Prey

Anhinga

The Anhinga is also called a Snake-bird for its habit of swimming with just its long head and neck out of the water. This one is a female due to the brown neck ( Males are all black ). Notice the long tail and webbed feet.

migratory bird nesting area

Waccatee Zoo

Dragonfly on a Fence