Monarch Butterfly Hatching

I spent my childhood summers catching insects, frogs, turtles, salamanders, toads, minnows, and the occasional snake.  I still have some of that curious little explorer in me, so when I found a tiny monarch catapillar a few weeks ago I was delighted at the idea of watching the amazing metamorphosis happen before my eyes.

I was a diligent caretaker, bringing fresh milkweed leaves to my growing caterpillar every day.  

The payoff happened on the morning when I woke to find the chrysalis about to break open.  I took it outside, and this is what I saw...

 

Here I transferred it to a flower in my front yard.

I caught it's first flight...

 

 and its first landing...

Dragonfly

This beautiful dragonfly landed at my doorstep, where it apparently took its last breath, leaving me with a very nice photo op!

I love watching this type of dragonfly fly. They have clear parts of their wings so when they are hovering only the black and white areas show.

Gabriel Gets Some Berries

Wow, there sure are a lot of Mulberries on that tree!

Mama and Daddy say I can't eat the ones that are on the ground.

They sure are fun to stomp on though!

What do you mean I've had enough mulberries?  

I was just getting started.

A Perfect Morning Walk

Yesterday was a perfect day here on the wetlands of NW Iowa.  I took Gabriel out for a stroll, and we were greeted by a little painted turtle in our driveway.  That was perfect because I ran in and got my camera.  Now I can take you on our walk too!

The deep spring air was mildly damp and humid.  It had rained the day before, and the moistness caused the scent of honeysuckle and alyssum flowers to linger in the air, making me feel as giddy as if I had drunk sweet wine.

A fanatical bird was perched on the Quail Hollow street sign squawking at us as if we had invaded it's territory.  

We headed down the nature trail and a light wind gave me shivers.  Not because it was cold, it was pleasantly warm, and the delicate breeze felt like feathers caressing my bare arms.

I was delighted to see the Boysenberries are ripening!

 

Gabriel fell asleep on the way home.  I got a shot of our street...

and more turtles!

New Home

I've been absent from blogland for awhile during my move from Austin, TX to Okoboji, IA.

We are getting all settled in and we have a great home on the wetlands with lots of wildlife.

These Canada Geese are grazing right in my backyard.

Mama Goose built her nest right in front of my studio window.  

This is a view from our patio deck.  I can't wait to see the goslings!

Here are some newly hatched ducklings and a Canada Goose, another view from our patio deck.

I will share pictures of the wildlife in the wetlands often, and I've been inspired to do a series of wetland dolls.  I just completed my first one, but that's for another post.