Mabel Orchard Spider

Okay, I know that spiders, any kind of spider, are not most peoples favorite insect, but you have to admit that some, and that includes this one, are quite attractive.

Shine on...

"Shine on, Shine on Harvest Moon..." and indeed it was early Saturday (September 5, 2009). I understand that when the full September moon occurs this early in the month farmers prefer to call it a Corn Moon. Whatever it's called I was thrilled to be able to capture this image.

The Dogday Harvestfly

We hear them, with their buzz-saw raspy mating call during the "dog days of summer" hence their name. They are a member of the Cicada family of insects. They spent the first three years of their life as larva living underground on the juice they get from tree roots. When they emerge they shed their outer shell (picture below), unfold their wings and devote the rest of their lives seeking to mate. What a life.

It's hard not to imagine that this fellow is grinning at you.

Two new ones and one I rediscovered.

What a thrill this week to see these two Polyphemus Moths mating on the grass by our back door. I've never before had an opportunity to photograph one in the wild ...and then this!

Through the summer I waited for these beautiful Yellow Swallowtail to show up and there were none. I called a couple of experts and discovered that they have seemed to almost disappear and for no known reason. They thought it might be a cycle and then, just when I gave up looking, God sent this ...and it was newly hatched!

I thought I'd lost this photo of a neighbors cat. He/she has the most beautiful deep blue eyes that match the color of the Iris.

Dad & Mom House Finches

This pair of House Finches have their nest in a hanging Boston Fern on our front porch and are always a delight to watch as well as listen to. I just happened to have my camera with me (well actually, it was on purpose) as we sat there reading on a delightful Sunday afternoon.

With summer here we find...

...young House Finches hatching...

Bumblebees gathering pollen while also pollinating flowers...

butterflies (a Common Sulphur) gathering nectar and pollinating flowers...

and Black Rat Snakes patrolling our landscape and keeping the rodent population in check.

I just loved this horse!

I captured this horse in Charlston, SC several years ago and it has remained one of my favorites.

A glorious southern treat

The Magnolia blossom is one of the true joys of this season of the year. A truly magnificant blossom with its wonderful scent is one of the pleasures of living in the South.

Bet you've never seen ...

...an African Crested Porqupine which grow as large as 60 pounds. It's quills are like large knitting needles...

...or a Bengal Tiger praying...

...or sticking his tongue out at a passerby...

or the real NASCAR digger.

Welcome to Death Valley

The views in and from Death Valley represent extremes as the picture above and below show.

There is life even in what appears to be an almost desolate wasteland. This coyote demonstrates there is food to be found and the Prickly Pear Cactus bloom below adds a special beauty.

The valley is a never ending series if surprises.

One of the biggest surprises is Furnace Springs, a genuine oasis, a water hole in the desert.

Then there are the great borax flats. This is where the "20 mule team" of Boroxo was used to haul the mined borax from inhospitable valley.

This was mid-April and that temperature reading is accurate. Snow was still visible on the mountain tops surrounding the valley

You might think beach with the dunes but believe me, this is not Kitty Hawk!

If you think of Death Valley as being all flat and boring, forget it.

The valley is a never ending surprise.

As you begin to exit the valley the road is a seeming endless series of sharp curves as well as ups and downs. What a trip.

The fantastic Grand Canyon

Seen from almost anywhere on the South Rim the Grand Canyon is spectacular!

Every where you look the view is breathtaking. No matter how you may try, it is almost impossible to capture its great depth and breath.

That being said, to get the most of a visit it is a must to watch the canyon colors change with the setting sun.

As the shadows the lengthen it is indeed one of natures greatest dramas and should not be missed by a visitor.