Male Scarlet Tanager

I know, I know...there's nothing scarlet on this bird which I admit, had me fooled for
a moment when I first saw it. It is, however, a male in non-breeding season plumage.
Only when breeding does the male turn scarlet with black wing feathers.

The Downtown Hickory Farmers Market is going to the dogs...

They come in strollers...

in handbags...

and the seem to come in two different directions at once.

More dogs at the Downtown Hickory Farmers Market

This pointer was pointedly looking to be petted.

These two came in a stroller, while...

this dog seemed to just take himself for a stroll.

and how could you not love this face on a Golden Doodle.

This dog that passed by at Downtoewn Hickory Farmers Market

How could you not love that face?

Downtown Hickory (N.C.) Farmers Market

Most of us think of a Farmers Market as simply the place to go for all kinds of produce.
In that respect they are correct, however it is so much more. If you are a photographer it is
also an opportunity that is full of beautiful colors and wonderful photo opportunities.
I couldn't not buy some of these cinnamon buns. Yummmm.

It's here that black and blue is both lovely and tasty. These came home
with me as well.

Lovely flower arrangements abound both colorful and odoriferous.

Every day produce is presented in a manner that is impossible for the
buyer , or photographer, to pass up.

A few new additions...

I couldn't not capture this image when it was presumably playing the part of the well known
"fly on the wall" and waiting for some juicy snippet of conversation

This beautiful little (smaller than the white clover blossom) Hairstreak butterfly required patience to capture as it constantly flitted around. I had to lay on the grass and hope it would choose a flower close enough for the picture. It would immediately fly away if I made any sudden movement or adjusted my position to something more comfortable.

This is an absolutely beautiful White Peacock butterfly.

I was thrilled to find these beautiful Black Swallowtails in the process of mating. I suppose I should feel some wee bit of shame for intruding with my camera at such a moment as this, however, when so engaged they don't seem to mind at all and don't up and fly of top a more secluded place.

The Lemurs are now at the N.C. Zoo in Asheboro! THANK YOU!

This is the most widely recognized Lemur, the Ring-tailed...

for obvious reasons.

and this is the Red-ruffed Lemur, also for obvious reasons.

They both run, climb (with various abilities), and share the same
distintive eyes that can certainly stare you down!

There are 8 Ring-tailed and 2 Red-ruffed Lemurs together on their island and it is fun watching them interact.

...they are always investigating even familiar things and notice immediately anything that might be new in their communal home....

and we are so glad that our Zoo has been able to bring us these wonderful and engaging animals.

A trip through the fantastic Orchid exhibit should never be overlooked and the variety and beauty of these tropical flowers is fantastic...

Of course, a stop in the Tropical Rain Forest is always on the agenda for every visit to the Zoo and here we find...

a Sun Bittern...

a Blue-winged Leafbird...

a Blue Crowned Hanging Parrot

Blue Breasted Kingfisher.