Summer

It is officially summer! The solstice was on Friday, June 21. It's an easy time of year to find blog subjects. I just have to walk outside. Here's a few things I've seen since the season started. First, a curious catbird keeping an eye on me from the bushes. Click to enlarge.

Wild orchids blooming in the New Jersey pine barrens.

A milkweed beetle ready for action.

There are lots of green tiger beetles out hunting. It always surprises me when I get too close to one of these shiny beauties and it takes off flying. Looks more like a runner, doesn't it?

Don't fail to admire the attractive spot pattern.

And here's a great find. A chrysalis. I think it's a black swallowtail. I'll report back when it emerges.

A dragonfly resting on a flower. There's so much going on out there!

Butterfly bush beginning to open.

Milkweed flowers are open and are doing a great business in bees and butterflies. Check out the striped legs and antennae on this lycaenid butterfly.

I saw this barn swallow having a still moment.

Until it noticed me. It was gone the very next moment.