Late Summer at the Shore

Spectacular Skies

Calm Seas

 

Stunning Sunsets

A trip to Ocean City, Maryland in mid-September was a perfect time to enjoy the beach without the crowds.  The sights and sounds of the ocean environment were so beautiful and relaxing.

 

Butterfly Bush Beauties

Cute As Can Be

Just before this afternoon's rainstorm, a little chipmunk was scurrying around for grains of grass to nibble.  With its tiny size and big bright eyes, it definitely wins the cuteness award!

The First to Arrive

Monarch Butterfly on Butterfly Bush

August is the month we start seeing the Monarch butterflies on migration,
and sure enough I saw my first today!

 

Late Summer Flowers

Red Fox & Flowers

Black-Eyed-Susan Flowers
 

Summer lingers on long and hot, but bright patches of flowers provide color, cheer, and even find their way into my paintings. I was so happy to see the sunny yellow and black centered Black-Eyed-Susan blooms come forth because the deer nibbled their leaves and many of their buds to the nub. Guess they hadn't heard that Black-Eyed-Susan plants are supposedly deer resistant :)

 

 

A Visit from the Young 'ens

Come on ... Let's explore!!!

Two young fawns warily step onto the patio

What's this thing?

Striking a pretty pose

Ymm ... these smell good

Enough pictures already!!!

Now where'd those two rascals get off to?

First Sighting

Just as I finished up my yard work and gardening today, I came across this lovely Io moth that was resting in our rose bush ... a smart choice since the thorns would help protect it from any hungry predators.  It was the very first time I'd ever seen this beautiful moth.  It's so exciting to see one of nature's creatures for the first time!