Banded Hairstreak

photograph of a banded hairstreak butterfly on wild flowers

This little Banded Hairstreak was busily drinking nectar when I encountered it in a forest meadow.  I didn’t seem to mind me taking photos.  In fact, it didn’t even seem to notice I was watching it.

Rat Snake Resting on a Branch

photograph of a rat snake resting on the branch of a tree

The Rat Snake is quite a capable climber.  This individual took to the trees when we met each other on a lakeside trail in Central Virginia.  It seemed to be just as happy making its way through the branches as it was winding across the forest floor.

Big Red Flower

photograph of a large, red flower

I don’t know what type of flower this is but it is big and very bright red.  It was growing on a vine in the Conservatory at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden when I photographed it in May.

Cluster of Roses

photograph of a cluster of roses

This group of roses was one of those small scenes I just couldn’t resist photographing.  The composition probably breaks all the rules but I like it just the way it is.  To me the three roses in the background on the left seem balanced by the larger, fully blooming rose in the foreground and the opening bud in the upper right.

The dark green leaves of the rose bush are riddled with insect damage.  Some photographers might be temped to “repair” them during processing but I like the imperfection of the scene.  It reminds me that, upon close inspection, even the beautiful things in life are not perfect.

Ruby Throated Hummingbird 2

photograph of a female ruby throated hummingbird hovering at a feeder

I’ve been experimenting with photographing hummingbirds as they fly to our feeder.  It’s quite an exercise in patience.  This little female comes regularly but sometimes it’s 15-20 minutes between her visits.  I captured this image recently after waiting for about 45 minutes.  It was her third visit but the only one with sharp enough focus and good enough lighting to share.

In past years I’ve noticed the hummingbirds come more frequently later in the summer.  Perhaps there are simply more of them after they’ve raised a brood or two?  Or maybe there are just fewer feeding options for them?  Whatever the cause, I’m hoping to get more images before they migrate south for the winter.