Guess Again!

At first guess, most people would say this is a Monarch butterfly. It's not, it is a Viceroy. Viceroy's mimic Monarchs in the coloring, flight patterns and habits. They are slightly smaller sized and have a different pattern and markings on their wings. This poor fellow has seen better days. He's missing a wing tip and an antennae.

You might be offended by the background in which I photographed this butterfly, but it is actually a common place to find many butterflies. They love gravel and crushed limestone paths. It provides them with important minerals and salts for their diet.

Heading South

A White-crowned sparrow enjoying the warm sun on a fall day. I am amazed at how perfect the black and white stripes are on these bird's heads, It is a very unique marking. I hoped for this bird to turn more to show some of his brown wing, but it did not happen.

This variety of sparrow summers further north in Canada and only passes through the midwest in the spring and fall.

Pilated Woodpecker in Missouri

I was watching a red bellied woodpecker in a maple tree and caught movement about 50 feet above me. I was thrilled to see this male pilated woodpecker and get a quick picture. Usually the pilateds are very loud and you know when they are around. This one was completely quiet and I almost did not see him.

Yellowthroat

A female common yellowthroat picking bugs among the goldenrod blooms early on fall morning.

Almost grown

A young bluebird getting his or her adult colors.

Blue Heron

I stumbled upon the Blue Heron early one morning. I took several shots of him from various angles. I think the last one is my favorite, but please tell me if you like any of them. I was thrilled with how things just came together so well for this photo.

I was amazed at how perfect the lighting was. The background was the embankment reflected in the completely calm water. I thought it looked unusual.
I was surprised that in this light, the bird really did look blue. Most times when you see them they always look more gray.

THIS BUG'S FOR YOU

For KAP - It was almost dusk and I was walking along a path with bushes growing close to it. Suddenly, at eye level this spider drops down and startled me. After my initial gasp and expletive, I took a photo for you. Hope you enjoy this nasty thing.

I don't know what type it is and started to search online for it. It was creeping me out too much and I had to quit searching. If anyone knows what this is, let me know. It's the strangest one I've ever seen. The yellow body was the size of a thumbnail and was it completely round.