Mid July

Male Red-winged Blackbird

The marshes here are alive with red-winged blackbirds guarding their territories.

In the wild

Nature is looking very festive!

 Female Red-winged Blackbird

This red-winged female looks like she's flirting, don't you think?

Please visit Michelle at Rambling Woods for more NATURE NOTES.

Butterfly Weed

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Ever since I was a kid on a trip with my grandparents, I've felt excited when I see a patch of this orange milkweed. Probably not as excited as a monarch butterfly who needs milkweeed (any kind) to lay her eggs on, as it's the only plant her caterpillars can eat. But...

 Bee on Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

maybe as excited as this bee who loves the plant's nectar.

Growing in the wild

The first Butterfly Weed I ever saw was growing in the wild. Now I love it so much that I do have it growing a my side yard garden.

I am linking to Today's Flowers HERE.

I am linking to I Heart Macro HERE.