Mystery Photo

My contribution to Eileeninmd's Saturday's Critters #78. Here's the mystery photo!

I wish these were sharper, but I took them through the sliding door glass in the basement in W.V. I saw this hawk* swoop in, next thing you know he or she was carrying off a hapless woodland creature (and some leaves). *Red-shouldered Hawk, thanks TWG!


So no sharp pics of the hawk visit, but here are some butterflies. This is an Eastern Comma, Polygonia comma. The quite similar Question Mark has 4 spots in a row on its upper wings.

Last but not least, a Great Spangled Fritillary:


Update: Also linking to Andylens' Weekend Butterfly #01

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Spiderwort and More

Carmi's Thematic Photographic 336 is Stuff that grows
Nine months ago, Amelia was a newborn puppy. Now she's 94.7 pounds (and still growing).

Spiderwort has been blooming all over the place(s) for the last several weeks.

TexWiscGirl has Good Fences #64 up. Here's Nutkin!

Stewart M. has Wild Bird Wednesday 150. I tried to record Mr. Cardinal's song, but someone was mowing his lawn.

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Ashburn Stag

My contribution to Eileeninmd's Saturday's Critters #77. Here's momma goose and her baby on Lake Siri:

Here's a Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus):

This is a female Whitetail Dragonfly. She can be distinguished from the female 12-Spotted Skimmer "by the broken/zig-zag, not continuous, white/light line along each side of her abdomen."

Speaking of Whitetails, remember Ashburn deer? This fine fellow was seen in almost the same spot 12 days later.

I was hoping he'd move for a clearer shot, but when I came back down the trail 20 minutes later, he was still there (and keeping a watchful eye):

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