Monarch on Milkweed

The Milkweed is in bloom and happens to be the host plant to a couple of different insects. Pictured here is a Milkweed bug in red and black and a Monarch Butterfly caterpillar in stripes. Not much else will eat the milkweed plant. This is an important plant in the Monarch's life cycle, though. And, for this reason, it is a great native plant to add to a butterfly garden or any garden in Indiana. Milkweed does great in the sun, but will survive in partial shade too.    

Basking

This turtle was just hanging out enjoying the day.

Enjoying the Day

This leopard frog is basking in the sun near the Kankakee River where there are copious quantities of frogs of various sizes this year.

Bees and Milkweed

Milkweed is in bloom and an exceptionally good crop of it is sprouting this year and the bees  and other insects are enjoying it. Hopefully we'll see an exceptional year for Monarch butterflies.

Reflections at Sunset on Cowles Bog

The weather finally cleared long enough for an evening walk. The birds were settling down for the evening, satisfied and full and talking to each other. And clouds lining the horizon dropped down into the bog.

Watch Out for those Needles

This plant tries to protect itself with a row of tiny needles. But the needles don't protect it from being eaten by insects as most of the leaf is gone---eaten all the way up to the security measure.

Smelling the Roses

This beetle has picked a lovely place for a nap---a rose bed.