Butterflies & Bumblebees

"Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

This beautiful monarch butterfly flew in front of me yesterday while I was walking on a nature trail at Downs Park in Pasadena, Maryland. Quietly, I stood watching it for a few minutes as it fluttered from one milkweed flower to the next. These unique clustered flowers bloom throughout the summer months in North America. Milkweed is a vital host plant for monarch butterflies larvae (caterpillars) because they feed exclusively on milkweed leaves.

Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar

"Embrace change, for it is the path to personal growth and transformation."

Bumble bees are important, efficient pollinators of milkweed and they were busy accessing the nectar of these pretty pink, fragrant flowers alongside the monarchs. A couple of times I saw a hovering bumble bee flit out of the way when graced by delicate butterfly wings.

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." ~ Maya Angelou

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterlfy on Black-eyed Susan Maryland's official state flower.

Butterflies bring joy to life as expressed in this lovely poem by William Wordsworth (1770-1850).

To a Butterfly

by William Wordsworth

I've watched you now, a full half-hour,

Self-poised upon that yellow flower;

And, little butterfly! Indeed

I know not if you sleep or feed.

How motionless!- not frozen seas

More motionless! and then

What joy awaits you, when the breeze

Hath found you out among the trees,

And calls you forth again!

This plot of orchard-ground is ours;

My trees they are, my Sister's flowers;

Here rest your wings when they are weary;

Here lodge as in a sanctuary!

Come often to us, fear no wrong;

Sit near us on the bough!

We'll talk of sunshine and of song;

And summer days, when we were young,

Sweet childish days, there were as long

As twenty days are now.

Common Buckeye Butterfly on Purple Coneflower

Exploring the World Day-by-Day; Capturing Nature's Wondrous Display! ~Jen

Despite the differences that exist between political, cultural, religious, or national values, we all share the common need for a healthy, clean, sustainable global environment.

All photos were taken in Maryland, USA.

Spending Time With Nature

"A walk in nature walks the soul back home." ~Mary Davis These very words came to mind yesterday as I hiked along the trails of Calvert Cliffs State Park located in Lusby, Maryland. When I arrived around noon it was a pleasant 66°f with sunshine and a light breeze. Much of the Red Trail is tree lined and provides ample shade with a few open sky views alongside protected wetlands to and from the beach. Calvert Cliffs State Park Beach Pink Mountain Laurel blossoms brightened the landscape as turtles sunned on logs surrounded by water lily pads and their blooms. Bird songs and frog croaks filled the air with nature's praise. It was an absolute delight to the senses! Mountain Laurel Blossoms Eastern Painted Turtle Spending time in nature offers many benefits for our health. Nature provides for us holistically as it nurtures our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Outdoor green spaces can be found in cities, towns, gardens, rural farms, parks, zoos, and botanical a...

Woodlands

"The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Since childhood, walking in the woods has always been a meditative experience that calms my mind while simultaneously heightening my senses to the sights, smells, and sounds unique to woodlands. My home in the Eastern United States is located in the temperate deciduous forest biome. We have four distinct seasons with cool winters, warm summers, and resplendent autumn leaves that fall away only to be replaced with lovely buds and blossoms come spring. Whether or not one lives near a forest, thriving woodlands are essential for the health and well-being of life on earth. Walking along trails surrounded by trees has a way of speaking to the soul that fosters a deeper connection with the natural world. All of creation is filled with wonders that testify to the glory of God through an abundant display of natural beauty. The forest ecosystem provides natural habitat for various species of trees, plant...

An Absolute Gem!

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." ~John Muir On more than one occasion, my beloved Dad has shared this insightful quote by John Muir, the eloquent Scottish born American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. And every time I walk with nature this quote comes to remembrance due to its emphasis on the profound connection between humanity and nature. Today, I experienced this first hand while driving back roads to avoid heavy highway traffic. Much to my delight, I drove past this lovely nature space called Patuxent Ponds Park located in Odenton, Maryland. The reflection of trees in the pond water beckoned me to come and spend some time with nature. I quickly made a mental note to stop on my way back. Upon arrival, while stepping out of my car, my first thought was, Wow! this place is an absolute gem! Since I didn't have my journal with me, I made sure to take in a...

Jen's Nature Lens

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