October, 2008 Edition
These are birds we have observed in and near our home in Madison County, Indiana. Most have been found in the city of Anderson along the banks of Killbuck Creek and White River, or in Shadyside Park, including the wetlands and the Shadyside Lakes. For a detailed, annotated map of the area see map and directions.
Late summer is the season for butterflies in Indiana. They have not been as plentiful as they are in some years, but we have found several, including this Buckeye, to brighten your day. We think of these insects as "honorary birds" because they fly and are colorful. See Butterflies for more of these delightful creatures.
The Clouded Sulphur is one of our most common butterflies. This month we have a whole page of them at Clouded Sulphurs.
A Painted Lady complements the colors of this flower with her own colors. More of these beautiful butterflies may be found at Painted Ladies.
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"Junior," our resident father Barred Owl, has not quite finished his fall molt. The feathers around his face and head have not yet grown out. He is starting to behave more normally after spending most of the summer in mourning for his mate, Penelope. See Barred Owl Family History for the story of this owl's life.
A honey bee searches for pollen in a Gaillardia blossom. We always delight in the flowers we see each spring, but the end of summer brings a variety of them too. See Fall Wildflowers for more of summer's last beauties.
A wildflower is visited by a Bumblebee who is preparing for winter. Insects reach their greatest abundance at the end of summer. See Insects and Minnetonka for more interesting animals in late summer.
This juvenile Cooper's Hawk paid a visit to a ball park. Here it is perched on the bleachers while it eyes a flock of pigeons in the outfield. See Late Summer Birds for more birds.
This Milkweed pod has opened to release its seeds, borne on the wind by the silky fibers for which milkweed is famous. Other plants have also worked all summer and are now releasing the product of the efforts in a Fall Harvest.
