When I am sitting at my desk, pretending to be productive, I have a perfect view of the zinnias that are blossoming just outside my window. Needless to say, I often get sidetracted (I totally made that word up!) by the beauty that stops by. It’s often one sweet surprise after another.
But, before I share a few of the birds and butterflies that have shown up and made me smile, can I share a different kind of surprise that I found to be quite sweet? A kind (and talented) fellow by the name of Marc, who blogs over at Open Source Photography, featured my site in an article called “Backyard Bird Nerd – The Story of a Photogriter.” It was such a joy to read. He wrote it simply from journeying through the posts I’ve shared over the years. I hope you’ll check it out!
And now, back to the birds and butterflies that show up to savor the flavor of the flowers, bidding me to back away from the keyboard and grab the camera instead!
Of course there are American Goldfinches, male and female, paying daily visits…
…but occasionally a bird like a Blue-grey Gnatcatcher makes a brief landing while looking for insects.
And now that August is ending, the butterflies are showing up much more frequently. The other day I was surprised by a Monarch…
…a Pipevine Swallowtail…
…and a Gulf Fritillary, that somehow manages to look both comical and exotic at the same time!
You know, I think life is filled with sweet surprises if we just slow down enough to notice them.
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Wonderful post and photos, Kathy.
Than you!
What beautiful butterflies, what colors, what clarity! 🦋✨📸
Their colors really are gorgeous!
Thank you, Kathy. It was a pleasure discovering your blog and photography, and I’m glad I could share your story with my readers. Keep enjoying those unexpected visitors!
All the best,
Marc.
I shall! And thanks again!
These certainly are sweet surprises. I’ve am not familiar with the Gulf Fritillary! I’m only seeing one or two butterflies a day currently in my yard. Monarchs will be showing up soon.
More hummingbirds are beginning to show up daily at my sugar bar. Are you seeing the hummingbirds yet? Hope you will soon because I crave to see more!
Interesting take from Marc. I have been here less than a year. But what I see is your excitement of who shows up to your party! ❤️🌼🦋🥳
We’ve had hummingbirds hanging about, but they just don’t want to cooperate with the picture taking! And yes, I do love seeing who shows up for the party!
Happy to know that you have hummingbirds! So there’s still a chance. This morning a new migrating showed up to my sugar bar party three times. But it isn’t allowing any photo oops! I’m guessing it’s a juvenile buffed-bellied hummingbird. My other ruby who showed up three days ago named Sweet Red Bud is not allowing it to stay. ‼️ War zone warning. ‼️
Beautiful photos of your colorful visitors! I planted zinnias this year for the hummers, but the little darlin’s have struggled in my yard – probably not enough sunshine. Next year I won’t get the dwarf varieties, I’ll go for the big old-fashioned ones, which I remember as being unstoppable!
OH – and congrats on being featured on Marc’s blog! Hope new users discover your backyard 🙂
I enjoyed reading the piece he did where you were featured as well!
😍
A beautiful garden variety of bird and butterfly seen from your window making for a delightful diversion and opportunity to give thanks for the privilege
A delightful diversion indeed!
Pipevine Swallowtail..so beautiful creature. 🦋
Beautiful photos! I also enjoyed Marc’s piece on you and your photographic journey.
Thanks. 😊
I’m amazed you saw that Gnatcatcher! I plant zinnias too, for the birds and insects and secretly for me. Yesterday I was photographing an insect I didn’t know and now I think it might be the fritt-er bug in your last image!
Just read the article about you. That was great, congratulations!
Thanks. 🙂