Insects and Birds, September 30, 2017

Saturday's Critters, Camera Critters, and I'd Rather B Birdin'

Saturday's Critters and Camera Critters

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 19, 2017

This is an annual Cicada, not one of the 13-year or 17-year cicadas that appear in swarms.

Shiloh, Tennessee, USA, September 23, 2017

I thought grasshoppers were all alike until I began to photograph them. This Differential Grasshopper, Melanoplus differentialis, can be identified by the dark markings on its hind legs.

Prentiss county, Mississippi, USA, September 23, 2017

I was very surprised to find a small Praying Mantis while I was checking the sugar-water levels in my Hummingbird feeders. With the distal section of its front legs folded down as in prayer, it is easy to see how it got its name.

I'd Rather B Birdin'

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 25, 2017

Juvenile Ruby-throated Hummingbirds look very much like their mothers, but this one is beginning to show the red throat feathers that identifies it as a male. When he visited my feeders on Monday, he was with three other birds. I like to think of them as a family group
going to Mexico for a Winter vacation!

Have a wonderful week-end!

For more Saturday's Critters: Click Here!

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NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Willy Nilly Friday, September 29, 2017

Willy Nilly Friday 5, Sky Watch Friday, Floral Friday Fotos, and Good Fences

1. Reflections (Sky Watch Friday)

Shiloh, Tennessee, USA, September 23, 2017

Last Saturday was a gloriously beautiful day to walk along the Tennessee River.

Shiloh, Tennessee, USA, September 23, 2017

I almost missed this opportunity to photograph a Great Blue Heron with its reflection.

2. Tupelo loves Elvis!

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, September 27, 2017

On the corner of South Green Street and Crossover Road

 "In 1948, in Tupelo, Mississippi,

a mama bought her son a guitar.

He changed the world.

Imagine what you can do here."

Just me and Elvis!

3. Mushrooms

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 24, 2017

This fungus has a long scientific name, but its common name is Yellow Houseplant Mushroom. They are poisonous, but unless you have small children or pets that might eat them, there is no reason to destroy them. They will not harm your plants.

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 25, 2017

The same mushrooms the next morning...

...and then in the afternoon. If you see an interesting mushroom, photograph it immediately! They don't last long.

4. Pets (Good Fences Around The World)

McNairy County, Tennessee, USA, September 11, 2017

I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw what was behind this fence - Pot Bellied Pigs!

Pot Bellied pigs originated in Viet Nam where they are raised for meat, but they have been imported into the United States (and other countries) and sold as pets

5. Blue Salvia (Floral Friday Fotos)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 27, 2017

Salvia is in the Mint family of plants. It adds a brilliant splash of blue to the garden, and attracts bees and butterflies.

Have a wonderful day!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Willy Nilly Friday 5: Click Here!

For more weather-related photos, visit Sky Watch Friday: Click Here!

For more fence photos, visit Good Fences Around The World: Click Here!

For more flower photos, visit Floral Friday Fotos: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Goldenrod, September 28, 2017

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 26, 2017

Today I am thankful to see that the Goldenrod, Solidago, is blooming. It is a sure sign that my favorite season, Autumn, is here!

Have a beautiful day!

Let us know what you are thankful for, visit Thankful Thursday: Click Here!

For a variety of photos visit Little Things Thursday at Random-osity: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Beautyberry, September 27, 2017

On the fourth Wednesday of each month, we celebrate Wildflower Wednesday

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 12, 2017

Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana, is a plant native to the Southeastern United States. Its small dainty flowers may go unnoticed when it blooms in the Summer.

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 10, 2017

The Autumn of the year, when the purple berries appear, is its time to shine!

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 25, 2017

Beautyberries are usually less than head-high, but may grow taller in rich soil. The seeds
and berries provide Winter food for many species of birds, and the leaves are enjoyed by White-tailed Deer.

Happy Wildflower Wednesday!

For more wildflowers, visit Gail at Clay and Limestone: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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The Osprey Contortionist, September 26-27, 2017

If you have watched birds for very long, you have probably been amazed at how agile they are.

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, July 4, 2017

This Osprey, Pandion haliaetus, with his back to the camera was preening his tail feathers. If you look closely you can see his eye at top left.

Amazing to see him twisted around like that, with his head turned around to look over his back!

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, June 25, 2017

And here is an Osprey (not the same one) in a more natural looking pose.

Have a wonderful day!

For more bird photos, visit Stewart for Wild Bird Wednesday: Click Here!

And on Saturday, please visit Anni at I'd Rather B Birdin': Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Begonia, September 26, 2017

I love growing flowers! This Begonia is in a hanging basket on my front porch.

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 25, 2017

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Today, September 26, is my Blog Anniversary - 6 years!
1084 posts!

Have a Beautiful Day!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Our World Tuesday: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Camel Races! September 25, 2017

Camel Races? In the United States? Yes, in Virginia City, Nevada!

New Albany, Mississippi, USA, September 8, 2017

It is too late to go to the races this year (Sept. 9-10), but not too early to plan for next year.
Here is the Camel Racing website: Get Ready! Get Set! Go!

Have a wonderful week!

For more murals, visit Monday Mural: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Through My Lens: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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The Barn Collective, September 24, 2017

McNairy County, Tennessee, USA, September 23, 2017

An old barn almost hidden in the trees

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Your bird for today is...

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 10, 2017

a Cardinal on the roof of our shed.

Have a blessed day!

For more barn photos, visit Tom for The Barn Collective: Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit Anni at I'd Rather B Birdin': Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Warbler? September 23, 2017

Saturday's Critters, Camera Critters, and I'd Rather B Birdin'

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 10, 2017

I need help identifying this bird. A Tanager? An Oriole? A Warbler? Something else? ????
I had never seen this bird before, and have not seen it again since I made this photo. I live in the northeastern corner of Mississippi. Thank you for any suggestions to help ID this bird.

Have a wonderful week-end!

For more Saturday's Critters: Click Here!

For more Camera Critters: Click Here!

For more I'd Rather B Birdin': Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Willy Nilly Friday, September 22, 2017

Willy Nilly Friday 5, Sky Watch Friday, Good Fences, and Floral Friday Fotos

1. Sunset (Sky Watch Friday)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 15, 2017

I was fortunate to get a photo of the sun just seconds before it slipped below the horizon.

2. Farming

Shiloh, Tennessee, USA, September 11, 2017

Milo (Grain Sorghum) is grown to make feed for cattle and other livestock. Sometimes it is left in the field for wild animals to feed on in the Winter.

Large and small animals (large deer down to the smallest mouse) will be happy if this is left standing in the field.

3. Log Cabin (Good Fences Around The World)

Shiloh, Tennessee, USA, September 11, 2017

When we visited Shiloh National Military Park, I was struck by the beauty of this scene.

4. Tennessee River

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, September 11, 2017

Whenever we go to Pickwick Lake we enjoy watching the traffic on the Tennessee River.

The 'River Titan' was taking empty barges down the Tennessee River towards the Ohio River, but there are numerous places along the way where it might be stopping to get a load. The Tennessee River turns from its westward course and begins to flow north at Pickwick, so downstream is north, the opposite of what you might think.

5. Begonia (Floral Friday Fotos)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 19, 2017

Wax Begonias, Begonia semperflorens, are annual plants that can be kept indoors through the cold months to bloom outside again the next year. I take my potted flowers indoors during the Winter. It seems cruel to leave them out to freeze after their beauty has given me such pleasure all Summer.

I hope you have a wonderful week-end!

For an interesting assortment of photos, visit Willy Nilly Friday 5: Click Here!

For more weather-related photos, visit Sky Watch Friday: Click Here!

For more fence photos, visit Good Fences Around The World: Click Here!

For more flower photos, visit Floral Friday Fotos: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Chrysanthemums, September 21, 2017

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 19, 2017

Today I am thankful for September's cooler weather that alerts the Chrysanthemums that it is time to bloom!

I hope you have a beautiful day!

Let us know what you are thankful for, visit Thankful Thursday: Click Here!

For a variety of photos, visit Little Things Thursday at Random-osity: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.

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Killdeer, September 20, 2017

ABC Wednesday and Wild Bird Wednesday
K is for Killdeer - an American Plover

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, May 24, 2017

Killdeers, Charadrius vociferous, can be found all across North America. Though classified as a shore bird, they may live far inland near small bodies of water. Their name comes from their call, a shrill kill-deer, kill-deer.

Have a wonderful day!

For more on the letter K, visit ABC Wednesday: Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit Wild Bird Wednesday: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Smiley Face, September 18, 2017

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 10, 2017

Keep on smiling!

Sometimes outdoor art pops up in the most unexpected places!

Have a wonderful week!

For more mural photos, visit Monday Mural: Click Here!

For more photos featuring the color Red, visit Ruby Tuesday Too: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Through My Lens: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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The Barn Collective, September 17, 2017

Lee County, Mississippi, USA, September 8, 2017

A friendly barn

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Your bird for today is...

Booneville, Mississippi, USA, September 7, 2017

an Eastern Bluebird!

Have a blessed day!

For more barn photos, visit Tom for The Barn Collective: Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit Anni at I'd Rather B Birdin': Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Critters, September 16, 2017

Saturday's Critters, Camera Critters, and I'd Rather B Birdin'

I'd Rather B Birdin'

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, August 7, 2017

Great Blue Heron, Ardea Herodias, at Pickwick on the Tennessee River

Great Blue Herons, Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, September 11, 2017

Fishing Buddies!

Saturday's Critters and Camera Critters

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 5, 2017

Common Walking Stick or Devil's Walking Stick, Diapheromera femorata, on the hood of my car. Stick insects often hold their front legs up alongside their heads as camouflage, to look more like small twigs.

Corinth, Mississippi, USA, September 7, 2017

The Praying Mantis, Mantis religiosa, is a friend to the gardener. They eat harmful insects.

Shiloh, Tennessee, USA, September 11, 2017

The Eastern Amberwing Dragonfly, Perithemis tenera, is a small dragonfly (less than one inch, 25mm) that can be found in the eastern and central parts of North America.

Shiloh, Tennessee, USA, September 11, 2017

Common Whitetail Skimmer Dragonflies, Libellula Lydia, are about 3 inches (75mm) long.
The transparency of the wings near the body and at the tips helps with camouflage, but the
white tail is harder to disguise!

Have a wonderful week-end!

For more Saturday's Critters: Click Here!

For more Camera Critters: Click Here!

For more I'd Rather B Birdin': Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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