Courtesy of a small but efficient flying machine, motion in motion . . .

Although it came up empty-taloned on this try from the frozen river, the next attempt was successful and it enjoyed a nice little shad snack in the bitter cold . . .

A female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail in flight to the next flower . . .

And now for something completely different . . . Cicada Killer Wasps. You'll find these wasps in Illinois starting in July as they emerge from their underground nests which are about a foot deep in loose/sandy soil . . .

Last week while out sitting and waiting (it's what photogs spend a lot of time doing), this bright green shield-like flying thing flew by and landed on a tall grass. Nothing but an invitation to go investigate for sure . . .

"Excuse me Bee, I have dibs on this flower for a bit, so may I suggest another one of these beautiful flowers around us?"

So many flowers, so little time . . . decisions, decisions . . .

Singin' in the sun . . .

"Um, excuse me, are you gonna eat all that?!"

In this part of the Midwest we mostly have ruby-throated hummingbirds; there is an occasional Rufous, but we've yet to have one visit. Still, we thoroughly enjoy our RTH friends during the spring and summer, especially the males as they show off their beautiful ruby throats . . .