Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Summer of Rain

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The summer of rain and sporadic sunshine has passed. Regardless of the weather, the season brought much joy. Fun friends and family events, concerts, hikes, grandchildren’s sporting events, and favorite visitors.

I recently hosted a dear friend from Las Vegas who I haven’t seen since before COVID and my neighbor’s sweet, little dog, Tuck, The Magnificent.

I was no less delighted by the usual summer guests. The songbirds and their chorus, acrobatic hummingbirds, delicate butterflies, darting dragonflies, and countless other fascinating wee creatures.

Here are a few I caught in photos.

Grey Treefrog

Katydids

Green anole (I have no idea where he came from!)

White-lined phyinx moth

Tomato hornworm with silk caccoons. The wasp larvae have fed on the hornworm and spun their caccoons.

Bumble bees

Eastern Ameberwing dragonfly

Widow skimmer dragonfly

Twelve-spotted Skimmer dragonfly

Cicada

Monarch and Red Admiral butterflies

Red Admiral butterfly

Red Spotted Purple Swallowtail butterfly

Goldfinch

House Finch

Cardinal

Downy Woodpecker

Many of the birds and creatures will leave soon, and I will miss my little friends. The winter is too long!

©Mary K. Doyle, 2026

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Responses to “Summer of Rain”

  1. Carolina Cuisine Network

    Enjoying the last of summer insects and heat with you is a nice morning break today. Wishing you all the best from sunny SC ☀️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your kind words. South Carolina sounds fabulous.

      Reply
  2. kagould17

    A good summer summary Mary. I also find the insects and birds fascinating. Happy Wednesday. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Allan. You do take wonderful photos of the wildlife.

      Reply
  3. Ken Bloomfield

    What a great post with lots of little critters, but I have a soft spot for Tuck, The Magnificent. ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. Ken, Tuck is a cutie. If I’m not outside, he wanders across and scratches at my door. You’d love him.

      Reply
  4. vermavkv

    What a beautiful celebration of summer and its little wonders! 🐦🦋🌿
    Your photographs capture not just the creatures, but the joy of slowing down and truly noticing the world around us. From the acrobatic hummingbird to the colourful butterflies and dragonflies, every visitor seems to have brought its own little story.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I get so much joy when spotting these little creatures, Vijay. Thank you for joining me in my enjoyment. All the best to you.

      Reply
      1. vermavkv

        You’re most welcome! 😊 I feel the same joy through your beautiful photographs and observations. There is something magical about slowing down and noticing these tiny creatures that we often overlook. Thank you for sharing that sense of wonder with us. Wishing you many more delightful discoveries!

        Reply
  5. Indira

    I love all these tiny critters!, Mary Glad that you could enjoy summer- the weather and guests alike!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Indira. We are having the most beautiful fall, but. . . then it is such a long winter. I appreciate you!

      Reply
  6. Lenny Appadoo

    A fauna festival. However, I am never sad to see the end of Summer 😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. Perhaps your summer is much warmer than ours here, Lenny. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  7. Looking for the Light

    I always miss the birds & animals that migrate. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I know, Melinda! They seem to be gone for so long!

      Reply
  8. Copper coated highways

    Such wonderful photos. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! I appreciate you stopping by.

      Reply
  9. Victoria

    Mary! Your photos are stunning…and how sweet it is to meet “Tuck the Magnificent”! What a face! Sending hugs and love! 😊💝😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Vicki, poor little Tuck was such a mess when he was rescued. He has neurological dammage, but he is otherwise doing well and a total delight.

      Reply
      1. Victoria

        Ohhhh my. ❤️ He looks like he’d be a total snuggle bug! Love you, Mary! ❤️

        Reply
  10. Stephanie

    What abundance! I’ve been so sad that last year’s continual stream of hummingbirds was absent this year, although there was a little guy at my feeder yesterday. Also, I miss lizards here in PNW, but maybe not the huge invasive ones that had been taking over back in Miami. 🙂

    Took real patience to capture these!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Stephanie. I’m sorry about the lack of hummingbirds. That is sad and disturbing. Our bird count is severely down right now. I appreciate your kind comment.

      Reply
      1. Stephanie

        Sad to hear that Mary. Maybe, and hopefully, it’s part of a rhythm change and will come back around. I really need to read more about hummingbirds so I don’t take it as personally. 😀

        Reply
  11. ✒️🥣Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Most enjoyable guests!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dorothy.

      Reply
  12. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Yay for the delightful birds, butterflies, and other creatures visiting your garden!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yay is right, my friend! Thank you for stopping by, Rosaliene.

      Reply
      1. Rosaliene Bacchus

        Always a joy, my friend 🙂 ❤

        Reply
  13. restlessjo

    What a lovely post, Mary. I do admire your contentment with life and appreciation of its gifts xx

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Jo. I love all the little glories.

      Reply
  14. joannerambling

    Nice photos

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Joanne.

      Reply
  15. belindagroverphotography

    Lovely summer memories!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Belinda.

      Reply
  16. Lori Pohlman

    Your photos are so good, Mary! I love all your little friends!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Lori. Like you, I enjoy taking photos of nature.

      Reply
  17. mjeanpike

    Lovely collection of photos 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Jean.

      Reply
  18. Nancy Homlitas

    Great critter shots, Mary! 🐦🕷🦋😁

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, dear Nancy!

      Reply
  19. Under the mask..

    Oh, wow, Mary — these shots are incredible! Thank you for sharing the beauty and innocence that is still available to us all!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure. We are blessed, aren’t we?

      Reply
  20. Monkey’s Tale

    Your garden isn’t just beautiful, it provides a home to so many!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My little haven, Maggie. Thanks, friend.

      Reply
  21. Rakesh K. Singh

    The birds may leave, but, thankfully, the memories stay, ma’am.

    And, winter may be long, but, these memories will keep it warm.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Beautifully said, Rakesh. Have a wonderful day.

      Reply
      1. Rakesh K. Singh

        Thank you so much! Have a wonderful day ahead! 😊

        Reply
  22. Hazel

    This is my first time seeing hornworms. So afraid of any worms, especially if it’s near me.🙈 Amazing photos, Mary

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ah, Hazel. You are in touch with so much of God’s creation. Love to you.

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        Love you too, Mary!🙏

        Reply
  23. CJ Antichow

    Wow great pictures Mary!!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, CJ.

      Reply
  24. mgrecu1866

    What a lovely collection of small summer moments. The bees, treefrog, hummingbird and all those little visitors make the season feel so alive. I especially like how the post mixes nature with memories of family, friends and everyday joys — sometimes those are exactly the moments we remember most when summer is over.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are so right. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  25. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats

    Beautiful photos! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ronit.

      Reply
  26. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    Lovely photos, Mary. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thanks, T.

      Reply
      1. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

        You’re welcome.

        Reply
  27. Michele Lee

    Gorgeous photos Mary and glad to read you were able to visit with a friend. Cute pup!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Michele. Seeing Lupe was a highlight this summer. I hope all is well with you, sweet friend.

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee

        It is important to make time for cherished friends and keep the connection strong. Some rest is needed though all is well, thank you dear friend. Sending my best to you.

        Reply
  28. Joseph Glidden

    Very nice photos. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Joseph. Happy Friday!

      Reply
  29. destiny

    delightful images and summery sense, Mary…🤍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, lovely Destiny.

      Reply
      1. destiny

        🤍🤗

        Reply
  30. P. J. Gudka

    Lovely images, I hope your autumn is wonderful too and that winter goes by quickly.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for that terrific wish, Pooja. Have a great weekend.

      Reply
      1. P. J. Gudka

        You’re most welcome. Have a lovely rest of your week.

        Reply
  31. Edward Ortiz

    Oh, wow, Mary! You had some wonderful visitors. That yellow and black goldfinch is beautiful.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Edward. The goldfinch is a bright favorite. His color fades over the winter.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        You’re welcome, Mary. Really? That’s too bad. I’d really like to see one around here. Usually, the only ones around my house are the brown/black ones.

        Reply
  32. Awakening Wonders

    Wow, your house was the place to be this summer! Elements of a perfect ecosystem right in your backyard. From the tiniest moths to the beautiful Cardinals and Goldfinches, you truly hosted it all. Such a lovely, uplifting post!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Mary. My garden is very small but still keeps me entertained. Have a wonderful weekend.

      Reply
  33. johnlmalone

    O Mary, these are magnificent. You’ve been very busy snapping in yr garden. God must have been very inspired and impish producing these wonders in His workshop :_

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thanks, John. I get excited over the littlest things.

      Reply
      1. johnlmalone

        HAHA so do I, Mary: we must have been bitten by the same insect 🙂

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Yep. Must be true.

          Reply
  34. Mags Win

    Mary, these photos are amazing. Tuck is adorable.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Mags. Tuck is a delightful little friend.

      Reply
  35. Garden Bliss

    Such a gorgeous array of little animals, insects in total beauty – so lovely to see them all.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Flavia. I can only imagine what you see in your garden.

      Reply
  36. Cindy Georgakas

    How delightful, Mary and your photos are gorgeous! ❣️💕💓

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Cindy. It’s a small garden but draws a nice variety of wee creatures.

      Reply
      1. Cindy Georgakas

        That’s lovely, Mary. xoxoxo

        Reply
  37. Nine Cent Girl

    Beautiful! And Tuck, the magnificent ,truly is !!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ah, thank you!

      Reply
  38. SiriusSea

    Mary ❤ … I feel like I just had the best visit virtually! They’re all magnificent photos, and most looked like they were posing for you (lol). They are leaving 5-star reviews and booking next year, already ~ 😇

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. You are so cute, Ms. Siri.

      Reply
  39. The Mindful Migraine Blog

    What a menagerie you have! Thank you for the tour around your house and garden! Tuck the magnificent is magnificent! Lots of love, Linda xx

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Well, we don’t have anything very large like your kangaroos, Linda 🙂 Only small but mighty wee ones. Thank you!

      Reply
  40. K. Ravindra

    What a delight, Mary! Your photos are stunning

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, my friend.

      Reply
  41. Ilze

    Nice summary! I think I have taken less insect images 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m sure you have fascinating creatures, Ilze. Thank you for commenting.

      Reply
  42. Wandering Dawgs

    Mary, what a beautiful gallery of your summer friends! The hummingbird is my favorite and I love the katydid! I haven’t seen one of those in years!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. The hummingbirds fascinate me, as well.

      Reply
  43. TV

    Beautiful small creatures!
    Thank you for your photos, Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure, TV. Thank you for stopping by.

      Reply
  44. johnlmalone

    a gorgeous gallery,Mary: my favourite is still Tuck, the Magnicent 🙂 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      🙂

      Reply
  45. johnlmalone

    … that perky little prince lol ….

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      He sure is, John.

      Reply
  46. Saint Andrews Forest Farm

    Fabulous! The dragonflies and butterflies are amazing. We can never get a picture of them. Nicely done. 🙏🏼🫶🏼😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  47. Darryl B

    Great pix! ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Darryl.

      Reply
  48. worldphoto12

    BUONA SERATA

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Grazie e tanti auguri.

      Reply
      1. worldphoto12

        🙋‍♀️😀

        Reply
  49. Maggie

    wow where do you live to get all these visitors??

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Maggie, I live in a suburb far west of Chicago.

      Reply
  50. Priestess Sekhmet

    I loved all your amazing shots of nature and the visit from Tuck was the best!👍🐶🩷

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. He is a sweet little one.

      Reply
  51. gc1963

    True. Every creature, including humans, hibernate during winter or look for warmer regions. I love Tuck The Magnificent.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Geeta. Tuck is moving soon, and I am sad to see him go.

      Reply
  52. Dawn Pisturino

    Stunning photos!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dawn. Have a great weekend.

      Reply

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