Midwest Mary

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