https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/buildings-etc-sscc daily 0.75 2026-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700222477826-EIHEC3GRD3LNPCRVT2HR/20170219-IMG_1136.jpg Buildings, etc. (SSCC) - 20170219-IMG_1136.jpg Canadain Embassy and Metropolitan Police Department HQ, Washington DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1774964537646-8C6BQUCWGW6QEQUCZ1OV/HM_Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7ERGB.jpg Buildings, etc. (SSCC) - RGB https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1747085923141-8J40ENO10XCHIPAWTRJC/image-asset.jpeg Buildings, etc. (SSCC) - So Few Tourists at the Capital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650206327394-G5BYOCARC8K3A6F37M90/3rd_Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EAwning.jpg Buildings, etc. (SSCC) - Awning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1639162876603-9X5JXHKOQMQPNB0GDP1L/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ETesseract.jpg Buildings, etc. (SSCC) - Tesseract See this blog entry to find out how this was made. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517855330388-P7PCKTYFHHWBCTRZ710I/20160823-IMG_0420.jpg Buildings, etc. (SSCC) - Walkway over the Hudson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517855567034-1JZ1L9KP538Z1F6E41FB/20170219-IMG_1136.jpg Buildings, etc. (SSCC) - Pillars like Trunks Canadian Embassy and Metropolitan Police Department HQ, Washington DC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517855398212-GPL0B5A92J1YMW563VYD/20151229-_MG_1715.jpg Buildings, etc. (SSCC) - Part of the Rainbow Rainbow fiber sculpture at the Renfew Museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517855526732-0QO8SEW3GXUOL1MTMPZ6/20150822-_MG_1070.jpg Buildings, etc. (SSCC) - Whirla Gig https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517855194110-O2RB6CPA4NIXK3B7MJ1Z/20141227-_MG_9626.jpg Buildings, etc. (SSCC) - Capitol https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1534721788450-P0JF1DXUAF1WCMD9I7JO/20170701-IMG_2012.jpg Buildings, etc. (SSCC) - Diplomacy, Canuck Style https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/more-sscc daily 0.75 2025-04-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745623674987-Z2AEAIZN9QI1LH567J14/3rd_Print%7EIntermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7ELove+to+Travel.jpg More (SSCC) - Love to Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745623674987-Z2AEAIZN9QI1LH567J14/3rd_Print%7EIntermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7ELove+to+Travel.jpg More (SSCC) - Love to Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739193946656-BNIAAFCDDF50O3SV98L0/HM_Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EBig+Bokeh.jpg More (SSCC) - Big Bokeh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731776510194-F8TTTDG0NVH018FMFBZL/1st_Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7ECupping.jpg More (SSCC) - Cupping https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1729287876534-PNXH7BHP8YUE7557VRW2/1st_print_Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EBoston%27s+North+End+small.jpg More (SSCC) - Boston's North End https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714567811605-8DKA57RANWSLHEOIY0TL/image-asset.jpeg More (SSCC) - Calm While the World is in a Swirl https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666743071188-NZ00C4AQENTFA0TBM4X1/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EPink.jpg More (SSCC) - Pink Selected by 12th Annual Joseph Miller Abstract Show. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1581792186265-WSBR8KZ3AT133Z8O23HY/20191226-IMG_5378.jpg More (SSCC) - Don't Stop, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1534721904451-ARL1XOH45CNFBA9MWLJP/20180118-IMG_3252.jpg More (SSCC) - Metro Inside Out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517864503015-M8958W29LJN7JUC8X840/20161027-IMG_0573.jpg More (SSCC) - Winter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517864497962-YL2JETBNL1UPS4KWU5AX/20131109-despotted_20131109-_MG_1016.jpg More (SSCC) - Romanesco Cauliflower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517864498656-KWZP4M4064AKJLB8ZKHO/20140815-20140815-_MG_9440-2.jpg More (SSCC) - Hen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517864499701-LG53SO4U3Z2822DGJCJ6/20150613-_MG_0250.jpg More (SSCC) - Just a Pinch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517864502867-VS8Q31K8E6DBFL3HBQ2J/20171111-2nd%7Enovice+print%7Ecornered+reduced.jpg More (SSCC) - Cornered https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517864501658-0TGXS4ZPISMWKUP6WR91/20160205-_MG_2233.jpg More (SSCC) - Espresso Cups https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517864501614-HDSOE5PO1Z0BEYAM1I0Y/20150715-_MG_0966.jpg More (SSCC) - Tutu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1581792121233-XJT3C449611NVZ3W6REH/20180811-IMG_5013.jpg More (SSCC) - High Wheel Frederick, Md https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745623141158-CWTLG3O3OGGOMBH19RP5/HM_Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EBig+Bokeh.jpg More (SSCC) - Big Bokeh https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/landscape-sscc daily 0.75 2025-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1758045485149-1C704YY3PCAC819B8MLD/image-asset.jpeg Landscape (SSCC) - Lounging in the Sand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1758045485149-1C704YY3PCAC819B8MLD/image-asset.jpeg Landscape (SSCC) - Lounging in the Sand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731776396045-CBCS1GDA71K0QMWRFTUR/2nd_print_Great+Falls+in+Fall+20241026-20241026-DSC00523Copy+1.jpg Landscape (SSCC) - Great Falls in Fall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517865886288-2MKWHIG4BACXM2OA1KDV/20171104-IMG_2707.jpg Landscape (SSCC) - Future Purple Line Fenced off and trees fall, Rock Creek trestle will tumble. Then travel purple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517865878812-0L45VOKU1KZZKN7CFIB5/20151224-_MG_1581.jpg Landscape (SSCC) - Pond on Billy Goat Trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517865876025-7JZK7D7NNNYMEZLZBPLH/20141225-_MG_9577.jpg Landscape (SSCC) - Mist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517865882679-Z3UIMJFDBOC4RZ39YNB8/20160124-20160124-_MG_2078.jpg Landscape (SSCC) - Ft. Funston, San Francisco https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/science-sscc daily 0.75 2024-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1729287726846-2D0H7PH1Z3WZOFYULH5N/2nd_print_intermediate_Tanya+Riseman%7ELush+Lotus_20240704-DSC0774711+x+17.jpg Science (SSCC) - Lush Lotus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1729287726846-2D0H7PH1Z3WZOFYULH5N/2nd_print_intermediate_Tanya+Riseman%7ELush+Lotus_20240704-DSC0774711+x+17.jpg Science (SSCC) - Lush Lotus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517866761504-A0C80JLGL955YDK3INED/20170910-Lightroom+corona+exposure.jpg Science (SSCC) - Corona Solar eclipse on Aug 21, 2017. Different exposures show the extent of the solar corona (atmosphere.) The red bumps, called prominences, are eruptions from the surface of the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517866758594-4NYIAC76MK57MI8WYHLK/20170910-Lightroom+4+suns+B%26W+times.jpg Science (SSCC) - Sun Spots around the Clock Sun spots appear to rotate with the day's time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517866762141-UX9577BNOXBAQTFI226E/20141229-_MG_9649.jpg Science (SSCC) - Additive Used only a red and a green laser, but where they intersect it is yellow. Hey, that color theory actually works! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517866757817-L6C3H1X5DBKADKKH67GI/20120826-IMG_9790.jpg Science (SSCC) - Electronics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1518178608203-9Q3XJ28QGXP4A5F066J5/1st_print_novice_20170422-IMG_1707%7ERESIST+or+DIode.jpg Science (SSCC) - RESIST or DIode March for Science, Washington DC, 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1534721662892-OUKXKSM35SEWJF5MQB2Q/20170311-IMG_1199.jpg Science (SSCC) - Starling on Barbed Wire https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/buildings-etc daily 0.75 2025-04-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700220938580-XJH0GTM2HLRP4IA2THHM/20231020-20231020-Penn+Station+Triad+blue-red+tweak.jpg Buildings, etc. - 20231020-20231020-Penn Station Triad blue-red tweak.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699842465456-HPYWSNEPYEJD81IM4XNX/20231029-20231029-20220709-IMG_4696-Edit-2+lighten+buildingperspective.jpg Buildings, etc. - High Line Sunset, NYC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699842291158-SZ2RDOKUWILTRMHE3XLV/20231020-20231020-Penn+Station+Triad+blue-red+tweak.jpg Buildings, etc. - Penn Station, NYC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1684020853464-APO8C6YXQIXKDI82TXN7/image-asset.jpeg Buildings, etc. - Sather Tower University of California, Berkeley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880375594-YRMLDITGQNGRVTXV7F1U/20170413-IMG_1501.jpg Buildings, etc. - Sather Tower, University of California Berkley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1684020435784-GJNOFOM8GW765PW3PNNI/image-asset.jpeg Buildings, etc. - Cannons at Fort McHenry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1684019968629-LX5JFCN9VNGNFZ2V6NK4/image-asset.jpeg Buildings, etc. - Sparks Fly Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668178168968-MN71YZGAS6SZR9FWCKX7/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ETiny+Fire+Extinguisher.jpg Buildings, etc. - Tiny Fire Extinguisher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652994319639-YCH9CG9MZGEFDK73QQWD/Lightroom%2B%252820220508-IMG_4200.HEIC%2529.jpg Buildings, etc. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652910236697-J3OMP9O08UDY23C927I0/20220508-IMG_4200.jpg Buildings, etc. - Big Ding Some heavy equipment keeps bashing into the utility building's siding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652911322708-18979IFGI5WVRQVP7R9U/20220508-IMG_4202.jpg Buildings, etc. - Little Ding Some heavy quipment keeps bashing into the utility building's siding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652403320538-OPJEK3O402T0UBZ86Z36/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ETwist.jpg Buildings, etc. - Twist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643233464212-MM24T53E3I69M62ZNXO1/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EInto.jpg Buildings, etc. - Into https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643906388517-D7JS4OQYYZVV24XD1XIZ/20210627-IMG_1330.jpg Buildings, etc. - Zap! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607207305245-QEPCI8CZVLQ0J9VNDAX5/20191230-20191230-IMG_5468.jpg Buildings, etc. - On a Curve Bethesda Row https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880331531-OP8ZEKPOW3PT35GBRSOB/20170412-IMG_1478.jpg Buildings, etc. - Memorial Auditorium, Stanford University https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517879738824-0IH4QRRGLSGHE6IKRH7U/20140827-IMG_0080.jpg Buildings, etc. - Quarry, Aggregate Industries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517879981528-KMAHTFWBSY62NCGXZ0SL/20160121-20160121-_MG_2041.jpg Buildings, etc. - Bay Bridge, San Fransisco https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880012912-8HXKHCBZM375SB21IXBU/20161112-IMG_0655.jpg Buildings, etc. - Reinforcing Water Tower, NIH https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880042252-SSFS9GFGYRWRCPJSJ1JT/20161112-IMG_0660.jpg Buildings, etc. - Bird Watching Water Tower Get Reinforced https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880066632-CY7NNI7RS1S5OJGFXB5N/20161227-IMG_0986.jpg Buildings, etc. - Scraping Excess Wet Cement, NIH Water Tower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880091749-ENQPA3KFATCFLCPCGXM9/20170219-IMG_1132.jpg Buildings, etc. - Roof Line, National Gallery of Art, East Wing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880118892-INGRT1RP00KBF7EQ2CQH/20170219-IMG_1137.jpg Buildings, etc. - Newsium https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880153581-NH94UBI6OI0KW1PX613B/20170219-IMG_1144.jpg Buildings, etc. - Gallery Pl.-Chinatown, DC Metro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880186016-RAVMUSEICOLZ2P7WG0BN/20170311-IMG_1224.jpg Buildings, etc. - Washington Monument and the Tidal Basin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880225724-EBSZU7LSFE7U3R1V32GE/20170409-IMG_1357.jpg Buildings, etc. - Artists' Yurt, Glenn Echo Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880288760-J8ZTWTD75B9M3UD0C9TL/20170412-IMG_1476.jpg Buildings, etc. - Detail, Hoover Tower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880405538-N3ETVTBSNBL2MW43YSSY/20170430-IMG_1749.jpg Buildings, etc. - National Museum of African American History and Culture https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880437505-S0IT9QVWCR10BFHBEEJY/20170701-IMG_2019.jpg Buildings, etc. - Canadian Embassy, Canada Day 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1518182552630-QTRXV5XFI62NVWJVHU0H/20171124-IMG_2759-2.jpg Buildings, etc. - Maryland Senate Room https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880508549-0X2A7TFEJAD5RFN1654Q/20171124-IMG_2771.jpg Buildings, etc. - Maryland State House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880541470-1AX08WOVBTG6SK5I5Z4E/20171124-IMG_2776.jpg Buildings, etc. - Maryland State House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880567827-QC911K7OL8LY66C7CVPT/20171124-IMG_2782.jpg Buildings, etc. - Maryland State House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517880904368-4VT0XH2JSRQSZILCUG6B/20180118-IMG_3270.jpg Buildings, etc. - Sky Light, National Gallery of Art, West Building https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1519082304343-NTCYH340R7M2KUALG5M7/20180210-IMG_3460.jpg Buildings, etc. - Canal Street Malt House, Baltimore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1519082263006-2B2S4BRQYK2X816D9QKM/20180210-IMG_3384.jpg Buildings, etc. - Emerson Bromo-Seltzer Tower, Balitmore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1519082280868-9HNGJFXYOYWN73NJI4KU/20180210-IMG_3401.jpg Buildings, etc. - Seating, Baltimore Convention Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1519082291552-J7S9V4A40BLEKVAVHUQ7/20180210-IMG_3411.jpg Buildings, etc. - Stairs, Baltimore Convention Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1519082321041-7LV6VUES2CMWJUUDS7FL/20180217-IMG_3535.jpg Buildings, etc. - Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1519082343156-2CZG9ODWXA6BW5AIACPX/20180217-IMG_3537.jpg Buildings, etc. - Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1519082360387-SVBE78L83Q0YVEK30PHC/20180217-IMG_3554.jpg Buildings, etc. - Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1519082373191-GCTIF6PGLORO15KQS0HH/20180217-IMG_3604.jpg Buildings, etc. - Franciscan Monastery, Washington DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1519082399586-33MP7UMJ331GKPFTZW4G/20180217-IMG_3609.jpg Buildings, etc. - Franciscan Monastery, Washington DC https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/nature daily 0.75 2025-04-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700221139985-L9GEE9Z8JN9X9RY1ZJSL/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EPoint+Lobos++copy.jpg Nature - Advanced~Tanya Riseman~Point Lobos copy.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1684020671704-H8V83AYL3I61TSCHDEQW/image-asset.jpeg Nature - Bald Eagle Dyke Marsh, Belle Haven, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745625361208-Z5QKMEBRD52YO1PQR5BJ/20211105-20211105-IMG_2536.jpg Nature - Redwood Tree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1684019486488-X6EWTRFKM4D8XMO9LN8M/image-asset.jpeg Nature - Another Yellow Flower Hillwood Estate, Washington, DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1684019591005-SZEHCL6S8SJMUGX052CJ/image-asset.jpeg Nature - Longing Hillwood Estate, Washington, DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1684019778024-AUNPO3IGH8H1P6IPTR98/image-asset.jpeg Nature - Walk Like an Egyptian McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area, Montgomery County, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1684019816989-3C4AADTTYKPQPPX1DBA2/image-asset.jpeg Nature - Maple Swirl Frederick overlook, Maryland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1673628708002-I1O3TPINGT61XT2ZCQAJ/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ENative+Meadow.jpg Nature - Native Meadow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666742918915-XB412GQ8V0OOTU0NKWKY/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EHalloween+Pennant.jpg Nature - Halloween Pennant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1647011992750-YUZE8Z7QI2QDBWT7PS0M/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ESticky+Snow.jpg Nature - Sticky Snow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644617861949-GH7RDQZ254JEPH2QOCXU/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ETurkey+Tails.jpg Nature - Turkey Tails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644617861761-H5LOYOOSYZQ1O891O97E/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EFlowering+Tessel.jpg Nature - Flowering Tessel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643233364774-E9REZYD4SUDGX0ZW3LCW/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EPoint+Lobos+.jpg Nature - Los Lobos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643906531350-P8M0XP4SA4X9DPZTFLCE/20211113-IMG_2606.jpg Nature - Wavey Tree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643906531250-1DRU33KMC27PHUQEZUGX/20211113-IMG_2631.jpg Nature - Wiggle landscape https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643906894776-TV7AD0MERKBYHP7HRIGH/20211107-IMG_2552-2.jpg Nature - Sumac 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643906894629-9OPOV41ZI8LOOQU3MB6G/20211028-IMG_2304-1.jpg Nature - Sumac 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643907779144-3TN7PWGRHJA2JQFXQC9W/20210620-IMG_1408+mono+color+grad+retouched++copy.jpg Nature - Bronze Mulberry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643906768063-T1AXMUXJ070UBR4RHT2A/20210601-LEBR0594.jpg Nature - Mineral HIlls Quarry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1639163570394-EQUGKDM2PO3WTKXKR01U/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EBlue-Eyed+Grass+copy+2.jpg Nature - Blue-Eyed Grass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517881454179-GFF8Y5YV5EW3KG33HRBL/20140705-20140705-_MG_9221-2.jpg Nature https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1639163570410-UKLYDUIHHY2Q5YICZDK9/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EBee+and+Teasels+copy+2.jpg Nature - Bee and Teasels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1639163569317-XHECHT8BTXGOBROF2604/20200929-IMG_1389.jpg Nature - Butterfly Grunge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1639163571342-VBA7TRLXUX45ZWZ33U3U/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EGnarly+Tree+copy.jpg Nature - Gnarly Tree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1639163571288-KFEBDXII8LQR7TLK37IJ/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ECat+Ice+copy+2.jpg Nature - Cat Ice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1639163572102-C1LY9E5YEDZB2OR30T20/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EHover+Fly+on+a+Dayflower+copy.jpg Nature - Hover Fly on a Mayflower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1639163569314-2PPIHSGUSRV2ZRSSIKZ1/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7E3+X+3+copy+2.jpg Nature - 3 X 3 Round Flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592330439067-UUJAKLKH9LR97S24YDG1/20200715-9+Flowers+of+the+Day+1500x1500.jpg Nature - 3 x 3 Flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607208916361-5UYFUBBYE4AKB61V5Q4O/20180406-IMG_4182.jpg Nature - Cherry Blossoms, 2018-2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607207512485-BJTO96NMHM9Q7L40DB9H/20191228-IMG_5396-Pano+copy.jpg Nature - Cabin John Creek Panorama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517881771682-BNSQTWFXBDN5FVDDJM1O/20140705-20140705-_MG_9221-2.jpg Nature - Mayfly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517881796748-4MJDPNVT7DT3S47OQ0ZD/20140704-Novice%7ETanya+Riseman%7Efly.jpg Nature - fly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517881815681-A2MDUSVM05XDN9H3SRB7/20140830-20140830-_MG_9511-2.jpg Nature - Farmer Ant with Aphids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517881836901-Q7CO2DHT7LO0PQEAC8BT/20150228-_MG_9818.jpg Nature - Fern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517881864479-EDVU5NU7X82VPER9BFRT/20150711-20150711-_MG_0918-2.jpg Nature - White Flower and Rebecca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517881885069-DXWT0NZY4QT16CJSTK15/20150711-20150711-_MG_0933-2.jpg Nature - Tilting flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517881908274-6N4PMMIIX4SXD9SRK4LK/20150715-_MG_0947.jpg Nature - Skipper Butterfly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517881956177-DV5VKBUON7H8O8PX33MS/20150715-_MG_0973.jpg Nature - Bug Runway, Kenilworth Aquatic Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517881977974-T47LZCYDZSWO1IJX0EDP/20150715-_MG_0981.jpg Nature - Lilly pads, Kenilworth Aquatic Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517882003829-BSGY5JF8EOUVD9UELEZA/20160717-IMG_0285.jpg Nature - Sunflower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517882032175-SJO4IDI7ODEZA6NO3HRM/20160825-IMG_0499.jpg Nature - Monarch Butteryfly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517882059159-HW1WPTQIG6JDNIPRV9WC/20170311-IMG_1180.jpg Nature - Fish, Municipal Fish Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517882085331-DOGGYGO3YUQYA55IU6X8/20170311-IMG_1186.jpg Nature - Black and Pink Fish, Fish, Municipal Fish Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517882113378-4BXG8SRLZ4YK9F3JGANL/20170311-IMG_1199.jpg Nature - Starling, Municipal Fish Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517882131926-4MEXFA3O1J8PDH4NF89L/20170521-IMG_1908.jpg Nature - Off Year Cicada, 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517882161067-JM670QDS33SA0O9V6OWU/20170910-Lightroom+High+Noon.jpg Nature - Eclipse and Sun Spots https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517882197482-QTBSMTDPOUIJ3C8IBSDI/20170907-Lightroom+%2820170904-IMG_2441.JPG+and+8+others%29.jpg Nature - Leaves, Sun Spots, Clouds https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517882220520-U6GS3XQDB3REFI1TJW66/20171008-IMG_2671.jpg Nature - Flower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1518180502190-X5DZ81AXEG2V02G39LH5/20100925-IMG_3296.jpg Nature - Ermine Moth https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1518180534597-CIZXILALJ6M3TW1EC2OX/20110905-IMG_8055.jpg Nature - Yellow Aphids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1518180554506-AH2YO85BSRMOTJLYUHN5/20110912-IMG_8131.jpg Nature - Grasshopper https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/more daily 0.75 2025-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700221308852-KP2HB3NV378ULC00VST9/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ESt+Mary%27s+Graveyard%2C+Northampton%2C+MA.jpg More - Advanced~Tanya Riseman~St Mary's Graveyard, Northampton, MA.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1766330425674-QKPEA97H4Z5CENA52M9J/image-asset.gif More - Dancing Trees Here's a video I shot using a tree-shaped bokeh filter on my Sony RX10 camera. While a passenger in a car. On the beltway. It is fun how many colors different headlights have. The Sony Rx10 camera was shot in manual mode using an equivalent focal length of 600mm; f 4.0; ISO 800; and exposure times 1/100 s (too bright), 1/250 s, and 1/320 s. Focusing was also in manual mode, where I defocus the headlights the amount needed to make the size of bokeh I wanted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1766331890793-EMH4TM78ZTTB9PIG7MBP/image-asset.jpeg More - Moose at the Zoo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745625554926-B7ZA4NHLIKDWY242I3OS/20220127-20220127-IMG_3072.jpg More - The Fairy Garden There is a collection of small items atop a security boulder in the NIH’s perimeter. The boulder rests at a pedestrian entrance, blocking the entrance of hostile vehicles. I call the collection a shrine, perhaps a shrine to those lost to Covid, but I don’t know the originator’s purpose. It has been present during most of Covid. It changes in occasional bursts, with items being removed and new ones appearing. In the meantime, the objects are periodically rearranged. In this photo, the strings of beads appeared just before Mardi Gras. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714571109444-6ZPHZ82NHB7A36M95OR7/20231106-IMG_8492-mirror+1920.jpg More - Portal Rock Creek Park, DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1673628647555-C7Y7PNBDKNM0XFX0OVG3/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ECurve+on+Highway.jpg More - Curve in Highway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1673628647580-GFKC9RLQRCQTDM9DT1NW/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EEvil+Spewing.jpg More - Evil Spewing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668178291780-9MOV3M1IS9OWFOJ50OYP/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ESt+Mary%27s+Graveyard%2C+Northampton%2C+MA.jpg More - St Mary's Graveyard, Northampton, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517883589280-A3RTK1KJ6MB43YDNNF5M/20161113-IMG_0697.jpg More https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666742862087-U5KW3MBI3YI1K2S2D65K/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EDreaming+Turtle.jpg More - Dreaming Turtle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652403399631-EJJXDUOH4PX0ALOME3W2/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EVictory.jpg More - Victory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643988771707-P347WSAV8JXAEEHLCJOG/20210622-IMG_0984.jpg More - Vertigo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607208344560-VXY7FDT445ZECYMS0TCT/20200714-P7143153+copy.jpg More - Downspout, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607206455995-59C4IF0YJI7RPOBYJGJQ/20191215-IMG_5241.jpg More - Zoolights Butterfly, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607208147023-RCSORM6U0DJ2EMHL0YOE/20191215-IMG_5227.jpg More - Stars and Leaves, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1518178396950-XIL9SVQZB5W1POM1E7Q7/20180118-IMG_3252%7EMetro+Inside+Out.jpg More - Metro Reflection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517883587238-RHCZH5DRU4544VR3C2KD/20151221-_MG_1546.jpg More - Dr. Who https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517883591910-U9CWY78E1VBBWKBF8TZC/20170219-IMG_1123.jpg More - Peony https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517882784577-N9DH849QFBTFV89ZXMSX/20150502-_MG_0007.jpg More https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517883597172-DC0KVUKM9HTM6O8M4FPN/20170311-IMG_1177.jpg More - That Fish, Municipal Fish Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517883598284-VNL6NJR98XLWOV0G27C8/20170704-IMG_2205.jpg More - Digital Capture of FIreworks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517883601491-7KXACE59VSMVWWYMBH51/20170704-IMG_2222.jpg More - By the Rockets' Red Glare https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517883603159-1R52LUK50Q40LT17D8KO/20170704-IMG_2234.jpg More - Crowd Nebula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517883603463-2RTN38809DXOOB621B94/20170704-IMG_2254.jpg More - Documenting Fireworks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517883587008-6WEK4132EH77I8O20PN8/20150502-_MG_0007.jpg More - House and Field https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1526064629370-MUPT5HB9UZLB0YXA5DNM/20180511-IMG_4639.jpg More - Tow Path Mule C&O Canal History Day https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-12-13 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/12/bqj12pnbkqocqxdm6bvvn894e5o1mk monthly 0.5 2026-01-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879807200-QNC9MY3JQVED2XAQXJBQ/RBD+%23747+Slender+scotch+burnet+20230712_DSC03904-0.jpg Blog - RBD #747 Slender scotch burnet (fr: Zygène du lotier) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/12/rbd-748-five-spot-burnet-fr-zygne-du-trfle monthly 0.5 2026-01-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879807071-NI9GGE5LGN4XJ7T3ORKW/RBD+%23748+Five-spot+burnet+20230712_DSC04075.jpg Blog - RBD #748 Five-spot burnet (fr: Zygène du trèfle) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2026/1/10/rbd-749-european-striped-shield-bug-fr-le-graphosome-ditalie monthly 0.5 2026-01-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879806220-SCEME3OCEPHU4BIAJIE2/RBD+%23749+European+striped+shield+bug+20230712_DSC04125.jpg Blog - RBD #749 European striped shield bug (fr: Le graphosome d'Italie) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2026/1/9/rbd-750-attulus-rupicola monthly 0.5 2026-01-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879806291-FKHQM572G3V7OIG8LMHB/RBD+%23750+Attulus+rupicola+20230712_DSC03937.jpg Blog - RBD #750 Attulus rupicola - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2026/1/8/rbd-751-oak-spider-female-fr-peire-cire monthly 0.5 2026-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1732083921737-2N2SXJOK4H89VORRTPEH/RBD+%23751+Oak+spider+20230712_DSC04076.jpg Blog - RBD #751 Oak spider (Female; fr: Épeire cirée) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2026/1/7/rbd-752-empis-tessellata-female-fr-empis-marquet monthly 0.5 2026-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1732165687189-X9NS0FT775XW1VXNCVL9/RBD+%23752+Empis+tessellata+20230712_DSC04091.jpg Blog - RBD #752 Empis tessellata (Female; fr: Empis marqueté) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2026/1/6/rbd-753-hairy-eyed-flower-fly-male-dutch-bosbandzweefvlieg monthly 0.5 2026-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1732512597731-F2UF5V4XPTOE4Z000ZTC/RBD+%23753+Hairy-eyed+flower+fly+20230713_DSC04168.jpg Blog - RBD #753 Hairy-eyed flower fly (Male; Dutch: Bosbandzweefvlieg) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2026/1/5/rbd-754-common-drone-fly-male-fr-ristale-tenace monthly 0.5 2026-01-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739840542535-R7DYHYK49M9Q6VCUESK8/RBD+%23754+Common+drone+fly+20230714_DSC04595-1.jpg Blog - RBD #754 Common drone fly (Male; fr: Éristale tenace) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2026/1/4/rbd-755-leafcutter-bee-male-fr-mgachiles monthly 0.5 2026-01-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739840569559-2L1SL3HKAF0EQS2L79R2/RBD+%23755+Leafcutter+bee+20230903_DSC05216.jpg Blog - RBD #755 Leafcutter Bee (Male; Fr Mégachiles) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2026/1/3/bd-756-eurasian-bee-beetle-male-fr-trichie-fascie monthly 0.5 2026-01-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739840568743-2RF00OVPJM9NRZCTKU4X/RBD+%23756+Eurasian+bee+beetle+20230713_DSC04186.jpg Blog - BD #756 Eurasian bee beetle (Male; fr Trichie fasciée) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2026/1/2/rbd-757-spotted-firebug-fr-la-punaise-de-la-jusquiame monthly 0.5 2026-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739844000054-78O882XBZ4DEGO0PJBBQ/RBD+%23757+Spotted+firebug+20230712_DSC04151.jpg Blog - RBD #757 Spotted firebug (fr: La punaise de la jusquiame) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2026/1/1/rbd-758-alpine-aster-fr-aster-des-alpes monthly 0.5 2026-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739843998743-1NR8KGBT0K222B76QE5A/RBD+%23758B+La+Maurienne+20230711_DSC03174-2.jpg Blog - RBD #758 Alpine aster (fr: Aster des Alpes) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739843999559-1U7H342EP7S8KXU0T20G/RBD+%23758+Alpine+aster+20230711_DSC03175.jpg Blog - RBD #758 Alpine aster (fr: Aster des Alpes) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/31/bd-759-alpine-forget-me-not-fr-myosotis-alpestre monthly 0.5 2025-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739843998521-N9UOPMIUYIWAYGTDP8TF/RBD+%23759+Alpine+forget-me-not+20230711_DSC03375-1.jpg Blog - BD #759 Alpine forget-me-not (fr: Myosotis alpestre) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/30/rbd-760-alpine-toadflax-fr-linaire-des-alpes monthly 0.5 2025-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739843997424-5YKG1B7QSO3XZI95B522/RBD+%23760+Alpine+toadflax+20230711_DSC03485.jpg Blog - RBD #760 Alpine toadflax (fr: Linaire des Alpes) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/29/rbd-761-glacier-crowfoot-fr-la-renoncule-des-glaciers monthly 0.5 2025-12-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739843997318-XR0H0XYGNTX40MQ4DUTX/RBD+%23761+Glacier+crowfoot+20230711_DSC03499.jpg Blog - RBD #761 Glacier crowfoot (fr: la renoncule des glaciers) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/28/rbd-762-european-globe-flower-fr-trolle-deurope monthly 0.5 2025-12-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739851189429-4A2K9B6NRPLB3CWB5SOM/RBD+%23762+European+globe+flower+20230711_DSC03591.jpg Blog - RBD #762 European globe flower (fr: Trolle d’Europe) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/27/rbd-763-purple-emperor-fr-le-grand-mars-changeant monthly 0.5 2025-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740023698449-YLVN8QBZIX8WHZ36Y1HK/RBD+%23763+Purple+emperor+20230711_DSC03527-0.jpg Blog - RBD #763 Purple emperor (fr: Le grand mars changeant) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/26/rbd-764-chimney-sweeper-fr-ramoneur monthly 0.5 2025-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740023698137-MUHWDJ2GZL1QKFH69O53/RBD+%23764+Chimney-sweeper+20230710_DSC02852.jpg Blog - RBD #764 Chimney sweeper (fr: Ramoneur) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/25/rbd-765-mazarine-blue-fr-azur-des-anthyllides monthly 0.5 2025-12-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740112130686-IE7KSBHOHXUDH72U7DFY/RBD+%23765+Mazarine+blue+20230712_DSC03876.jpg Blog - RBD #765 Mazarine blue (fr: Azuré des anthyllides) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/24/rbd-766-centaur monthly 0.5 2025-12-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740207759462-H7EVMKUC2B8TD3HRLF54/RBD+%23766+Centaur+20230713_DSC04526-1.jpg Blog - RBD #766 Centaur - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/12/rbd-767-crocata-tinctaria-fr-fidonie-lute monthly 0.5 2025-12-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740288365939-916KOONH67LKI4KUJWSF/RBD+%23767+Crocata+tinctaria+20230714_DSC04585.jpg Blog - RBD #767 Crocata tinctaria* (fr: Fidonie lutée) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/12/rbd-768-grayling-fr-lagreste-male monthly 0.5 2025-12-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740370387520-S4T3OIVSDN1ZRZ0TNLLM/RBD+%23768+Grayling+20230712_DSC03707.jpg Blog - RBD #768 Grayling (fr: L’Agreste; male*) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/21/rbd-769-common-moonwort-fr-botryche-lunaire monthly 0.5 2025-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740536234460-ISNH7I4I9VCG0KTJPH4A/RBD+%23769+Common+moonwort+20230711_DSC03491.jpg Blog - RBD #769 Common moonwort (fr: Botryche lunaire) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/12/bd-770-chrysanthia-viridissima-fr-chrysanthie-verte monthly 0.5 2025-12-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740636627292-C3NU1SNR8FIWL95K9HGG/RBD+%23770+Cyntharia+viridissima+20230712_DSC03917.jpg Blog - BD #770 Chrysanthia viridissima (fr: Chrysanthie verte*) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/12/rbd-772-darwin-wasps-fr-gupes-de-darwin monthly 0.5 2025-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740894491819-CR8ONTH213021M3KFQ13/RBD+%23772+Darwin+wasp+20230712_DSC04093.jpg Blog - RBD #772 Darwin wasps (fr: guêpes de Darwin) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/18/rbd-773-carthusian-pink-fr-illet-des-chartreux monthly 0.5 2025-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740968271888-ZMO19J66KOXBMX3TEJTA/RBD+%23773+Carthusian+pink+20230708_DSC02328.jpg Blog - RBD #773 Carthusian pink (fr: Œillet des Chartreux) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/17/rbd-774-common-mallow-fr-la-grande-mauve monthly 0.5 2025-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1741318333485-CUNACXW27IOY61X3OWMP/RBD+%23774+Common+mallow+20230708_DSC02332.jpg Blog - RBD #774 Common mallow (fr: la Grande Mauve) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/12/rbd-775-brown-knapweed-fr-la-centaure-jace monthly 0.5 2025-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1741585874475-BVMS9HTVTM2FWJHWYSBY/RBD+%23775+Brown+knapweed+20230709_DSC02406.jpg Blog - RBD #775 Brown knapweed? (fr: la Centaurée jacée) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/15/rbd-776-perennial-cornflower-fr-centaure-des-montagnes monthly 0.5 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1741747594626-VOU5091KNQTLQM3OH8B8/RBD+%23776+Perennial+cornflower+20230709_DSC02556.jpg Blog - RBD #776 Perennial cornflower? (fr: Centaurée des montagnes) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/14/rbd-777-yellow-star-of-bethleham-fr-gage-fistuleuse monthly 0.5 2025-12-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1741944916391-UWLUIQ0EH0WDAKZQSHXA/RBD+%23777+Yellow+star+of+Bethleham+20230713_DSC04443.jpg Blog - RBD #777 Yellow Star of Bethleham (fr: Gagée fistuleuse) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/12/rbd-778-catsfoot-fr-pied-de-chat-dioque monthly 0.5 2025-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1742105481264-6LUDJSE5BWIC04HYDD2S/RBD+%23778+Catsfoot+20230711_DSC03187-0.jpg Blog - RBD #778 Catsfoot? (fr: Pied de chat dioïque) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/12/rbd-779-zigzag-clover-fr-trfle-alpestre monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1742447513567-Q3B6DDDOGCK4PLOAFXV4/RBD+%23779+Zigzag+clover+20230709_DSC02473.jpg Blog - RBD #779 Zigzag clover (fr: Trèfle alpestre) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2025/12/12/780-brown-clover-fr-trfle-bai monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1742448445118-F0JDBS1JTQJ3LTFPDTKB/RBD+%23780+Brown+clover+20230710_DSC02806.jpg Blog - #780 Brown clover (fr: Trèfle bai) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2024/4/9/2024-eclipse-the-partial-part monthly 0.5 2024-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712681560889-FYI8BIOXO21R0MH1OP9O/20240408-20240408-DSC07112Copy+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - 2:15 PM April 8, 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712681560952-YE2SDAYWHUWHWVIGI3UA/20240408-20240408-DSC07132Copy+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - 2:41 PM April 8, 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712681561747-AXB383806C2HKCC8MSMZ/20240408-20240408-DSC07148Copy+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - 2:57 PM April 8, 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712681561871-1QEY3E515PEG6TVWDBBA/20240408-20240408-DSC07150Copy+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - 3:01 PM April 8, 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712681562650-JQUT2RFK2OJAONI55NSZ/20240408-20240408-DSC07177Copy+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - 3:20 PM April 8, 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712681562667-V06YI7UPNS4TS229X1HC/20240408-20240408-DSC07207Copy+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - 3:37 PM April 8, 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712681563533-LNPVTY7C1VCPXPMZE76G/20240408-20240408-DSC07234Copy+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - 4:01 PM April 8, 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712681563617-VWYVAKXAAB1H6UV7GH9O/20240408-20240408-DSC07239Copy+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - 4:04 PM April 8, 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712681564335-KMYAU4MXD80SC87LJFU0/20240408-20240408-DSC07264Copy+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - 4:29 PM April 8, 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712683665720-R3B4YZL36WKE43ICLLXX/20240408-20240408-IMG_1297Copy+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - 20240408-20240408-IMG_1297Copy 1.jpg 3:03 PM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712683665874-GZWVU16R2QAJZFS65FCA/20240408-20240408-IMG_1317Copy+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - 20240408-20240408-IMG_1317Copy 1.jpg 3:26 PM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712683666422-7LQPQT71F41XSEUTYC2A/20240408-20240408-IMG_1319Copy+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - 20240408-20240408-IMG_1319Copy 1.jpg 3:27 PM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712683666653-B6G1E9CAWOX3DC85L0TC/IMG_1336_frame+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - IMG_1336_frame 1.jpg 3:43 PM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712683667077-ZUYKJXQZOWFQYMHEA1EN/IMG_1336_frame+2.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - IMG_1336_frame 2.jpg 3:43 PM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712683667685-8TR9PPSDZZSWO1QL1ULZ/IMG_1336_frame+3.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - IMG_1336_frame 3.jpg 3:43 PM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712683667795-RXGJZZXYMW35LMUNIQQW/IMG_1336_frame+4.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - IMG_1336_frame 4.jpg 3:43 PM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712683668388-VPSXFWIDWHVQGTZ4BOQM/IMG_1336_frame+5.jpg Blog - 2024 Eclipse, the Partial Part - IMG_1336_frame 5.jpg 3:43 PM https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2023/11/16/what-color-is-at-this-spot-in-my-image-anyway monthly 0.5 2023-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/8316f15e-4498-4505-830d-33aa54bcc146/Screenshotwhat+color+is+that+anyway.png Blog - What Color is at this Spot in my Image, Anyway? - Select the region you want to sample for color The eye-dropper cursor does not show in this screenshot, but it is next to the upper left hand corner of the preview box. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2023/11/14/explore-the-color-harmonies-of-famous-images monthly 0.5 2023-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699994108634-IQO2BS6HC3UD5LPSMVX0/Screenshot+harmony+monochromatic.png Blog - Explore the Color Harmonies of Famous Images - Screenshot harmony monochromatic.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699994107900-OM22VXN1UT8ICN3J37MQ/Screenshot+harmony+complementary.png Blog - Explore the Color Harmonies of Famous Images - Screenshot harmony complementary.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699994107158-1K3WLSEFN01QGIK72O1Z/Screenshot+harmony+analogous.png Blog - Explore the Color Harmonies of Famous Images - Screenshot harmony analogous.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699994107160-YU2QZAL0UI5TUFY5UX2C/Screenshot+Harmony+Complementary-+Analogous.png Blog - Explore the Color Harmonies of Famous Images - Screenshot Harmony Complementary- Analogous.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699994109359-7H3FO747VL95G6ETVU0U/Screenshot+harmony+triad.png Blog - Explore the Color Harmonies of Famous Images - Screenshot harmony triad.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699994108608-D9NGZNAT8GDJBRFTNCFK/Screenshot+harmony+square.png Blog - 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Color Grading in Lightroom; it's White Balance on Steroids - Make it stand out This was taken on a cloudy day and my choice of Daylight white balance (5500 K) kind of gets the tulip flowers red and the window too pink to be a neutral color. But my model is completely orange-yellow due to the incandescent lighting by her. Not successful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/cbe86247-df59-4dfe-835b-faba3c1a7838/Screenshot+20140302-_DSC0182-2white+balance+tungsten.jpg Blog - Color Grading in Lightroom; it's White Balance on Steroids - Make it stand out Here, I have selected the Tungsten white balance (2850 K) and now the window and flowers are really blue. My model is looking pretty reasonable but a little adjusting of the Temp and Tint sliders might improve her skin tone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/c95bda83-7dac-4167-aa88-bd0b92001a7c/Screenshot+Slide2+White+Balance+options+JPG.jpg Blog - Color Grading in Lightroom; it's White Balance on Steroids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/d30728bf-e613-4d7c-a5ee-fd30c2c3d53f/Screenshot+Slide3+Monochrome.jpg Blog - Color Grading in Lightroom; it's White Balance on Steroids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/a884a6c0-b9af-43a4-b286-22a08a999817/Screenshot+Slide4+Sepia+shadows+lum+%2B50.jpg Blog - Color Grading in Lightroom; it's White Balance on Steroids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1c379664-a994-4399-ab3b-5c5c95c3b89e/Screenshot+Slide5+Duotone.jpg Blog - Color Grading in Lightroom; it's White Balance on Steroids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/61a4d9fa-d58e-46ce-a52e-35b79c33b03a/Screenshot+Slide6+super+hero+lighter.jpg Blog - Color Grading in Lightroom; it's White Balance on Steroids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/abeda1d6-c37a-4750-9c1d-494dc83a38e6/Screenshot+Slide7+Golden+Hour.jpg Blog - Color Grading in Lightroom; it's White Balance on Steroids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/5cc4b675-5d36-4abb-933d-f0d61da760c7/Screenshot+Slide8+Creative+use+of+Midtones.jpg Blog - Color Grading in Lightroom; it's White Balance on Steroids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/de83dcb9-0ba0-4b46-8a30-df2d18fe5e7a/Screenshot+Slide9+Color+Mixing+can%27t+fix+grays+and+blown+out+whites.jpg Blog - Color Grading in Lightroom; it's White Balance on Steroids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/533b7b60-d748-481c-85ac-3fd754a0d99e/Screenshot+Slide10+Color+Grading+can+color+grays.jpg Blog - Color Grading in Lightroom; it's White Balance on Steroids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/7f23603b-5683-4b7f-9c4c-43a74c2d6ebc/Screenshot+Slide12+Color+Grading+Carolina+Wren+Finale.jpg Blog - Color Grading in Lightroom; it's White Balance on Steroids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/perspective monthly 0.5 2023-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/a70d6814-af24-4ebf-913b-fdd22b441cda/20220101-20220101_DSC06381_bridge.jpg Blog - Evoke Depth in your Photos - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2023/9/4/steep-your-photos-in-select-and-dramatic-color monthly 0.5 2023-12-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/16a15a3c-708b-4b74-b642-1a5058cfba03/Screenshot+2023-09-19+dramatic+BW+sky.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/f0250405-8e9f-48fb-b740-0de25bd4a949/Screenshot+2023-09-19+red+and+orange+in+BW.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693858417236-5DZIJHWKBE0C6N07IXX1/Screenshot+Asteroid+City+test+card+copy.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Screenshot Asteroid City test card copy.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693858417290-0ACH7GDRFNR0Z99EAFH3/Screenshot+Asteroid+City+testcardAsteroid+City+16+preset.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Screenshot Asteroid City testcardAsteroid City 16 preset.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693859264552-AFHK2DTGGL5NTVZZUSX6/Screenshot+Asteroid+City+no+grading+16+original.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Screenshot Asteroid City no grading 16 original.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693859286871-4O4Z26IUA7GXZSS4Z7OX/Screenshot+Asteroid+City+no+grading+16+HSL.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Screenshot Asteroid City no grading 16 HSL.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693859299903-2X2DE092NHASD8P6QPPW/Screenshot+Asteroid+City+no+grading+16+HSL+Basic.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Screenshot Asteroid City no grading 16 HSL Basic.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693859305640-TBOMUDPU7K3HVLWBD1GU/Screenshot+Asteroid+City+no+grading+16+HSL+Basic+Curve+final.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Screenshot Asteroid City no grading 16 HSL Basic Curve final.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693859264552-AFHK2DTGGL5NTVZZUSX6/Screenshot+Asteroid+City+no+grading+16+original.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693859286871-4O4Z26IUA7GXZSS4Z7OX/Screenshot+Asteroid+City+no+grading+16+HSL.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693859299903-2X2DE092NHASD8P6QPPW/Screenshot+Asteroid+City+no+grading+16+HSL+Basic.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693859305640-TBOMUDPU7K3HVLWBD1GU/Screenshot+Asteroid+City+no+grading+16+HSL+Basic+Curve+final.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/7040202d-da79-4266-8523-465206861fd2/Screenshot+save+new+develop+preset.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693859903508-SJBNZN703M71QI34KJGJ/20230820-IMG_7341.jpg Blog - 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20230823-IMG_7388.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693860008354-IWU14OK8I3X0BTTDVVH0/20230823-IMG_7388Asteroid+City+16+preset.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - 20230823-IMG_7388Asteroid City 16 preset.jpg Asteroid City 16 preset https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693860070258-ISCKM6FTJNEBXWY4AV37/Screenshot+20230823-IMG_7388.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Screenshot 20230823-IMG_7388.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693860070258-DMSFZ0EIKDBYW4ZNK01V/Screenshot+20230823-IMG_7388Asteroid+CIty+15+preset.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Screenshot 20230823-IMG_7388Asteroid CIty 15 preset.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693860188463-A8IY099HQ483LU86ELEJ/20230824-IMG_7547.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - 20230824-IMG_7547.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693860188579-879Q5HNRCJSV8IDEO1LE/20230824-IMG_7547Asteroid+City+16+preset.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - 20230824-IMG_7547Asteroid City 16 preset.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693860204675-R1AGOZ9JSI28P29HFWA3/Screenshot+20230824-IMG_7547.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Screenshot 20230824-IMG_7547.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693860204521-CLLMJDDMBRV2IL77CV99/Screenshot+20230824-IMG-7547Asteroid+City+15+preset.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Screenshot 20230824-IMG-7547Asteroid City 15 preset.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693860332071-CCKHWSL90Z0L8OBUQCQT/20170701-IMG_2055.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - 20170701-IMG_2055.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693860332133-EBLRQCEQLG9X0ZU62YBU/20170701-IMG_2055Asteroid+City+16+preset.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - 20170701-IMG_2055Asteroid City 16 preset.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693860363964-VDOYPQ3TR3X2E9ZRUGFV/Screenshot+2017-IMG-2065.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Screenshot 2017-IMG-2065.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1693860364011-X6S0657DHJ8FL5VL6251/Screenshot+2017-IMG-2065Ateroid+City+16+preset.jpg Blog - Steep your Photos in Select and Dramatic Colors - Screenshot 2017-IMG-2065Ateroid City 16 preset.jpg https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2023/8/16/explore-the-color-wheel-and-color-harmonies-of-your-image monthly 0.5 2023-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/55d54116-eb5e-4612-853d-4ca09044a6ae/Screenshot+2023-08-16+at+8.49.51+AM.jpg Blog - Explore the Color Wheel and Color Harmony of your Image - Load an image & see the pure hues in the color wheels. Where is this webpage, anyway? https://swsrn.github.io/image-color-wheel/ which was developed using P5.js, a simple version of java script intended for making dynamic and interactive graphical web applications by students and artists. This web app (with its code) can also be accessed at https://editor.p5js.org/risette/full/MGd3G6dnl https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/0091fcbb-92de-41e2-b147-152ff110ac38/Screenshot+2023-08-16+at+9.22.21+AM.jpg Blog - Explore the Color Wheel and Color Harmony of your Image - Where are which hues? In addition, the image can be viewed as pure hues, posterized by the 24 different color hues, either in the RGB or RYB systems. Select the “RGB Zones” or “RYB Zones” button. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/2526898d-325b-436e-8863-5f00af0e5bf6/Screenshot+2023-08-16+at+8.47.36+AM.jpg Blog - Explore the Color Wheel and Color Harmony of your Image - Refine and select the corresponding color harmony You can’t really make out the hues in very dark, very light, or desaturated regions. So adjust the three sliders to exclude those regions when calculating the color wheels. The regions affected will show up as black, white, and gray respectively. Some diagrams of common "color harmonies" are along the right-hand edge, for the purposes of comparison with the color wheels. The color harmonies have been developed over time for the traditional RYB color wheel on the right. Here, the color harmony is the complementary-analogous scheme, which is the fourth one down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/3a2cce6b-2c08-479b-a060-dbb73f5f1bf6/Screenshot+2023-08-16+at+8.47.57+AM.jpg Blog - Explore the Color Wheel and Color Harmony of your Image - Color Clips option If you check “Color Clips”, the regions excluded from the color wheel show up as blue, red, and green instead of black, white, and gray. Just like the exposure clipping warning on your camera! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/a21d1c09-5883-4203-8785-c23f0adf1720/Screenshot+2023-08-16+at+9.26.20+AM.png Blog - Explore the Color Wheel and Color Harmony of your Image - An extra feature: A five-stop grayscale zone image, inspired by Ansel Adam's zone system, is also available. Select the “Gray Zones” button. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/3fb52a2a-1b49-4d08-abeb-1642a952003d/Cone-fundamentals-with-srgb-spectrum.jpg Blog - Explore the Color Wheel and Color Harmony of your Image - Modern Color Wheel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cone_cell https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cone_cell#/media/File:Cone-fundamentals-with-srgb-spectrum.svg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/666b2d08-5307-4ec5-915a-ea37efc14e75/Screenshot+2023-08-16+at+1.35.32+PM.png Blog - Explore the Color Wheel and Color Harmony of your Image - Mixing pure colors What is amazing is that using only three wavelengths of light reproduces most of the colors that we can see, even though the rainbow has a continuous range of different wavelengths of color. This image is of light painting with a red laser and a green laser and we see the result as a continuum from red to orange to yellow and then to green. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/d3e7c9c7-ca51-4c4b-9f60-9f2d614828dc/Screenshot+2023-08-16+at+11.47.05+AM.jpg Blog - Explore the Color Wheel and Color Harmony of your Image - Pink is not a Color https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Light_spectrum_%28precise_colors%29.svg https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2022/11/10/understanding-lightrooms-basic-sliders-by-looking-under-the-hood monthly 0.5 2024-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/e6775cfb-017f-4910-a7af-b5047780be2b/Screen+Shot+after+and+before+2022-06-17.png Blog - Understanding Lightroom's Basic Sliders by Looking Under the Hood - Make it stand out Before, and after changing the Tone Curve (more than the Highlight slider can do), emphasizing the detail in the sky., https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2021/12/10/fun-with-iphone-panoramas monthly 0.5 2023-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/00822986-a963-4bc3-984d-61c589cb7186/20211113-IMG_2631.jpg Blog - Fun with iPhone Panoramas - Make it stand out Sugarloaf Mountain, Maryland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/e81c1814-9e37-4e91-a857-2a9008ed9b1e/20211113-IMG_2606.jpg Blog - Fun with iPhone Panoramas - Make it stand out Wavey Tree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/8a32f9db-e872-4313-93c4-b25eacd511d8/mistreated+pano+small+no+pause.gif Blog - Fun with iPhone Panoramas - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/48d50b38-b029-4b3f-b16b-78abe4c9d32e/20211213-IMG_2790+mistreated+pano.jpg Blog - Fun with iPhone Panoramas - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/5899010e-c689-4c9b-9225-359b03421dcd/20210622-IMG_0986.jpg Blog - Fun with iPhone Panoramas - Make it stand out Upside Right and Upside Down Trees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/c509a3ce-dd61-4b04-995c-54bb59531b5a/20210627-IMG_1330.jpg Blog - Fun with iPhone Panoramas - Make it stand out Zap! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/70689f40-83d6-4bae-9108-0173aa1f9381/20210627-EGQE1491.jpg Blog - Fun with iPhone Panoramas - Make it stand out Tesseract https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/8915ec14-ed5d-4291-8a9f-5a019c2869de/20211225-IMG_2921.jpg Blog - Fun with iPhone Panoramas - Make it stand out Traditional Panorama of a Cyclist https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2021/5/25/cicada-cookies monthly 0.5 2023-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621978636498-QL46O483AYE2XM03LB4T/20210525_P5251988.jpg Blog - Cicada Cookies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621978807329-62592ZPC7FY36M10AR3T/20210518_P5181983.jpg Blog - Cicada Cookies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621978811908-FGPO7PPQSWVNJH1APTGK/20210525_P5251989.jpg Blog - Cicada Cookies https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2021/1/20/kingfisher monthly 0.5 2023-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611185733061-9H3XX2AVPXFU9L89MA4N/P1100335.jpg Blog - Kingfisher - Kingfisher Perched, looking for a fish. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2020/12/3/threatening-yellow-aphids monthly 0.5 2023-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607050902808-3NDO3VLVR37QXLRTNCRV/threatening+yellow+aphids+P8220315.gif Blog - Threatening yellow aphids https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2020/11/21/asian-ladybirds-mating monthly 0.5 2023-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605994709527-JHUKMPTFYR6MC5D8J1V0/PA051169+labdybugs.GIF Blog - Asian Ladybirds mating Asian Ladybirds mating on October 5, 2020. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2020/11/20/darktable-an-open-source-and-free-alternative-to-light-room monthly 0.5 2023-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605994858427-TLCCD8P1UV21E9FGCOPZ/darktable_logo.jpg Blog - darktable, an open source and free alternative to Light Room. An introduction. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2020/7/28/my-latest-wwwinatureorg-observations monthly 0.5 2023-11-14 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2018/3/29/trying-flash-photo-of-bathroom monthly 0.5 2023-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1522351029505-G2I74QCANWUU23LTLQP5/Lightroom+%2820180328-IMG_4108.CR2+and+2+others%29+copy.jpg Blog - Trying Flash Photo of Bathroom Change the lighting of the room and keep the window the same! e-TTL II flash is used to light the whole room, swamping the ambient light, with flash exposure compensation of +1.3, 0, and -1.3 stops. The window scene outside of the room is too far away to be affected by the flash, and its exposure is determined by the camera settings f/7.1 1/200s ISO 800. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1522351508870-DB3BAPNX866K4NTSSJQR/Lightroom+%2820180328-IMG_4098.CR2+and+2+others%29+copy.jpg Blog - Trying Flash Photo of Bathroom Change the brightness of the window and keep the room the same! e-TTL II flash is used to light the whole room swamping the ambient light, with flash exposure compensation of 0 stops,. The window scene outside of the room is too far away to be affected by the flash, and its exposure is determined by the camera settings 1/200s ISO 800 and varying the brightness with apertures of f/7,1, f/5.6 and f4.5. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1522443633453-PIS8DXTO7D3JYO6SZ9MJ/Lightroom+%2820180330-IMG_4121.CR2+and+2+others%29+copy.jpg Blog - Trying Flash Photo of Bathroom Trying to get a good exposure with only ambient light. (Left) Getting room exposure OK with f/7.1 1/200s ISO 3200, but window to too bright. (Middle) Getting window exposure OK with f/7.1 1/200s ISO 800 but now room is too dark. (Right) Turning on the bathroom lights doesn't help much. This is a rainy day, but problem probably worse on a sunny day. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2018/3/29/making-verticals-vertical-with-wide-angle-lenses monthly 0.5 2023-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1522447575412-BCMFXVAHMBBJVD977TW1/Lightroom+%2820180330-_MG_2663.CR2+and+1+other%29+copy.jpg Blog - Wide angle lenses: Making verticals vertical Using the guidelines available in Live View, we see that the vertical lines in the photo on the left are badly aligned, especially those in the foreground. After adjusting the tripod, the lines in the photo on the right are parallel to the guidelines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1522366135994-T5A2I2CPG2WOZKKPT4JO/Lightroom+%2820180327-IMG_4062.CR2+and+2+others%29+copy.jpg Blog - Wide angle lenses: Making verticals vertical I made no effort to get my verticals straight and the camera level (left); it's especially obvious with the door. The first lens correction (middle) uses the profile corrections for my Sigma 10-20mm lens to fix the barrel distortion and vignetting. The last one (right) is Lightroom's best attempt to make the vertical lines vertical. Notice that the picture has been slightly cropped. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1523232734857-BLYVP3336ZEJO1XARZF0/Lightroom+%2820180407-IMG_4207.CR2+and+1+other%29+copy.jpg Blog - Wide angle lenses: Making verticals vertical Barrel distortion on my SIgma 10-20 mm lens is subtle. With the photo on the right, maybe you can see the bulge in the center and the curve of the black tiles. Selecting profile (lens) correction in Lightroom produces the straighter result on the left. Vignetting is reduced as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1524242003194-KJ9H59Y8S30OR7NBQ74U/Lightroom+%2820180210-IMG_3384.CR2+and+1+other%29+copy.jpg Blog - Wide angle lenses: Making verticals vertical Photo of the Bromo-Seltzer Tower in Baltimore, before and after manually correcting the verticals. Lens profile corrections were applied to both. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2018/2/7/cheatsheet-exposure-trio monthly 0.5 2023-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1521204590848-I4D5AKLKQUF891L5YX9W/exposure_trio+final1.jpg Blog - Cheatsheet Exposure Trio and Manual Mode https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1521204622982-2HZQLO1286ENFKJHZGW8/exposure_trio+final2.jpg Blog - Cheatsheet Exposure Trio and Manual Mode https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1521204649150-YUA3WQJZ0B7YM58NYB7T/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Cheatsheet Exposure Trio and Manual Mode https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1521204675536-BMHPPG7CEIXUBK17UQ7D/exposure_trio+final4.jpg Blog - Cheatsheet Exposure Trio and Manual Mode https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2018/2/18/cheatsheet-exposure-time-2 monthly 0.5 2024-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1518987801923-S0R7ENNO87VFU2RW0G1H/only_shutter_credits_final1.jpg Blog - Cheatsheet Exposure Time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1518987837186-XSAT87C3BG27JBHFZSNX/only_shutter_credits_final2.jpg Blog - Cheatsheet Exposure Time https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2018/2/7/cheatsheet-aperture monthly 0.5 2020-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1518040203027-UNB288YUFWQERP0KFADL/Only_aperature_diff_credit1.png Blog - Cheatsheet Aperture https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1518040206472-KRBE6L0VKT9PYCD5SI5H/Only_aperature_diff_credit2.png Blog - Cheatsheet Aperture https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2018/2/7/cheatsheet-iso monthly 0.5 2020-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1518039870671-B4MIPLUADDRLYI59XT9A/only_ISO_credits1.png Blog - Cheatsheet ISO https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1518039870309-H2EIQLA3APDDMK2S73AV/only_ISO_credits2.png Blog - Cheatsheet ISO https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2018/2/6/eclipse-viewing-hand-held-dsrl-camera monthly 0.5 2024-01-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517934852905-S41UOJWDVJ34X97N4UUM/20170821-IMG_2349.jpg Blog - Eclipse viewing: Hand held DSRL camera My diamond ring photo ( 1/50 sec F8.0 ISO 800). It would have looked more like a ring with a darker exposure of 1/800s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517934662732-0YSH55FA5FEC5VCJK48A/20170821-IMG_2344.jpg Blog - Eclipse viewing: Hand held DSRL camera Prominences and Chromosphere https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2018/2/6/partial-eclipse-viewing-a-home-made-projector monthly 0.5 2024-01-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517932648773-V0S02Y07PZZCLHZR3OC6/20170821-IMG_2357.jpg Blog - Partial eclipse viewing: A home made projector https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/blog/2018/2/6/pin-hole-partial-eclipse-viewing-using-found-objects monthly 0.5 2024-01-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517933876435-TFWGJXHET60IDGB0OXSS/20170821-_MG_2638.jpg Blog - “Pin hole” partial eclipse viewing using found objects 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585857763980-ZV5G5G9WWJUYOMJ875Q8/20200402-P4020944.jpg Flowers April 2020 April 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585857763479-PQIHDJJ14WHIZCX3USDV/20200402-P4020946.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Red Tulip April 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585857764717-YNE5B69KLRCFFC9Q2CJ1/20200402-P4020955.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Mock strawberry April 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585857765912-S3G2OZKZSR4A44EVKFTP/20200402-P4020965.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Bird's-eye Speedwell, Veronica persica, Red Deadnettle, Lamium purpureum April 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585857621418-XFW1K5A0IS349EIWFHMD/20200327-P3270820.jpg Flowers April 2020 March 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585702054806-V5BKEQNTOEJ5FBUE97WC/20200329-P3290855.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Virginia Spring Beauty, Claytonia virginica March 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585091421430-S0Z2XS29XGSXP7G0EHX4/20200324-P3240782.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Henbit Deadnettle, Lamium amplexicaule March 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585702056847-50BFLS4F9D15KJZAVGX1/20200329-P3290873.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Ground-Ivy, Glechoma hederacea March 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585702058175-DOJ06SZA35ED6TB2AAXQ/20200329-P3290897.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Genus Cerastium March 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586620339337-15IOEE4CZTC55EXO42PP/20200411-P4111141.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Easater Eggs April 11, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586620339097-CT3930TC4A86L01U5NTL/20200411-P4111125.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Easter Lily April 11, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585702057836-POWR3OL7ZBU8FA82832K/20200329-P3290899.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Vetch March 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585702059928-ND4ENA4ZJEK58DA7KJ9C/20200329-P3290906.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Mustard Family, Family Brassicaceae March 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585702060936-9PBFUQ9VJFSC2LZMWOUW/20200329-P3290926.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Narcissus March 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585702059789-196QG87JHSTGJF6FYPHV/20200329-P3290920.jpg Flowers April 2020 March 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585702061283-J19RQ8W7C9R7I8O5WHHB/20200329-P3290928.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Narcissus March 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585359560317-AC9C82XHCWGNFG3DENOP/20200327-P3270845.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Virginia Spring Beauty, Claytonia virginica March 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585359555968-8VIZZD7GHFS42JRD1TOT/20200327-P3270841.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Virginia Spring Beauty, Claytonia virginica, Common Blue Violet, Viola sororia March 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585342061368-20C7R73I1LVSF53ZL5QR/20200327-P3270829.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Lily March 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585254078354-9R2UUZBOGGXJ7ODDAR6E/20200326-P3260816.jpg Flowers April 2020 March 26, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585254053978-RQ7MHUIHJHTNHVMCAPV3/20200326-P3260813.jpg Flowers April 2020 March 26, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585702055515-ALALV8933CE1NNDN5VFB/20200329-P3290865.jpg Flowers April 2020 - Cutleaf Teasel, Dipsacus laciniatus March 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584976003240-52WBF4G5FAK2585WWCR1/20200322-P3220774.jpg Flowers April 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flowers-june-2020 daily 0.75 2020-08-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592163506355-276GKSMEOFML4Y26U0HS/20200610-P6102271.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Day Lily June 10, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592163506355-276GKSMEOFML4Y26U0HS/20200610-P6102271.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Day Lily June 10, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592163507164-B5KU9KC8WH0JNKWXA08D/20200610-P6102305.jpg Flowers June 2020 June 10, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1591631276027-IPA4L92UFBFYFXY6RPGP/20200607-P6072230.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Sweet pea June 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1591631277414-8RKJISKCT5JPZWGHSQF0/20200607-P6072239.jpg Flowers June 2020 June 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1591631277358-J57JYJZVYAFRUGW87AJ5/20200607-P6072244.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Bee on purple clover June 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1591631278709-8XX5HNF6Z1H2TGC19ZU2/20200607-P6072248.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Rose June 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1591631279157-C5K456JWGX7F7UYVXUJS/20200607-P6072253.jpg Flowers June 2020 - June 7, 2020 Skipper on purple clover https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1591558418260-E77BSJGSL8Q9BBWPPMN9/20200602-P6022163.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Red Clover, Trifolium pratense June 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592681464026-VDYTT30IWTBASSPM2KFN/20200618-P6182410.jpg Flowers June 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593025466042-KQO9DUPW9ORBO1FENJOG/20200602-P6022188.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Mountain Laurel, Kalmia latifolia June 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593025245503-HYRZ39S7IXPIUPRCWSDJ/20200602-P6022203.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Summer Bluet Houstonia purpurea June 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1591558422072-KUY5NT831BRD1M7I8WZL/20200602-P6022222.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Fern June 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593024915349-E28BDQHUPXLBBLKEQY64/20200602-P6022224.jpg Flowers June 2020 June 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593026435299-7GR1LRG339D192ZRXDZ8/20200530-P5302095.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 30, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1591121297023-85DJ8X4M3UW70UZYKF24/20200530-P5302105.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Coral Bell May 30, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1591121297516-3L8T0Q20X6DBL4NNXFFR/20200530-P5302116.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Varied Carpet Beetle, Anthrenus verbasci May 30, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1591121298521-IZZ82P9FCVW5RA17KS5C/20200530-P5302125.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Grape May 30, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1591121301405-DUXH1IJTU4L2E6SR6PX6/20200530-P5302134.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 30, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593030999548-OZDW4KPSI7C1QX1D1FYZ/20200520-P5201878.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1590593755531-Z5147ZM67MLMZWQ7YPRX/20200522-P5221886.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 22, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593030638580-JT0D828PGDKAFHFIQLAZ/20200523-P5231902.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Viola striata (Striped Cream Violet) May 23, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1590593754186-8EDX0HAQBZ28JIEYX16H/20200523-P5231920.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 23, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593030263103-3S0J1S2ZWT379MYHHKC8/20200523-P5231927.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Dogwood May 23, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1590593757889-0NMCLZ0Y1XU7SXESVHCG/20200523-P5231930.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Peony May 23, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1590526205295-LTF71TXIBH56PL86QDC5/20200524-P5241940.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Wineberry, Rubus phoenicolasius May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593029996159-BUPA3IGA93RLPXYKOIGP/20200524-P5241955.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Honeysuckles, Genus Lonicera May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1590526206650-6AEOYAG79OB35ZNU0V83/20200524-P5241964.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593029554787-7EIQKMDWHLF8XH9ASS3I/20200524-P5241973.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1590526208678-S7AKTR3FR72ZVXA9PFYS/20200524-P5241987.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Carolina Crane's-Bill, Geranium carolinianum May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1590526210242-TXCWSWLOFBCWMIQ9O4HR/20200524-P5242019.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Hop Trefoil, Trifolium campestre May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1590526214586-WQ4VR8L5HFL6HMVMW0IZ/20200524-P5242026.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Fowler's Toad Anaxyrus fowleri May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593028903348-1QRFNIM70ELT0R23UBG2/20200524-P5242031.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Brambles May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593032484461-7WNZHOZOK247COP83JKK/20200524-P5242035.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Common Sow-Thistle, Sonchus oleraceus May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1590526218953-9YQEWRRECQTNGZKG7B0J/20200524-P5242052.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1590526216257-LWKJZCHSRQRU539LTCED/20200524-P5242053.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Columbine May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1590526218428-W85DYPVS9KRAMF65C5YZ/20200524-P5242064.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Iris May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1590526219807-CSYX2RB1FXK2XWHSEB5W/20200524-P5242065.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Spiderwort May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1590526220653-B40M3CX19A639GFCU091/20200524-P5242070.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Peony May 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1589981555836-RA6MH2JNNFFRBJYSRIRI/20200519-P5191860.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Chive May 19, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1589981556657-1P4YHQZJQW9J4N1M05O4/20200519-P5191868.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Looks like clover, but it's not. Lemony taste. May 19, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1589832580223-266BMVOU57KTC9LW7L90/20200517-P5171815.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 17, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593032843088-JVWR2LLEWMYFXKQTJ20M/20200517-P5171820.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 17, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1589832581933-K9FSU0CPX0HTLLO4JFUB/20200517-P5171831.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Rose May 17, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593031356328-RV307JYJGWYBAKQWDIT9/20200517-P5171842.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 17, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1589832583853-OTQR635R4YV2EPOIN40P/20200517-P5171845.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Rhododendron May 17, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1589832586717-4MQ0WUPOIN0LREALGCWN/20200517-P5171847.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Iris May 17, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1589832587372-J2I8VDJE2Z4TGHV3KPUF/20200517-P5171851.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Rose May 17, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1589656774300-31IGLOWYHYETIFY0J630/20200516-P5161806.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Catchweed Bedstraw, Galium aparine, Goose grass, Sticky weed May 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1589655265163-KM86OB67TCN75GDXEUX7/20200516-P5161784.JPG Flowers June 2020 - Irises May 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1589657392865-3AYZJCN728F54NQ4J5LQ/20200516-P5161777.JPG Flowers June 2020 - Narrow-leaved Blue-eyed Grass, Sisyrinchium angustifolium May 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1589655258893-ZRAICV5TUCJ9KHFCVS7U/20200516-P5161785.JPG Flowers June 2020 - Iris May 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1589477571812-F8ND8SX39WRHE7SG351Q/20200512-P5121773.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Iris May 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593033217437-EGCMFPZX55IMEX22K8K3/20200510-P5101754.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 10, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1589298792414-3AYUTIJODWTRH7VO3ZDH/20200510-P5101764.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Really tiny May 10, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1588705693122-AWFIDTRD02J7H0RFF94S/20200505-P5051680.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593033518119-8EWJUMEPKYQSNUVBBZWW/20200505-P5051691.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Cream Violet, Viola striata May 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1588705694951-CYSX3GG15OVDKXW794XT/20200505-P5051694.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593033993384-OX0WLDMY78V95DGBAEHN/20200505-P5051698.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1588705696930-ZWNECSIWYER8919S0OD7/20200505-P5051725.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1588705697277-TNI9YEAC9K5538CO8072/20200505-P5051719.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1588604706077-4K0TEKF6WFS8Z6I81BQE/20200503-P5031662.jpg Flowers June 2020 - Spiderwort May 3, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593034610754-Q57JMP9UPTZQ2ACC3C4B/20200502-P5021656.jpg Flowers June 2020 May 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1588604124353-JOL453NFECUUXHTEE0SZ/20200502-P5021656.jpg Flowers June 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flowers-may-2020 daily 0.75 2020-12-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1588371662368-78Q90757TR65HISEP5P2/20200429-P4291589.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Common Star-of-Bethlehem, Ornithogalum umbellatum April 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1588371662368-78Q90757TR65HISEP5P2/20200429-P4291589.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Common Star-of-Bethlehem, Ornithogalum umbellatum April 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1588371663118-65S3YRPJCBDZL6R31MW6/20200429-P4291624.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Aphids April 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1588371663611-3HVBNOXQABEHQCJ5WL6A/20200429-P4291626.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Mock strawberry April 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1588371664609-8UQ4OHNUG23WH8FJ3SMU/20200429-P4291632.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Chickweed April 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1588371666030-PJBEHC8AJTLM2N4VK1CX/20200429-P4291636.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1588371666116-EQ8FXDXZUQ9FFREQ12X5/20200429-P4291641.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Lily of the Valley April 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587919403586-OCSISH3IJH42DII6EGZ0/20200425-P4251543.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587919404568-TXHS2AXPHBHR1NLJ655H/20200425-P4251547.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Thyme-leaved Speedwell, Veronica serpyllifolia April 25, 2020 https://www.marylandplantatlas.org/species.php?species=2812 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587919405423-A9RMX2FDM6SEVNOP8FWZ/20200425-P4251552.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Common Star-of-Bethlehem Ornithogalum umbellatum April 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587919406150-G78YYZAZIKRVMVIXR6NJ/20200425-P4251557.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Woodsorrels, Genus Oxalis April 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587919406288-N6YHMRRCBNT1APW5JHL2/20200425-P4251563.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Bird's-eye Speedwell, Veronica persica April 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593091088315-SDZTRAE63F8KVNH6MNC3/20200425-P4251567.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Common Cornsalad, Valerianella locusta April 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593035104036-49NRZE9X27FZVHJXD1I9/20200429-P4291614.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Eastern Daisy Fleabane, Erigeron Annuus April 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587919403758-FL9XHI2V1K517WLRJ22C/20200423-P4231468.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 23, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587504852591-EAZTKHFY7IWFT9IQ9J45/20200421-P4211440.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587504851674-0HA7BKZWETXE6H5HVPJ9/20200421-P4211432.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Virginia blue bells April 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587504852851-LEBE5WFPFLNY68W3GJUX/20200421-P4211455.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587504852084-36W8WK938BS0LLE7QLWZ/20200421-P4211435.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Ivy-leaved Toadflax, Cymbalaria muralis April 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587504850106-IIZ9INP7RQLLQ9ZT7JKI/20200420-P4201380.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Malachite Beetles, Subfamily Malachiinae April 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587504849683-K8PWT5KEATZND08HKOQ3/20200420-P4201373.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587504850398-65HHN5KU46LHSNJNR5DA/20200420-P4201386.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587504850988-ZCDDSSE5UGOGCL0HR2YJ/20200420-P4201394.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1587504851306-7KYPKSK8OP0OY2TP3VY2/20200420-P4201404.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586810058485-9MGMCR0RAGM2WTWY9L1J/20200412-P4121277.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586819325658-LBM36G917I2OJ15Q6NCH/20200413-P4131307.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Azalea April 13, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586819325204-MQ5XMI1J88OXCKYIRKPN/20200413-P4131316.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Buttercups April 13, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586810055627-HHZLWXUZNFN5SJUAEA6A/20200412-P4121198.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586811010454-Z8CABPH9M54VIYLTSGCN/20200412-P4121206.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586810056012-FQE3TN4HPR9NFUVN1T0K/20200412-P4121211.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Dogwood April 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586810056329-6KBYM1DEHZZKGVILQGSE/20200412-P4121216.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586810056824-5IBL9X6DRZ50P14U8SBZ/20200412-P4121223.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586810056824-F463MFBPB3IMVVH072BU/20200412-P4121231.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Dandelion April 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586810057288-6IGWVJTZ65RW0BTREVLL/20200412-P4121242.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586810057544-HNPOJHR19K94CG5Y5AVG/20200412-P4121249.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Azalea April 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1586810057951-HYZ0Z8AONYTX7XORQ7U3/20200412-P4121252.jpg Flowers May 2020 April 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593091592859-1JPIXONNHU3OSES1YBYK/20200406-P4061037.jpg Flowers May 2020 - Common chickweed, Stellaria media April 6, 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flowers-march-2020 daily 0.75 2020-08-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585091432520-87JJYFNINQZXKN8NISVI/20200324-P3240796.jpg Flowers March 2020 March 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1585091432520-87JJYFNINQZXKN8NISVI/20200324-P3240796.jpg Flowers March 2020 March 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584987652424-UEXX39N4ZF966RZQDMFB/20200322-P3220757.jpg Flowers March 2020 - Red Deadnettle, Lamium purpureum March 22, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584987186317-56PF1W4WG0QR4Z05EPXC/20200322-P3220702.jpg Flowers March 2020 - Bird's-eye Speedwell, Veronica persica March 22, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593105255043-V73PRXEUDS54C1A9IN2K/20200322-P3220774.jpg Flowers March 2020 - Common chickweed, Stellaria media March 22, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584975938954-X6BXZICUP6L8QYU7XE3V/20200322-P3220744.jpg Flowers March 2020 - Red Deadnettle, Lamium purpureum March 22, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584975881223-N9UEF08QNXPOJ3LYUMYC/20200322-P3220725.jpg Flowers March 2020 - Lesser Celandine, Ficaria verna March 22, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584975805583-YE79RBK7M44O4I9PHW7X/20200321-P3210678.jpg Flowers March 2020 March 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584975560183-C89LUMIWP8PDKR283HBG/20200321-P3210656.jpg Flowers March 2020 March 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584965562796-T1C7KQAALYQBSR5E8CW1/20200322-P3220776.jpg Flowers March 2020 - Dandelion March, 22, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584892140860-950RY0DVMPT4WN7W0HWL/20200319-P3190598.jpg Flowers March 2020 - Lesser Celandine, Ficaria verna March 19, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584892141949-QLIP87O4RDR3G5QCQYF4/20200321-P3210693.jpg Flowers March 2020 - Common Groundsel, Senecio vulgaris March 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584892141089-OOQ1D08P1HVS96EIAMN0/20200319-P3190594.jpg Flowers March 2020 - Ivy-leaved Speedwell, Veronica hederifolia March 19, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584892140031-ZXQ6E0L04DLF7OQS7634/20200318-P3180573.jpg Flowers March 2020 - Bird's-eye Speedwell, Veronica persica March 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584892139152-FP025R671S4K0BYTPU2S/20200308-P3080525.jpg Flowers March 2020 March 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584892139811-DT2N1G3UGEL5KVHQJTPI/20200308-P3080541.jpg Flowers March 2020 March 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1584892138932-CIS14ODTSYFXCK8NP03G/20200308-P3080521.jpg Flowers March 2020 March 8, 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flowers-july-2020 daily 0.75 2020-08-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539723450-2ONZ2N4P9DMMZ0APERXX/20200627-P6272619.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Black eyed susan and insects June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539723450-2ONZ2N4P9DMMZ0APERXX/20200627-P6272619.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Black eyed susan and insects June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539735673-U6A4KZGA96BH3Y38OW2L/20200627-P6272725.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Chauliognathus marginatus, Margined Leatherwing Beetle June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539736816-A6DFRRLM1H78ZW9LVS1S/20200627-P6272748.jpg Flowers July 2020 June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593020409563-O853A73QPKW6XIMN0N23/20200614-P6142315.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Geum canadense (White Avens) June 14, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593561510732-KPGNVQJOW3NXBO7UBTJT/20200630-P6302851.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Fringed Loosestrife, Lysimachia ciliata, Hover Flies, Family Syrphidae June 30, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593278895281-TL03L5B4O1AKYWHG3HR3/20200623-P6232505.jpg Flowers July 2020 June 23, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593278893483-GJQXIIJP3QJ281BPGCMT/20200623-P6232507.jpg Flowers July 2020 June 23, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593278895144-0UF3XM2SXBTGYL00DA0D/20200625-P6252521.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa June 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593278897462-N8OLLUMGVFIC0945IAQN/20200625-P6252533.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Mint June 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593278898063-91PP18Q0YY9BD3GQLETZ/20200625-P6252549.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Bitter Nightshade, Solanum dulcamara June 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592789190778-TK3FFFFOX19H1C2JPUT8/20200621-P6212436.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Chickory June 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592789174869-EX81URUL63R3DIUALGT8/20200621-P6212440.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Ribwort Plantain, Plantago lanceolata June 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592789174846-FLXEV3693OFR0HGORO59/20200621-P6212448.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Spotted Cucumber beetle, Diabrotica undecimpunctata June 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592789175428-BBEYFY03YU1ZQZFXIM4A/20200621-P6212459.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Solanum carolinense, the Carolina horsenettle June 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592789175782-6ON9CLR26RVPPYXLZZ7I/20200621-P6212468.jpg Flowers July 2020 June 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592789175845-3YQHJ2ENMNO0RJM82MLF/20200621-P6212476.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Deptford Pink, Dianthus armeria June 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592789176457-GEHCLX54LCEZCW3L0JNK/20200621-P6212478.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Common Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca June 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592789176374-CVLZD7FVGXQ1STITW98M/20200621-P6212486.jpg Flowers July 2020 June 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593020057234-MPO2ZBFG1FIQXXQXG10O/20200621-P6212496.jpg Flowers July 2020 June 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592789176912-WMRNWQ9QXD2MGSPPRQWN/20200621-P6212497.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Transluscent Mushroom, Family Psathyrellaceae June 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592756958312-UB3XAFTRQ8YHJS253DLH/20200620-P6202422.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Coneflower, echinacea June 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592681607779-IL7Y5YK06U7AZO4LLATX/20200618-P6182410.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Tiger Lily June 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593024533954-MHNJBUC3QJD99INIC4UO/20200618-P6182414.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Lily June 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593024093522-271BVS0KILUGALONK2QV/20200618-P6182421.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Mint June 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592329807406-28ZLMQ6SS1ACJ6MCPQ0F/20200615-P6152356.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Hydrangea June 15, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592329807033-VHQPUA73S19YNUM9TY8I/20200615-P6152368.jpg Flowers July 2020 June 15, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592329807818-BWWA78G9SX47BJCWQUX4/20200615-P6152371.jpg Flowers July 2020 June 15, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593021778090-P5FLT27JH7WTKZFJEWBQ/20200615-P6152395.jpg Flowers July 2020 June 15, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593021510458-C42OZTWULT1E8HUTUHBS/20200615-P6152397.jpg Flowers July 2020 June 15, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593561507261-SX20RQUQ5M5LHR8KJ7UJ/20200630-P6302807.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Orchard Orbweaver, Leucauge venusta June 30, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593561507952-JOSK1AD9Z1OCDDXXLRPH/20200630-P6302810.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Fringed Loosestrife, Lysimachia ciliata June 30, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593561509340-W3Q8T44ZQAGQZJTY8UAJ/20200630-P6302844.jpg Flowers July 2020 June 30, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592329809260-LLLGUVPUFEFQX70KJKTP/20200615-P6152406.jpg Flowers July 2020 June 15, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539735756-DE6F0SB78724PJSE8PRY/20200627-P6272723.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Thistle June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592163512445-AJNBN73481CR8AAJ6TPT/20200614-P6142319.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Meadow Garlic, Allium canadense var. canadense June 14, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592163513800-OIO5UQ60AM62BEG9URHR/20200614-P6142333.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Onions, Genus Allium June 14, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592163510761-FTC8D7ZDFWIBWJX086RE/20200614-P6142307.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Queen Anne's Lace? June 14, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592163515509-BIB3ALNKL2CFZGF3P4NH/20200614-P6142341.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Tiger Lily June 14, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592163515244-EMWJ5XS06IHZJO194NMF/20200614-P6142344.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Day Lily June 14, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592163506100-GVQ8D5KR7FY10HOMZVVS/20200610-P6102270.jpg Flowers July 2020 - Yarrow June 10, 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flower-collections-2020 daily 0.75 2022-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1598796071325-318IUZIPGRM7YH91V9A8/20200829-Lightroom+%2820200420-P4201352.JPG+and+8+others%29+480+res-2+1500.jpg Flower collections 2020 - 3x3 Flowers 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1598796071325-318IUZIPGRM7YH91V9A8/20200829-Lightroom+%2820200420-P4201352.JPG+and+8+others%29+480+res-2+1500.jpg Flower collections 2020 - 3x3 Flowers 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592331054084-NDBOK74MU7YT0N4QKYIV/20200715-9+Flowers+of+the+Day+1500x1500+copy.jpg Flower collections 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1606925059094-69WYFFCSYQPNN3RACLJV/20200715-9+Flowers+of+the+Day+1500x1500.jpg Flower collections 2020 - 3x3 Spring Flowers Spring 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flowers-august-2020 daily 0.75 2020-08-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1595718851974-D2OWPX99EHGBZCARNZJY/20200725-P7253324.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Calystegia sepium, Hedge Bindweed July 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1595718851974-D2OWPX99EHGBZCARNZJY/20200725-P7253324.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Calystegia sepium, Hedge Bindweed July 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1596062346370-2FXFVDIV8ARRRL0H8SY8/20200729-P7293387.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Dipsacus laciniatus, Cutleaf Teasel, bee July 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1595530267330-IZSLCBK5326P9T4I013F/20200630-P6302810.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Fringed Loosestrife Lysimachia ciliata Jun 30, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1597766715310-NVEUJX7PCQPCJ6PNN6MD/P8160147_01.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Panicled Ticktrefoil, Desmodium paniculatum August 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1595512388768-MB18907CC5GJXG2SBOU1/20200718-P7183178.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Common St. John's-Wort, Hypericum perforatum Jul 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1595512389953-LAVS26MSBRDTM8A2G2JJ/20200718-P7183192.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - White Wood Aster, Eurybia divaricata July 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1595512389890-12DMWK7DSA0UF733MFDR/20200718-P7183195.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Naked-flowered Tick-Trefoil, Hylodesmum nudiflorum July 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1594482573871-TESL1OFQ5MZMA2D5ZY63/20200708-P7082987.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Hibiscus syriacus, Hollyhock tree July 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1594482573696-ZJEVJQ83KYKXJ7UPKDL1/20200708-P7082994.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 July 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1594482574964-PLR6HVMB2WFJ8R8AS0U4/20200708-P7083019.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Hostas July 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1594482575123-TJ4ECB3PGDBYWUBIHPO6/20200708-P7083028.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Hydrangea July 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1594482576405-1H56S8DI0SOOJ807VAJF/20200708-P7083055.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 July 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1594482576209-EC2GGQWUOD1O73WKAZTB/20200708-P7083095.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 July 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1594482577125-5H990N0GJII3Q7W2NU1N/20200708-P7083098.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 July 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1594482577165-ID0ON8W6HVA4TF4LGBIU/20200708-P7083103.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Black eyed susans July 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1594165869897-RH3FEIAEFCD1X8WSNSN3/20200703-P7032862.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Hemp Dogbane, Apocynum cannabinum July 3, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1594165868760-ZZGSZM2CAMJ14W4PYRSR/20200704-P7042944.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Common Selfheal, Prunella vulgaris July 4, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593561506919-8ROFPHYOXU5CURMUJ426/20200628-P6282750.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Pearl Crescent Phyciodes tharos June 28, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539720716-ZBB02AXTETVXVKUDNAE2/20200627-P6272564.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Thistle June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539721027-40GTVKE4W2X0FEH4L05Q/20200627-P6272609.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Not a flower bud June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539722063-SSNRIQX7BBVTURWO53IW/20200627-P6272615.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Wild Carrot, Daucus carota June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593561506309-23LH50FFP2KHO7H4GQ81/20200630-P6302793.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Common Jewelweed, Impatiens capensis June 30, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539723188-NMXZLA4NVCCZAMGUH913/20200627-P6272623.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Black eyed susan June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539724225-569YSYXTSEDKLFL2GJHX/20200627-P6272635.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Common St. John's-Wort, Hypericum perforatum June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539728019-XKDHDDY6VV2PDSKPBH09/20200627-P6272668.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539727520-F5SEJ0N162IDWULXMBUV/20200627-P6272671.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539729902-W88LNH1YUDB1OQOQ7C3Z/20200627-P6272681.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum (Red Goldenrod Aphid) June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539730197-NM7LAQOHFWCWJ1CDU2FI/20200627-P6272705.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Bramble, blackberry? June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539732195-JZRFZ4FN2PHBCYGWF2HM/20200627-P6272709.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1593539732584-TGCOYEUAR23GTOIZP7EP/20200627-P6272716.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Virginia Mountain Mint, Pycnanthemum virginianum June 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1592163510841-07MKVVYD0TDFMEPHPM2Z/20200614-P6142308.jpg Flowers posted August 2020 - Potentilla indica, mock strawberry, Indian-strawberry, or false strawberry June 14, 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flowers-september-2020 daily 0.75 2021-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600540583658-I1SGDIPDK2MY542NYXKG/P9120744.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Evening primrose September 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600540583658-I1SGDIPDK2MY542NYXKG/P9120744.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Evening primrose September 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600540583557-7HNOREB3WTELI0AJUQU3/P9120757.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Devil's Beggarticks, Bidens frondosa September 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1599766689192-FA8VAX28JAUDV6S0CEL2/P9070710.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Silver-spotted Skipper, Epargyreus clarus September 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1599766690206-FE0CKG4W0TI60PAFWUXB/P9070727_01.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Sunflowers, Genus Helianthus September 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600540103308-B3DWJRXS1BC4RFZOCIB6/P9120744_01.jpg Flowers September 2020 September 9, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1599146729156-GV2XZ9IWSMRNOB7EQ52B/P9020549_01.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Autumn Clematis, Clematis terniflora September 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1598886150581-T88O1E9K7JVZXXDAJZK0/P8280451.jpg Flowers September 2020 - August 28, 2020 Chinese Bushclover, Lespedeza cuneata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1598886252634-VQSA1QBCXY4GPX0CHZEQ/P8160196.jpg Flowers September 2020 - August 16, 2020 Two-stripped planthopper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1598880760592-EOQ48UJ6NXWQ8YZBK5XY/20200809-P8093743.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Zabulon Skipper August 9, 2000 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1599766689384-LFCEFGT9PKBEZL65EZ6Y/P9070697.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Monarch, Danaus plexippus September 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1598880779082-ANNFY71UOGZ8N8IOD9XT/P8280396_01.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Question Mark, Polygonia interrogationis. No it's an Eastern Comma Polygonia, comma August 28, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1598880779211-26IVCRZVVX957P0K6YY2/P8280433_01.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Pearl Crescent, Phyciodes tharos August 28, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1598390751390-G6BNMO7SEFF4EDZT69OH/P8240346_01.jpg Flowers September 2020 August 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1597766715890-8ELDY0I0ACH3JKHML6V7/P8160170_01.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Koren bushclover, Kummerowia stipulacea August 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1597766717105-YZAOLKH0CI8A1W6PCH7U/P8160185_01.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Common jewelweed August 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1597706419654-PGEBUAPTYVTYXM6GQOL9/20200812-P8120017.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Ground cherry August 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1597677962174-5EY4EAAJ4EGX3GW0UGXV/P8160134.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Knapweed August 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1597600094814-35TQD309IIOQHMJLX0ZD/P8150061_01.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Russian Sage August 15, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1597001485946-A7IOVJEBR4Y6G16EK8HE/20200809-P8093744.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Chickory and Zabulon skipper August 9, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1597001486138-GXOBUI0LXX0CZFYWUH1P/20200809-P8093755.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Common Jewelweed August 9, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1596993573215-QK29R0FGNS1E4A0ZSCCY/20200808-P8083720.jpg Flowers September 2020 Aug 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1596993571953-H6APPPDNCZ1SXUK1YLSY/20200808-P8083727.jpg Flowers September 2020 Aug 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1596993573774-IIGYERD92EVTL7Y2IRIL/20200808-P8083733.jpg Flowers September 2020 Aug 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1596747684327-766RNR7DITS4G2F7DGMW/20200806-P8063664.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Black eyed susan Aug 6, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1596852161245-VAKZPXBR8W3U8LC30PVQ/20200807-P8073713.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Japanese Mazus, Mazus pumilus Aug 7. 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1596747684041-3AII43DA11FTONMK8Z93/20200805-P8053572.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Black eyed susans Aug 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1596549084689-5CF3P7E9A2RWCE2MGVSU/20200801-P8013442.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Naked-flowered Tick-Trefoil, Hylodesmum nudiflorum Aug 1, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1596549084700-ZKWQKNMMEKEMC8708WVN/20200801-P8013447.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Naked-flowered Tick-Trefoil, Hylodesmum nudiflorum Aug 1, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1596062347515-GLWN3XJEZ3YIXDSR3SXF/20200729-P7293419.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Verbena hastata, Blue Vervain July 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1595789142200-K4Q0K098DJFBDHQYE8V3/20200726-P7263343.jpg Flowers September 2020 July 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1595719248448-KLN16N1IYHR2II148FM1/20200725-P7253289.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Dipsacus laciniatus, Cutleaf Teasel, Xylocopa virginica ssp. virginica (carpenter bee) July 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1595719251022-6MP25NJQ5K3QXRW85S7V/20200725-P7253302.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Dipsacus laciniatus, Cutleaf Teasel July 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600540970184-MG6ICZ3EKJX9EIVSANUT/20200725-P7253324.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Bind Weed July 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1596662992846-XJOM4TRLTZ9IJG4B4FB7/20200804-P8043483.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Aster August 4, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1596063129736-VWBV5NNMZ3COXBG1ZHQL/20200725-P7253324.jpg Flowers September 2020 - Calystegia sepium, Hedge Bindweed July 25, 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flowers-october-2020 daily 0.75 2020-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602186316274-8323JAQROYUPJ6SO7CFT/PA011052_02.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Rose October 1, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602186316274-8323JAQROYUPJ6SO7CFT/PA011052_02.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Rose October 1, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602186316398-VHT3DWHCZL94J8AQWASN/PA011063_02.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Pansie October 1, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602186317273-X6CHD6JWHT4J6FCT3QBM/PA011067_02.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Daylily October 1, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602186317115-Z5EKAL5IACTR53CLEB78/PA011078_02.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Aster October 1, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602117680947-JJE972106ZVGBAW25NOU/P9261004.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Lantana September 26, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602117681204-VFKECI04XBWXUU4J83N3/P9261008.jpg Flowers October 2020 September 26, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602117681993-1DL15AQOX3D6QCR5EMYM/P9261012.jpg Flowers October 2020 September 26, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602117682753-T4J2JD68A4AVWWR1R3TK/P9261014.jpg Flowers October 2020 September 26, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602117682716-4TFKHXRZZZ60V25MGDCB/P9261022.jpg Flowers October 2020 September 26, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602117684005-XEKB46CE8T93R5Z5WIPO/P9261035.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Zinnia September 26, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602117683663-O80Q5HPAV82Y4FKV9A62/P9261040.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Zinnia September 26, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600912853253-FXS4UEZGZVU2467FPV6H/P9230905_01.jpg Flowers October 2020 - American Asters (Genus Symphyotrichum) September 23, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600912854505-TXOTH56OLC9B6KHUGUCQ/P9230917_01.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) September 23, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1604502472535-DILEA26W81IBB0EORHBH/20200923_P9230922.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Aster September 23, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600553174320-NWFWWMGYSL7TMSRJ0GPH/P9150814.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis September 15, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600550215978-Z0U9Z735WJF11O688VR2/P9160856.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Pearl Crescent, Phyciodes tharos September 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600550216433-L0UZUDOQMKOMX7323ACC/P9160867.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Genus Elephantopus September 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600550215013-GJX09MCGN0T8XCT33EXJ/P9160866.jpg Flowers October 2020 - White Snakeroot, Ageratina altissima September 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602267475025-FX1174VBK3GMCLEU6EUP/P9160873.jpg Flowers October 2020 - White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata) September 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600550217825-HJNKDP0FL09MJQ3UC6DX/P9160876.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Differential Grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis) September 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600550217713-HX4SGP3G4PYUHM1822BR/P9160890.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Pearl Crescent, Phyciodes tharos September 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600550219213-HWD4F5SBQE3573R95N1H/P9160893.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) September 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600550219594-6TFSRB63QANQNWBLB4V6/P9160902.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Asiatic Dayflower Commelina communis September 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600552061156-F9WMS513AWF9MLJ2PLW3/P9150805.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Pinkweed, Persicaria pensylvanica September 15, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600543053687-FWVJFIOKJ1M9VGIA12TM/P9150805.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Pinkweed, Persicaria pensylvanica September 15, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600543053507-TIRQU0L2G2UDNVQYTNPU/P9150811.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Eastern Tailed-Blue, Cupido comyntas September 15, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600543054821-4KY1ZEW3ONEQKOZZ54F2/P9150820.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Black eyed susan September 15, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600543054612-4C9V01MXBPHG0O3Y6939/P9150827.jpg Flowers October 2020 September 15, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600541302668-JVWAZFF1XCAYJWDXX4LD/P9120769.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Asters September 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600541302795-NRYPGQMU7RWSBFHJ0EIH/P9120780.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Pocelain berry September 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600541303384-SL0276LC9GZORHQGBPXB/P9120785.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Mallard ducks September 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600541303704-YYH21SFXX5KTQHPJH7M1/P9120797.jpg Flowers October 2020 - Chinese Bushclover, Lespedeza cuneata September 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1600540317722-DOEJS2Y3VO4AJEW4HCAX/P9120769_01.jpg Flowers October 2020 September 12, 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flowers-november-2020 daily 0.75 2020-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607010976134-8C8ZQF2CYJXG63PU9FSC/PA311493_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Mile-a-minute October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607010976134-8C8ZQF2CYJXG63PU9FSC/PA311493_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Mile-a-minute October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607010918007-AQ81105E3C2VF9O7QJXS/PA311498_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Wingstem October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607010718988-HAHSI9WXW381TSVD7CNG/PA311500_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Aster October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1604158959213-3R1UZ1O2H5RDF0QILD4T/PA301478_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Black eyed susan October 30, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1606487383810-0DWKWRVAPD6704CW9ROD/20201126_PB261903_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Turkey-Tail, Trametes versicolor November 26, 2020. Thanksgiving https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1604156762175-OF57XONVLDREJH5AY00O/PA251437_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Aster October 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1604156761195-P5XLBYIWIRD9P50K80RM/PA251432_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Aster October 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1604156761357-JVB9JZ2Y4X1RTU20P9DI/PA251415_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Aster October 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1603477326727-4JSQAXEDMJFIZLURHMDT/PA091301_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) October 9, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1603477326504-6LM17ATRQU6VX4FEXE7C/PA091302_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Goldenrod October 9, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1603477327948-FS3LG0N2U13JI9AWFM0O/PA091319_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Aster seeds October 9, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1603477328736-VPZ7HTP04G1R5D87028P/PA091322_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 October 9, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1603477328969-01KHV3BOWBQRADQQR57S/PA091339_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Asters October 9, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1603477330781-4FWZBU85RNWGMPCSQO3O/PA091341_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Goldenrod and Asters October 9, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602276818209-XG1Y6MOE0II8J7RCJA7T/PA071216_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) October 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602276818334-XERY1ELPZTJ7KEJGIWTR/PA071220_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Greater Knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) October 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602276819461-G05MJYYJRWXSL663KUPF/PA071240_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 October 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602276819894-QG5TCZTIHFNXQJJVIY9S/PA071246_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Turkey-Tail (Trametes versicolor) October 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602276820373-NKWR2BJ80YOVK8PAR9SY/PA071260_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) October 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602276820917-OZMN0S78Q3KF71XB8972/PA071274_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Aster October 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602276821445-FVVEDT1KKTOEIGPBJ4YK/PA071276_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) October 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602276821640-QM6IOZSY03733DCCYFO4/PA071280_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Sunflowers (Genus Helianthus) October 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602267617595-KW8RH4WWWQVBBUX8PHSG/PA051171_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Southern Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum) October 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602256249996-0DFP5SL2BHSVUEHEDWPH/PA041098_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Fall Phlox, Phlox paniculata October 4, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602256249856-MX66YNY6OSULPGB3EH0V/PA041107_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) October 4, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602256250751-7XHLQ9T9BBKH2G3CNGRV/PA041119_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - American Asters (Genus Symphyotrichum) October 4, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602256255057-SGXE6RTE69XG4OXR0AIF/PA041126_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - American Asters (Genus Symphyotrichum) October 4, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602256251273-JI1AZ4FQNIC0CH7VE0HL/PA041127_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Strawberry Bush (Euonymus americanus) October 4, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602256251894-OOACLQYJKMAID164GHDI/PA041142_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Fall Phlox, Phlox paniculata October 4, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602256252774-YXOY0NXWXPRLSD24U5A8/PA041152_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Milkweed October 4, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1602186972425-OUAXDOSP5GLBUB7XQ2ZU/PA011083_01.jpg Flowers November 2020 - Aster October 1, 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flowers-december-2020 daily 0.75 2020-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605909903615-42SCMQ1EECOQVFOAJ6HV/20201118_PB181815.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Mum November 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605909903615-42SCMQ1EECOQVFOAJ6HV/20201118_PB181815.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Mum November 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605909903779-BU3WDBRENP1K0SBBXFG6/20201118_PB181820.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) November 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605909907204-4A5QD5DIG0P7IAH0DBT7/20201118_PB181824.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Red Amaranth November 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605909907736-MWCY2E81XCDCVIYRTSC5/20201118_PB181835.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Amur Honeysuckle November 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605909909276-VI895D6PVLP5ZQ99FZKQ/20201118_PB181840.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Sasanqua Camillia November 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605909909064-D5ZD33FHFM9OAINO324W/20201118_PB181847.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Spider Flower (Cleome houtteana) November 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605909905673-KZKE3CRMLGLQVYTZ1AB2/20201118_PB181825.jpg Flowers December 2020 November 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605909911567-QFXPM6DRUCGIQE9BAP91/20201118_PB181849.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus) November 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605909912268-K6SMR8O00JJ4P1DLWGMS/20201118_PB181853.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Yellow Cosmos November 18, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605629047900-0YF138VUQWA6D3LOU683/20200929_IMG_0322.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Monarch (Danaus plexippus ) September 29, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605539228836-YB8IK2R4MWR8DRTERLZX/20201108_PB081686.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Florida Predatory Stink Bug (Euthyrhynchus floridanus) November 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605126027054-MVHYHHUK0CSF38S0X6WS/20201107_PB071585.jpg Flowers December 2020 November 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605126027216-V03WA3Y5XSC6PXXXKH77/20201107_PB071597.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) November 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605126028819-NUUGE7A09X3KWLWN4Q0Q/20201107_PB071606.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Hemp Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) November 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605126029185-13E0GDB8GYOXHFC530OE/20201107_PB071610.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Carolina Horsenettle(Solanum carolinense) November 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605126029949-GW12663C6G9HSIPFU240/20201107_PB071629.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) November 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605126030739-ZJA501KV1M8RJGOKLEIY/20201107_PB071641.jpg Flowers December 2020 November 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605126030778-XUL8I1N9WIPZBJZI1YPV/20201107_PB071650.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Chicory (Cichorium intybus) November 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1605126031618-Q85PY050PD0SPJ99ZFAJ/20201107_PB071652.jpg Flowers December 2020 November 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607011503124-XRV25QKA7J6EYVSJ5T6W/PA311503.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Aster October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607011531780-2TE12PCQU3OTSIIFX8S7/PA311507.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Low Smartweed, Persicaria longiset October 11, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607011471966-PQH5J16VUQ8M2K4JFLXJ/PA311509.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Chicory, Cichorium intybus October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607011434987-1M1WSLXZ73B2B3G532SI/PA311511.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Aster October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607011400761-RU64HW120BYI44DSWU26/PA311517.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Fleabanes and Horseweeds, Genus Erigeron October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1606488240539-U1GNVD9BQLGC19Q0R7M1/20201126_PB261898_01.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Honeysuckle November 26, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607011367030-08XMVUB98U3HXU8J7WTL/PA311519.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Boneset October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607011337817-BCRS2H96TKJFOKFEVS83/PA311521.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Tall Goldenrod, Solidago altissima October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607011305627-GDW8NFSHM2ED10RDDJ0F/PA311534.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Knapweed October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607011273491-7RG31LL4JXS76CASJ673/PA311537.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Common Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607011241007-6C0SC2JQUJMTOK3OKUHT/PA311549.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Red Clover, Trifolium pratense October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607011148320-6FDHOLBJ42ZVSWGCMOHD/PA311553.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Low Smartweed, Persicaria longiseta October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607011108891-IL9ASJNVJBO7T3QO8B93/PA311555.jpg Flowers December 2020 - Mock strawberry, Potentilla indica October 31, 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flowers-january-2021 daily 0.75 2021-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1609856823124-W9J5MYSJQO7CI3II2YLM/20210104_P1040319_01.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Lily January 4, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1609856823124-W9J5MYSJQO7CI3II2YLM/20210104_P1040319_01.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Lily January 4, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1609778762151-C4RC21O8NGWUVS5230TX/20210101_P1010256_01.jpg Flowers January 2021 January 1, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1609778762275-GGQOXWMJZGG1HNB7SREK/20210101_P1010262_01.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Rose January 1, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1609778763227-W3QXYSXXNGE1VYQJDPLU/20210101_P1010295_01.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Sunflower family January 1, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1609778918512-Q4U2VNM2YHCDM6FG7XE9/20210101_P1010304_01.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Peruvian Lily January 1, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1609778764207-K4UZNO6KDZXPK1JAVXB3/20210101_P1010309_01.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Peruvian Lily January 1, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1609778691379-LB8380QALW2BXKPIC8N0/20201231_PC310213_03.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Chrysanthemum December 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1608605675455-1A89ZVDFONKTOIQ8PYUC/20201219_IMG_6574_01.jpg Flowers January 2021 - China Rose December 19, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1608590313451-P8C7ZMXZL6NXCOSUWHQZ/20201220_PC200020.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Blue Statice December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1608590313166-LFQS16B0WGLQP7P37CMT/20201220_PC200023.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Prairie Blazing Star December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1609778436808-G9DNABNM1UFR0DU2AXDB/20201231_PC310213_03.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Chrysanthemum December 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1608590313964-OBFA4NUBTXI9MSYGA66A/20201220_PC200028.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Hooker's Eryngo December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1608590314225-WP5DVG152Q0TJL1KO0Y5/20201220_PC200032.jpg Flowers January 2021 - China Rose December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1608590315160-DI2TFB6AF5ATLQ8BCOG7/20201220_PC200038.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Mophead Hydrangea December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1608590315203-5RTYGU00DHZ0QULXO22S/20201220_PC200040.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Chrysanthemum December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1608590316391-6JW2ELYWHBGQHYZUJ96Q/20201220_PC200044.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Chrysanthemum December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1608590316343-L7581MN87SRPEFRC541C/20201220_PC200058.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Purivan Lily December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1608590317134-9EY2LW3ZNKBGDHULP6MU/20201220_PC200060.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Lily December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1608590318068-GYGYIIXMZD5I4GP9U2NP/20201220_PC200065.jpg Flowers January 2021 December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1608590317948-H28TH476RPFDIXF8R39U/20201220_PC200068.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Sweet William December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1608590318977-JBH86OOEMAALMZCTLJX8/20201220_PC200071.jpg Flowers January 2021 December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607540537686-H25DNTCEYU0CXD1U8093/20201209_PC092011.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major) December 9, 2020 (snow flakes) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607188151015-7P5I2BGCSMTVDZT3FO4X/20201205_PC051994.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Daisy Chrysanthemum December 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607188150956-GNDT5YUCYT1QG7Q6IM0U/20201205_PC051995.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Calla Lily December 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607188152047-5RLAKLHCZ02KDEQJ70IY/20201205_PC052000.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Long-Leaved Speedwell ( Veronica longifolia) Dec 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607188151980-ANEVA8QXH55MGAKROSJG/20201205_PC052002.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) Dec 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1607188153489-YMC6WBLBAWTHY339ZR8V/20201205_PC052005.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Peruvian Lily December 5, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1606771660320-VIXXN4OMLKYNJ2G14KZS/20201128_PB281934.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Honeysuckle November 28, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1606772018964-2784P05IHEPHUFMDC9ZG/20201127_PB271921.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Cherry? November 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1606772018850-DLK6JO6U655CQLGF2LB5/20201127_PB271927.jpg Flowers January 2021 November 27, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1606491254549-OR2UBN03N7FYJ8BS7P8Y/20201125_PB251888.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Cherry? November 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1606491254377-HCN4V2G129USS90LKBQG/20201125_PB251891.jpg Flowers January 2021 - Rose November 25, 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flowers-february-2021 daily 0.75 2021-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613424321638-V8493VSZUSARHPODSM4F/20210213_P2130819.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Roses February 13, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613424321638-V8493VSZUSARHPODSM4F/20210213_P2130819.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Roses February 13, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613424321728-LB6LFWIR7JG9E0A88EQB/20210213_P2130835.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Merigold February 13, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612234311197-29CNDF2P4C67U9BFRNWC/20210131_P1310633.jpg Flowers February 2021 January 31, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612234311637-GIBKRPHQO9VE87AIQN39/20210131_P1310680.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Sweet William January 31, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610990473088-7YS3821WDBZ98HWE90D4/20210117_P1170460.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Hydrangea January 17, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612234995108-8PHLGVBZLDS2CH636UBI/20210201_P2010700.jpg Flowers February 2021 February 1, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612234995806-DPPSF5QEJLCR9NOM58CO/20210201_P2010712.jpg Flowers February 2021 February 1, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612234995925-U6LQKAD6N9XT5O7TVGZC/20210201_P2010721.jpg Flowers February 2021 February 1, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612234996479-032SX3TX9CVX2U54CZ9K/20210201_P2010728.jpg Flowers February 2021 February 1, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612234996675-MVLYXQ70CIBL69Q6SR0Z/20210201_P2010738.jpg Flowers February 2021 February 1, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612234309789-T8AM8U6MSRG1MXC6U30X/20210131_P1310621.jpg Flowers February 2021 January 31, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612234809370-GI6YKSCNN49SS2367X8M/20210131_P1310631.jpg Flowers February 2021 January 31, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613345743090-9KRX9PEEHT1A94GAZ2HZ/20210206_P2060765_01.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Ozak Witch-hazel February 6, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613345743343-JD0N05B793G2K7AGTQYM/20210206_P2060807_01.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Winter Aconite February 6, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612234134452-AIZBT2RDB5OU20TW4YLY/20210201_P2010703.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Happy Valentine's Day! (Sweet WIlliam) February 1, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611347732435-SM5QQSBT5PBGH9MT75YX/20210121_P1210498_01.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Canterbury-Bells (Campenula Medium) January 21, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611347732500-34BI1QDTOITQW18L3V7Z/20210121_P1210504_01.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Peruvian LIly January 21, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611347733114-6QLJXMFCJQOAC1KAE4M2/20210121_P1210509_01.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Chrysanthemums January 21, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611347733214-L31562R3YYXQOWFAWCPJ/20210121_P1210525_01.jpg Flowers February 2021 - China Rose January 21, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611347733718-PZ53FXQ7J248M5WEQOH0/20210121_P1210541_01.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Sweet William January 21, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611347733855-NW358Z24TG4PXWLL5CFK/20210121_P1210552_01.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Peruvian Lily January 21, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611244912197-GVOP000SMAA80X112J0Q/20210101_P1010277_01.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Chrysanthemum January 1, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610990471550-CSVXPNT3SK70HZ6FBK3C/20210117_P1170407.jpg Flowers February 2021 - China Rose January 17, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610990471080-TM9F78RKV63QDPC3I0QF/20210117_P1170425.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Chysanthemum January 17, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610990472746-27L3GLLA4DKPIH5H6KWM/20210117_P1170439.jpg Flowers February 2021 January 17, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610990472152-CCUYM993FD1S83A0XMZI/20210117_P1170450.jpg Flowers February 2021 January 17, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612235745149-V134IOGRJMWNML9JI1Y2/20210130_P1300586.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Flat-branched Tree-Clubmoss (Dendrolycopodium obscurum) January 30, 2021 Thought that this was the first wild flowering plant of the year that I saw. But, no, it makes spores instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610318907834-RIXZNJ70JFZJSN9OZMSX/20210109_IMG_0352_01.jpg Flowers February 2021 - Japanese Camellia Jan 9, 2021 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/cardinal-2021-01 daily 0.75 2021-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612133735897-3D9KNRIYJJYE00ZAT2DY/CotD+%2360.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #60 January 31, 2021 Snow bird https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612133735897-3D9KNRIYJJYE00ZAT2DY/CotD+%2360.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #60 January 31, 2021 Snow bird https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612061980306-P9H7UNQBKEURB37ZQZBV/CotD+%2359.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #59 January 30, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611953364072-T756ZLP6IL1I2LXD2TTV/CotD+%2358.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #58 January 29 2021 This guy insisted on posing. Already close when I saw him, he flew closer! Lots of other birds out as well (wrens, flickers, jays, juncos, sparrows, geese, ducks). I guess they were hungry after yesterday when it was too cold to be out and about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611871821714-7JWP8S8CZX50GCPDBNSV/CotD+%2357.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #57 January 28, 2021 Stopping by the water for her morning drink. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611776302700-GO2G3MK6C7QKG1CVSB8T/CotD+%2356.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #56 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611715989597-WTAP5E5T93BAD7HKZXEL/CotD+%2355.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #55 January 26, 2021 This guy's crest reminds me of one of the troll toys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611615423511-D19MKZQQ0MM4D8PCWXOD/CotD+%2354.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #54 January 25, 2021 Lots of cardinals to choose from today, with none of them being shy. I guess they were celebrating that it wasn't so cold. 35F rather than 25F. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611534391420-MBGWRBW5YTAR8PUCGJXI/CotD+%2353.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #53 January 24, 2021 I visited Cedar Is. on the Potomac this morning. Only one cardinal! There's not much foot traffic, so he was kind of skittish (hence the long distance photo). There were lots of other things about once I stopped and listened: nuthatches by the dozen, a hawk, a heron, robins, ducks, sparrows and a killdeer that I heard but did not see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611444907712-97TPIB37LOG81OUUJAR9/CotD+%2352.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #52 January 23, 2021 It was a bit blustery today, enough to ruffle some feathers. But birds gotta be birds regardless of the weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611340681018-ORIEN3UVMI0HN8Z8QGZS/CotD+%2351.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #51 January 22, 2021 It's cold. I'm tired. Leave me alone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611247968823-PI5ZZBW1186R47I2O1JL/CotD+%2350.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #50 January 21, 2021 So nice of him to drop by for a backyard visit. He saved me a trip to the pond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611157801744-WEVQU7P6VZ9BAYTUENFV/CotD+%2349.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #49 January 20, 2021 First bird I saw today! Too bad she startled and flew across the pond, so this shot is taken at distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611067240888-UFAWMWVTJ683YA965YQX/CotD+%2348.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #48 January 19, 2021 I don't know why this guy is looking so gray. Other boys today looked the usual red. Maybe juvenile? Maybe just because his feathers are fluffed up? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611062679827-MAK4QG81MH1Q8O3VHK5B/CotD+%2347.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #47 January 18, 2021 Cardinals are crepuscular. This lady was foraging in the early evening light. The conclave held at least a dozen members, along with at least one white-throated sparrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610905097478-VTKE5QYW9XVBOEW9AKR2/CotD+%2346B.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #46b January 17, 2021 I also saw this strange looking orange with furrowed brow and big nose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610905097683-GZ4YZ0ADBPF3T1PIB7R3/CotD+%2346.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #46 January 17, 2021 How convenient: the CotD flitted through our garden, posing just long enough for a photograph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610835373422-MA2NIHTM5YQ3Z8EWYE0T/CotD+%2345.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #45 January 16, 2021 Quite a bit of colour variation on this guy's wings. Not enough carrots? Bird Watching Daily says:[1] The dogwood tree grows bright red autumn berries – a favorite food of the Northern Cardinal and a source of red carotenoids. When the cardinal metabolizes dogwood berries, the carotenoid pigments are sequestered in the liver and then transported to the bloodstream for eventual deposit in growing feather follicles where they crystallize. Carotenoids are deposited only in the cortex, never in the feather core. Cardinals acquire orange, red, and yellow pigments from many seed sources, continuously keeping red plumes vibrant. A caged cardinal fed carotenoid-free seeds would lose its brilliance with successive molts. [1] https://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/news/birdwatching/where-feather-colors-come-from-why-cardinals-are-red-and-grackles-are-shiny/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610720033202-0DY9ANFENIMORL5OHAHK/CotD+%2344.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #44 January 15, 2021 Breakfast! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610663632319-FAZPT07XKT39QTJKS9T7/CotD+%2343.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #43 January 14, 2021 Male with crest lowered and wings spread. I'm not sure what crest height means. One paper (doi:10.1007/s10164-020-00659-x) reported this as "threatening behaviour", but they were citing a paper on owls for their interpretation. They also described "crest raised" as aggressive. They are apparently territorial and monogamous. It is coming on breeding season, so maybe there was another in the area that I didn't see. However, I've observed crests both raised and lowered when they are foraging, so I don't think I'm going to read too much into it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610566423479-63SBNYT69X8OQKZC05V3/CotD+%2342.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD # 42 January 13, 2021 This girl was really dark, almost brown on the back. Cameras lie about colour, so I'm not sure that I got it right. If only I could get the cardinal to hold up a gray card so I can correct for it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610566422451-85UAI36TS2ZL3GIBGUZX/CotD+%2341.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #41 January 12, 2021 No cardinals in the usual place near the local pond. I thought maybe it was too cold for them to get out of bed, but there were several hanging around at another favoured spot. There were several other birds around, including some black-eyed juncos, white-throated sparrows, a blue jay, and a red-bellied woodpecker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610564497795-TVIJ8U9FNUB3DZP7CGVB/cotd_42.png Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD # 42 January 13, 2020 This girl was really dark, almost brown on the back. Cameras lie about colour, so I'm not sure that I got it right. If only I could get the cardinal to hold up a gray card so I can correct for it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610566422833-15MKY2LKFVSR2EKOKORU/CotD+%2340.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #40 January 11, 2021 Chirping along with the national anthem. This plays every morning at Walter Reed hospital. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610566421427-TWAIB359H77NJE3CNKCY/CotD+%2339.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #39 January 10, 2021 Searching for an afternoon snack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610566421678-50QG0WWHOPQBLPBHNC4U/CotD+%2338.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #38 January 9, 2021 A range of cardinals to choose from today, and I went for perky. Another had the crest on the head completely flat. The females weren't staying put long enough to get a clean shot, so yet another male. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610565061455-HZ5A6OAY9NRCS9I4EUHK/cotd_38_bunting_P1110236.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #38 Painted Bunting January 9, 2021 A bonus Cardi B, I finally got a glimpse of the painted bunting that's been hanging out at the C&O canal (4th try). It's in the cardinal family, but not a cardinal. Clearly a fool's errand since I don't have enough camera to capture it from across the canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610565436549-1I8FI2WZQ6JYQ5EZCMJ5/cotd_38_Painted_Bunting.gif Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #38 Painted Bunting January 9, 2021 I uploaded a short clip of it here: www.inaturalist.org/observations/67806178 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610566882188-U359W7TOOY6GYRUXM331/CotD+%2337.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - Cotd #37 January 8, 2021 Feeling safe in the thicket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610566887548-HNF0WITH5P5781QK4C7W/CotD+%2336.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #36 January 7, 2021 Another attempt at the painted bunting. Missed it by a few minutes according to an iNaturalist post. However, there were a few cardinals hanging about, plus a blue heron, a tufted titmouse and a downy woodpecker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610566892955-V8CVN7ER9MKY5L6E678F/CotD+%2335.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #35 January 6, 2021 Went chasing the painted bunting today [1,2]. Hordes of people out, with lots of them claiming to see it. Between not wanting to get too close and foggy glasses from the mask I saw nothing :-( I did however see a couple of dozen cardinals. Between cloud cover, distance and cheap camera, today's pair is the best I've got. I have one photo with five cardinals in it, but by the time I downsample to a reasonable image size the red dots don't look like much. [1] www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/04/painted-bunting-bird-maryland-park [2] ebird.org/species/paibun/L214293 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610566898570-Y8EUCL6BNTVLMX274GHN/CotD+%2334.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #34 January 5, 2021 Wet and rainy, so all the birds were hiding (except for a pair of very noisy jays). The shot that I got was 1/10 s at 800 iso, which is to say that there wasn't nearly enough light. Good enough to see that it is a cardinal at least. Here's hoping for better weather tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610566901049-EKVR84CYD1WHTAMFYFUW/CotD+%2333.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #33 January 4, 2021 Too much choice this morning. Despite the cold and the pair of hawks, the birds were happily chirping and perching openly in the trees. In addition to another male and a female, I also snapped a blue jay, a wren and a sparrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610567426658-ATX820VQX4E14LMDYXTH/CotD+%2332.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #32 January 3, 2021 Cool and rainy morning, so it was nice to see a bit of colour. Thank you cardinals for not flying somewhere warm for the winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610567429630-JIU9NEE5Q3EA0MEMMYUR/CotD+%2331.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #31 January 2, 2021 It was quiet this morning, unlike yesterday when the forest was atwitter with news of the red-tailed hawk sitting in the tree. I could hear this guy chirping but couldn't see him. Turns out he was right above me, and I had to "unzoom" the camera to fit him in frame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610567502562-N472YTKZB91VLZSQ91UU/CotD+%2330.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #30 January 1, 2020 Looking back at the old year and hoping for a better year to come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611247968823-PI5ZZBW1186R47I2O1JL/CotD+%2350.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #50 January 21, 2021 (Copy) So nice of him to drop by for a backyard visit. He saved me a trip to the pond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610567426658-ATX820VQX4E14LMDYXTH/CotD+%2332.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #32 January 3, 2021 (Copy) Cool and rainy morning, so it was nice to see a bit of colour. Thank you cardinals for not flying somewhere warm for the winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612133735897-3D9KNRIYJJYE00ZAT2DY/CotD+%2360.jpg Cardinal 2021 01 - CotD #60 January 31, 2021 (Copy) Snow bird https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/cardinal-2020-12 daily 0.75 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613872446940-RAPYUXXYFGXYQNEXZ4FQ/CotD+%2380.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #80 February 20, 2021 The sun is out and the birds are singing. This guy in the neighbour's tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613872446940-RAPYUXXYFGXYQNEXZ4FQ/CotD+%2380.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #80 February 20, 2021 The sun is out and the birds are singing. This guy in the neighbour's tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610567521097-PXUY72Q6VUO6DPD2Y4ID/CotD+%2329.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #29 December 31, 2020 As Alana mentioned, the females are mostly tan coloured, making them blend very well with their surroundings. That's why only a quarter of my cardinal photos are girls. Happy new year! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613979193388-0VCJYBJZT9SYCYNIXQN9/CotD+%2381.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #81 February 21, 2021 This girl was really hamming it up for the camera. One shot she looks like a parrot. And she sings, too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610567584190-3ER3LQ3F1NJIOCCLLZRG/CotD+%2328.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #28 December 30, 2020 Taking flight. Even though it doesn't look much like a cardinal, I like how it flows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610567592946-7WOQ6NPX27WHFW8Q04ZF/CotD+%2327.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #27, December 29, 2020 Quite a few cardinals this morning (1 girl, 3 boys), but they were being shy. This one taken from across the pond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913154955-QBEIOZCM129RQJ7KSZYQ/CotD+%2326.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #26, December 28, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913158444-NZ9Q4G6S9FK8WFWM33JN/CotD+%2325.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #25, December 26, 2020 Late in the evening, and the birds are getting ready for bed. Fortunately she hung around long enough for me to get my cardinal of the day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913164142-WRV0CR2NC1WE3HL2FCCR/CotD+%2324.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #24 December 25, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913167379-WAYZ6ZRJJJJH3LSOVK5E/CotD+%2323.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #23 December 24, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913171629-TLQ18TRHJE2H6WXDL0YG/CotD+%2322.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #22 December 23, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913174824-M9D1KJ4I9YVJL8OBBK8C/CotD+%2321.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #21 December 22, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913178582-C6H16704JG6R8Z52NG07/CotD+%2320.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #20 December 21, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913181629-4WIPF1HLW5BQDRMBH08G/CotD+%2319.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #19 December 20, 2020 A purposeful birding adventure: can I spot a green heron in the local swamp/wildlife refuge? No, but I got a bunch of birds and this blurry cardinal. I wonder if I can capture a cardinal every day? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913199163-RMA3WWD57TF45CJJ8F8C/CotD+%2318.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #18 Decmber 19, 2020 Yay! A cardinal! Actually, I had no idea what it was. A bird sitting on the neighbours house but I couldn't tell what it was. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913206529-34FN43ATALAYUISOO2ET/CotD+%2317.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #17, December 18, 2020 Waiting for Tanya, maybe there are some birds around here? Yes! Actually, quite a few. Blue jays, a couple of types of woodpeckers, two types of sparrows, mourning doves, and blue jays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913210072-QQVGLDY6WV4SPE0SZ6WZ/CotD+%2316.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #16, December 17, 2020 Cardinals on consecutive days. They sure are common. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913214994-NP48IBXM19Y9WZ61IGSZ/CotD+%2315.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #15 December 16, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913230490-XWB160Q4GH74G1ZBBDFC/CotD+%2314.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #14 December 15, 2020 Not a clear shot but it can still be identified as a cardinal, so let's keep it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913245272-HP0MUDMD1HEB6QMXVKTD/CotD+%2313.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #13, Decmber 13, 2020 Top of a tall tree and against the sky yet still the colour looks okay on both. The joy of good lighting. My pictures of crows are not coming out at all, though that might be because the camera thinks everything has to be medium gray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913251165-4QBLDD0UAVERVFJ5NDK2/CotD+%2312.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #12 December 10, 2020 There sure are a lot of cardinals about. Two days since the last photo. I might as well practice since he is sitting right there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913259231-F9IB51028SJ865G3LU6N/CotD+%2311.jpg Cardinal 2020 12 - CotD #11 December 8, 2020 All the leaves are gone. No more flowers and bugs to photograph. But now we can see the birds! https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/cardinal-2020-09-11 daily 0.75 2022-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610912685897-F304I5CYX1921ZBW1C80/CotD+%2310.jpg Cardinal 2020 11 - CotD #10 November 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610912685897-F304I5CYX1921ZBW1C80/CotD+%2310.jpg Cardinal 2020 11 - CotD #10 November 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610912678485-OLURYQRIQ7BSB94H7C0Q/CotD+%239.jpg Cardinal 2020 11 - CotD #9 November 7, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610912664090-K6PU0AKNMG3JOBX1PJ5F/CotD+%238.jpg Cardinal 2020 11 - CotD #8, October 30, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610912655773-HJGEC9NMG82J97LX6QCL/CotD+%237.jpg Cardinal 2020 11 - CotD #7, October 12, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610912649773-DFPVZ5XTREGDEY4FRLBF/CotD+%236.jpg Cardinal 2020 11 - CotD #6, October 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610912642710-7640VF68KDN078MOWHC8/CotD+%235.jpg Cardinal 2020 11 - CotD #5, October 1, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610912198233-BS5L07VYMFXG1CCC3G9I/CotD+%234.jpg Cardinal 2020 11 - CotD #4 September 28, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610912198099-0LZWWWV97OESEAXB45YL/CotD+%233.jpg Cardinal 2020 11 - CotD #3 September 16, 2020 Apparently cardinals molt in Sept. This boy is looking bedraggled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610912197244-8CYY4RO3B90JH1PSNKAW/CotD+%231.jpg Cardinal 2020 11 - CotD #2 September 13, 2020 First cardinal with the new (to me) camera. Smaller zoom but small sensor equals more reach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610912197294-YUSEBGPDMJT4M1Z4X454/CotD+%232.jpg Cardinal 2020 11 - CotD #1 September 4, 2020 First cardinal. I used Tanya's camera to capture this cardinal in the front garden. 135 mm is not enough https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/bird-calls daily 0.75 2021-12-27 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/the-best-flowers daily 0.75 2022-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611534655922-XQS2VUK2EDRM8PEXJZC4/20200322-P3220776.jpg The Best Flowers - Danelion and Chickweeds March 22, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611534655922-XQS2VUK2EDRM8PEXJZC4/20200322-P3220776.jpg The Best Flowers - Danelion and Chickweeds March 22, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615495669633-4BAJGWZ4ENJUEJ3480EC/20200402-P4020954.jpg The Best Flowers - Mock Strawberry April 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611534657365-G6Y30AN3HD1QJK9FLTHW/20200516-P5161777.jpg The Best Flowers - Blue-Eyed Grass May 16, 2020 Focus stacking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611590732610-AG0LK2K1SO5L9XC37P5A/20200621-P6212476_LR_2_bester.jpg The Best Flowers - Deptford Pink June 21, 2020 focus stacking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615562101995-YJ7G1KRH8RZGP9FTUGDG/20200708-P7083103_2_no_spots2.jpg The Best Flowers - Black Eyed Susan July 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615418629201-W738K93MBOWDMZJ2TFZ3/20200828_P8280451.jpg The Best Flowers - Chinese Bushclover August 28, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615495670645-SRXTOI3KTHGECU5NTK7J/20200923_P9230922_less+_blue.jpg The Best Flowers - Aster September 23, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615495671305-886DGEI25PEYOP0RP086/20201031_PA311553_more_contrast.jpg The Best Flowers - Smartweed October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615495671467-VG79EBJ0SCI5JL5CPSRD/20201126_PB261903_tweaks.jpg The Best Flowers - Turkey-Tail November 26, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615656814299-SSIFKH27QEMX06EVHWV1/20201220_PC200028_blur_crop.jpg The Best Flowers - Hooker's Eryngo December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615495672101-BY1TLIXSGCYH7STYLWU0/20210117_P1170450_brighten_red.jpg The Best Flowers - Chrsyanthemum, Sweet WIlliam, Peruvian Lily, and Carnation January 17, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1598796071325-318IUZIPGRM7YH91V9A8/20200829-Lightroom+%2820200420-P4201352.JPG+and+8+others%29+480+res-2+1500.jpg The Best Flowers - 3x3 Flowers (Copy) 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1606925059094-69WYFFCSYQPNN3RACLJV/20200715-9+Flowers+of+the+Day+1500x1500.jpg The Best Flowers - 3x3 Spring Flowers (Copy) Spring 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/cardinal-2021-02 daily 0.75 2022-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614541665230-HOB7C935QB83WF8JA9JF/CotD+%2388.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #88 February 28, 2021 A wet day but the birds are still out and about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614541665230-HOB7C935QB83WF8JA9JF/CotD+%2388.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #88 February 28, 2021 A wet day but the birds are still out and about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614478142029-E66FOCLXZS9AHN9BPXXQ/CotD+%2387.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #87 February 27, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614391065951-5ALTFRAHLZS05WZTOHB7/CotD+%2386.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #86 February 26, 2021 Calisthenics! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614258999123-CGRT985NRX0HD5PXUHFD/CotD+%2385.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #85 February 25, 2021 Bad hair day. It happens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614179272657-RIK0FGBTIKL6CUEFQZB1/CotD+%2384.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #84 February 24, 2021 A lot of "crest down" today. I'm not convinced by the web pages that say "crest up = aggression" and "crest down = relaxed". Based on what I've seen there is no rhyme nor reason. There's a lot of "birds and bees" happening: some mourning doves exchanging food, a starling courtship display, a pair of cardinals flitting through the trees. Maybe related to the crest down? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614126208716-QRA7EO6QQ3GXMT975CLP/CotD+%2383.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #83 February 23, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614036279476-BJBYOHE83YND4VQXM2A7/CotD+%2382.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #82 February 22, 2021 Practically no birds around today. I only saw a song sparrow and this cardinal, who was eying me suspiciously as I moved about trying to get rid of the branch sticking out of her head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613979674139-1F897I8XRYV24NXSKZZD/CotD+%2381.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #81 February 21, 2021 This girl was really hamming it up for the camera. One shot she looks like a parrot. And she sings, too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614176268840-KQ5DUXR93IWI6TMYV4Y2/CotD+%2384.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #84 February 24, 2021 A lot of "crest down" today. I'm not convinced by the web pages that say "crest up = aggression" and "crest down = relaxed". Based on what I've seen there is no rhyme nor reason. There’s a lot of "birds and bees" happening: some mourning doves exchanging food, a starling courtship display, a pair of cardinals flitting through the trees. Maybe related to the crest down? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614642976303-RLQN3KIQN00K8QG8T3E9/CotD+%2380.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #80 February 28, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613779944071-C5CJRA0X6DDTGA1WAWJG/CotD+%2379.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #79 February 19, 2021 Caught mid-song with his neck stretched out. A bright red bird at eye-level against a snowy background singing at the top of his lungs. If he can survive this he must be fit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613703116068-8T1YSNSGVDVYISQ5F31Q/CotD+%2378.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #78 February 18, 2021 Another cold and wintery day, but lots of cardinals passing through. This one is on a neighbour's tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613703107853-UBZ920WWM7MDD260A7UW/CotD+%2377.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #77 February 17, 2021 Lunch time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613526412702-1C85KDJGZUCL5D7YVOOC/CotD+%2376.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #76 February 16, 2021 Are pansies food for cardinals? Apparently not since he flitted away after a brief investigation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613400267040-79V9W5T6XL2COJLOIJKP/CotD+%2375.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #75 February 15, 2021 Up in the treetops singing his song, as were all the other cardinals I saw today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613342076073-C349EPJWODB0TM9P3U9R/CotD+%2374.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #74 February 14, 2021 A cardinal chorus this morning after the ice storm of yesterday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613266628237-ZUS2E0SEMQXVD5D3SXKK/CotD+%2373.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #73 Febrary 13, 2021 An even duller grayer drizzlier day with only one cardinal. (There is an ice storm in fact.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613184713908-PXPFA861S6D299JTDO8Z/CotD+%2372.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #72 February 12, 2021 A very quiet morning at the pond, but I did get a couple of backyard visitors, including this one. It was another gray day, again too dark for my camera. It's a good thing I'm not showing her full size! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613075631659-N10HU9CNRR7H3CATWYKF/CotD+%2371.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #71 February 11, 2021 A gray, dull drizzly day, but this guy was perky, sitting in the tree and chirping. It's lower pitched than the usual contact "chit", but seems to be used the same way: "I've arrived. Where is everybody?" accompanied by lots of looking around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613014447014-FY1B7OYNPS76KSKTBJSJ/CotD+%2370.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #70 February 10, 2021 She's sitting on the branch in a half crouch with her wings spread. She reminds me of a chicken waiting for a rooster. A quick search showed a video of a male courtship ritual (think fan dancing) and another showed the male fetching a seed for the female (apparently they bring a lot of food to the chicks when they've hatched) but I couldn't find anything about crouching specific to cardinals. There were no other courtship displays out the window today, so maybe it's something else. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612882111893-3CYCLALHUEP2151BALJ1/CotD+%2369.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #69 February 9, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612833734842-23ACEEHSOVIJOV3ZOJJI/CotD+%2368.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #68 February 8, 2021 With temperatures below freezing (-4 C), cardinals were hiding this morning, though there were plenty of other birds about. It warmed up later and this guy stopped for a brief visit on the maple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612720624749-ZX56LSWMXR0U3IU9LFCC/CotD+%2367.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #67 Fenruary 7, 2020 Waiting out the snow with friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612673898260-XXXLVLR2AHW16HHUQUV2/CotD+%2366.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #66 February 6, 2021 We visited Brookside gardens today to see what flowers are out (5 or 6), and lo and behold, a bright red cardinal sitting in a tree. After a bunch of photos trying to get the right angle, I finally saw this girl, even though she was sitting there the whole time! The guys get all the attention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612586275950-DWGTIFG3DKH1NKEKVRG4/CotD+%2365.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #65 February 5, 2020 Eyeing a potential morsel. It can't be anything good; it's way up in a maple tree, so some other bird must have "deposited" it there. He decided to eat it anyway. Ew! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612459467418-ZQP06YZEWBO70XUP6QGE/CotD+%2364.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD # 64 February 4, 2021 A flash mob in the garden this morning, organized via twitter. Robins, chickadees, goldfinches, house finches, blue jays, doves, cardinals, starlings, cedar waxwings, a downy woodpecker, a northern flicker, and a red-bellied woodpecker keeping the beat on the eaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612408495580-CGLQ2WWR0LDDNBREJTWN/CotD+%2363.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #63 February 3, 2021 The cardinals are back at the pond! At least five today. Some of them seemed to be squabbling; I guess that means winter is coming to an end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612308523937-9XVP1EDOC1X7VUMR9EM3/CotD+%2362.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD#62 February 2, 2021 Where do all the cardinals go when the weather turns to rain and snow? There's a dozen about when the sun is out, but can I find one this morning? No! So again with the feeder, feeling a bit like a cheater, 'cuz finding them in the wild is much too slow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612194021561-XAGHXB2VUKZIW6NUGJOD/CotD+%2361.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 - CotD #61 February 1, 2021 The birds were hiding this morning: a bit of freezing rain seems to have kept them away. Without a neighbour's feeder there would be no cardinal today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614642922585-5JGYHPGEWMXUMG5SX0Z8/CotD+%2380.jpg Cardinal 2021 02 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flowers-march-2021 daily 0.75 2023-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615655884273-TA5ZPH1YPRRT46WDA6MN/20210312_P3121158_01.jpg Flowers March 2021 - Hairy Bittercress, Cardamine hirsuta March 12, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615655884273-TA5ZPH1YPRRT46WDA6MN/20210312_P3121158_01.jpg Flowers March 2021 - Hairy Bittercress, Cardamine hirsuta March 12, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615655885177-SZO7JG5ONYACC4H9DK4N/20210312_P3121176_01.jpg Flowers March 2021 - Grey Field-Speedwell, Veronica polita March 12, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615655885241-CN962GVJ75ZW7W0KRIRL/20210312_P3121192_01.jpg Flowers March 2021 - Cherry. Blooms all winter March 12, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615655884426-3O5J4XLXG33D4R0I5DS6/20210312_P3121169_01.jpg Flowers March 2021 - Daffodil March 12, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615334805070-4CC42PULTTP9BPD4C1OP/20210309_P3091114_01.jpg Flowers March 2021 - Crocus March 9 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615334804937-5ZLNRC2OP306YAVK9E8H/20210309_P3091102_01.jpg Flowers March 2021 - Bird's-eye Speedwell, Veronica persica March 9, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615590117749-3FITLEAGXZI2IA2WAUT2/20210312_P3121158.jpg Flowers March 2021 - Hairy Bittercress, Cardamine hirsuta March 12, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615233193413-7IGWWJLXI8MIEGQYKKEJ/20210308_P3081069_01.jpg Flowers March 2021 - Crocues March 8, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615233193404-PTNFDSWI9KY5XJ6SCOAQ/20210308_P3081086_01.jpg Flowers March 2021 - Pansy March 8, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615124168723-EEH7Q3O32S404HIQY5XN/20210306_P3061022.jpg Flowers March 2021 - Snow drops March 6, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615224634349-LAWJQ7EO2AV2XJVMAOEP/20210307_P3071046.jpg Flowers March 2021 - Lesser Calendine March 8, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615124162178-1H9Y9SZG3AQPFVLO98F4/20210225_P2251007_01.jpg Flowers March 2021 - Pansy February 25, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613424589881-7XZ9GN3KC3J5SXVLXGTS/20210213_P2130841_01.jpg Flowers March 2021 February 13, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613424589844-W7MH2MVFPZ9CYJOZ39Z2/20210213_P2130873_01.jpg Flowers March 2021 February 13, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1613424590577-69Z1WNKSGIHM1UL7LVWI/20210213_P2130882_01.jpg Flowers March 2021 February 13, 2021 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/cardinal-2021-03 daily 0.75 2022-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617246248798-1C2JGF4GOP9J2C71LVX4/CotD+%23119.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #119 March 31, 2021 Caught mid-hop as she searches for food on the path. In a nod to women's history month, I reached parity with an equal number of male and female cardinal photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617246248798-1C2JGF4GOP9J2C71LVX4/CotD+%23119.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #119 March 31, 2021 Caught mid-hop as she searches for food on the path. In a nod to women's history month, I reached parity with an equal number of male and female cardinal photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617158886427-ENCN1KW2STJJWFJ9XQLY/CotD+%23118.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #118 March 30, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617068107039-K68BSJ6RSFBYQZ9ZZFFZ/CotD+%23117.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #117 March 29, 2021 The girls were making themselves scarce while the boys were busy fighting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616986370340-73AGFAN519HB40B14MPL/CotD+%23116.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #116 March 28, 2021 And the third little cardinal built her house of straw (I guess bricks were too heavy). That's 0-3 for males doing house work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616894116490-PRCT4B9GXMDXZJ9O9P6J/CotD+%23115.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #115 March 27, 2021 The second little cardinal built her house out of sticks. It’s a good thing that wolves don’t climb trees. Cats, though, … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616805499373-GCXBT41L1XQH41NRPH3X/CotD+%23114.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #114 March 26, 2021 Searching for food: looking up in order to look down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616723338200-M9ZM2KDLTCIRUFXQE86C/CotD+%23113+copy.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #113 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616642579390-0X949NTXTSSEBXT76OBI/CotD+%23112.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #112 March 24, 2021 Singing in the rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616551696505-FPGQ9MKT8I6DPQO2U1T5/CotD+%23111.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #111 Carrying some straw to make a nest. The internets say that males are attentive partners, helping to build the nest and bringing seeds to females and chicks. Today, though, the male was watching from the sidelines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616461464002-LR7HF2HM8A7OBHIOUGS8/CotD+%23110.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #110 It’s a cardinal. It’s a day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616378576727-ABD7APXM6ZN8WNOZHMD1/CotD+%23109.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #109 March 21, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616299424978-L60LDYU08JW4ZYGR77MJ/CotD+%23108.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #108 March 20, 2021 Should I sing or should I eat? Elm buds don't look that tempting... I guess I'll sing some more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616194582922-41MT1N6QBKPK9I34I4ME/CotD+%23107.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #107 March 19, 2021 Looking très à la mode with wavy mohawk and goatee, he was singing into the winds as the tree swayed around him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616118062025-HBT3Y4FSB9E3DMEOGZD7/CotD+%23106.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #106 March 18, 2021 Cleaning up after the rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616018425071-ZOGRZNWQR73Z7PO3KT22/CotD+%23105.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #105 When it is cold and gray we do what we can to stay warm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615938214943-JIIIRJGAJ070VBYCP2HB/20210316_DSC06910.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #104 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615833210535-QZOV2L8QR00OHW2WV7CF/CotD+%23103.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #103 March 15, 2021 Yet another "dramatic lighting" entry. In her case I did manage to sidle around for a sunlit shot, but she flitted away at the last moment. I guess she didn't like the hawk that settled on a neighbouring tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615771005770-K1GOTPAED113JHBG6MWS/20210314_DSC06649.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #102 March 12, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615655136296-M8ANSAWJIX2RBMITUG27/CotD+%23101.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #101 The local pond planted with natives and backed by a small wooded area lets us pretend we are not in the city for a while (if you ignore the trucks rumbling in the background), but sometimes the best spot to sing out to the world is on top of a lamp post. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615607974976-6VQPNC9A1YKVBJJHU3IL/CotD+%23100.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #100 March 12, 2021 What are you up to? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615521628114-ZFVPOJUYWU95IHLCC9NF/CotD+%2399.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #99 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615429285571-I9J80C3X2FZQ8DPHC8CH/CotD+%2398.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #98 March 10, 2021 Picking through the straw she seems to be finding some good bits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615349485758-E6LS2REFTIAJEAY4YQ9L/CotD+%2397.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #97 March 9, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615265399516-U944KGD48U6YQVITQSYK/CotD+%2396.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #96 March 8, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615166943682-YP1H5AAEZIT5RDKDDZAP/CotD+%2395.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #95 March 7, 2021 This guy and two girls were flitting through the trees going who knows where. It was nice of them to stop long enough to say hi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615048411353-9V366CD3W27FVJ138LK3/CotD+%2394.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #94 March 6, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614988541666-RPDTXM6S0ZEM4YNXVRB8/CotD+%2393+small.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #93 March 5, 2021 Birds are scarce today so I takes what I gets, sticks and all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614914566356-NLJ8PX6JU62YEZ21IHIY/CotD+%2392.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #92 Hiding in the bushes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614825346113-GX9WQ4B767JG770MOJ3L/CotD+%2391.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #91 Clean, sharp, and ready for the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614731281370-GYTE7AWSLT2MZGWY37OM/CotD+%2390.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #90 March 2, 2021 It's a bright and sunny day. The boys are out racing, but I'm happy to watch. At least a dozen times around the houses at high speed. It must have been exhausting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614642275439-L5B6J01ZS0CJ8DXAS2QQ/CotD+%2389.jpg Cardinal 2021 03 - CotD #89 March 1, 2021 A feathery eye ball. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/cardinal-2021-04 daily 0.75 2022-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619839771428-AVRBABXW2QD3YO1KW5DU/CotD+%23149.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #149 April 30, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619839771428-AVRBABXW2QD3YO1KW5DU/CotD+%23149.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #149 April 30, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619737216514-23QA5DZK1GVQAQ4B190Z/CotD+%23148.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #148 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619839157811-QEVQR0YMV3AEY7VSJVKU/CotD+%23149.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #149 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619668847453-J78MC3E36RK4CRKFXIUQ/CotD+%23147.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #147 April 28, 2021 Look, ma! I’m flying! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619579044229-VPHHFCYC2SL6OMCJ1JP5/CotD+%23146.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #146 April 27, 2021 Checking out the garden looking for any tidbits we may have turned up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619492100212-R4U988WDW5OCY3B8680J/CotD+%23145.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #145 April 26, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619405802888-T4JL6TAEEFDYKKP7QT2Q/CotD+%23144.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #144 April 25, 2021 Who put that fourth wall here? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619319208488-S8VUOPT5PN8GS97N4RVH/CotD+%23143.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #143 April 24, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619231423775-YHF4M5CQ4IEEAEAEJTIJ/CotD+%23142.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #142 April 23, 2021 A gift of food (and a soft focus romance scene). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619140787029-5Y9K8A38OZE07D2ON72K/CotD+%23141.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #141 April 22, 2021 Hiding in a pine tree without much light, my camera decided she would look better as a watercolour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619055037111-VWF2ICSDKL8DQLQD97JA/CotD+%23140.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #140 Cold and windy today, and hard to hear the few cardinals that were out and about. The purple confetti in the background are redbud flowers blown off in the wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618975657609-7CJXTAJ6WYXI9V8MDC8M/CottD+%23139.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #139 Stopping for a bite in our elm tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618886629638-7E2RMOI4Y3VSR7P0Q19L/CotD+%23138.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #138 April 19, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618795456450-JBGRLC4RX9B7ELE6Y83U/CotD+%23137.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #137 April 18, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618704019415-KJNV1CGFG8SF0TW5TNHN/CotD+%23136.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618628380183-B9ISTWYDZRSQ8G2I78QM/CotD+%23135.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #135 April 16, 2021 Pick me! Pick me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618537925606-RLBGTSIOQ3T6X9K3QVR8/CotD+%23134.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #134 April 15, 2021 Loitering in the cherry laurel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618452819155-NNPELH20T1QN0EAHVXJT/CotD+%23133.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #133 April 14, 2021 Bath time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618351515441-L4F9OF0QWK7EF5FKJ96O/CotD+%23132.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #132 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618157443957-7KD1F3MP565RR7OBI298/CotD+%23130.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #130 April 11, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618104775365-6EN1PWBPZS1KJV9SHAYR/CotD+%23129.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #129 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618015671497-9VKJBTXXSZNWGB6DXXU0/CotD+%23128.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #128 April 9, 2021 Coming down for a snack in the rain. Apparently she doesn't like prunes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617933132571-NTBE1APE0T180YNT0KVT/CotD+%23127.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #127 April 8, 2021 First female I've seen in several days. I guess they are too busy doing important stuff to be seen. This one was in the holly in our front garden. Maybe there's a nest there? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617845579679-JA8SP45LBFNPXTCZCZBJ/CotD+%23126.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #126 April 7, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617766526271-E46CROAY7GHNLHDHVQ8Q/CotD+%23125.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #125 April 6, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617681531073-N8T9YXUO4Q31DJC2YH55/CotD+%23124.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #124 April 5, 2021 Today's guest is Mr Red Cardinal, who is going sing us a song and talk about the lovely weather we've been having. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617594569292-DI3MJFUZXYRV0SO8ONO9/CotD+%23123.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #123 Singing amongst the blossoms (crab apples maybe?). Only boys today. I tried to track down some nests but no luck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617492008831-BYZJBQP0CT6CT7NH9KEU/CotD+%23122.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #122 April 3, 2021 Still not sitting on eggs. Maybe tomorrow after the Easter Bunny supply contracts are delivered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617333672454-K3JXCZP6CPZYRYP4PAN8/CotD+%23120.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #120 April 1, 2021 Backyard visitor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618015563336-CP5C8TNF9AAZLMNZ9WQZ/CotD+%23128.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617416355276-9NMTZRC281SFG4SQRB2G/CotD+%23121.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #121 April 2, 2021 Hanging onto a branch in the gusty wind, he's looking a little like his triceratops relatives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617333128633-WB17VRBZE9CRCV9E3OJX/CotD+%23120.jpg Cardinal 2021 04 - CotD #120 April 1, 2021 Backyard visitor. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/flowers-april-2021 daily 0.75 2021-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617571267774-YUF28YZPBYUL4LY1WOAM/20210404_P4041354_01.jpg Flowers April 2021 April 4, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617571267774-YUF28YZPBYUL4LY1WOAM/20210404_P4041354_01.jpg Flowers April 2021 April 4, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617571267742-HDS606ANK9W9FO414ZH6/20210404_P4041337_01.jpg Flowers April 2021 - Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis April 4, 2021 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/garden-layout daily 0.75 2021-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620604990221-R5TBQC1Q7U6Z293JU0KP/20210509_P5091924_01.jpg Garden Layout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620604990221-R5TBQC1Q7U6Z293JU0KP/20210509_P5091924_01.jpg Garden Layout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620604990640-65C2O4WW53LCWHKOKDZS/20210509_P5091925.jpg Garden Layout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620604992645-U3FUAYRY15MX8STKGSRL/20210509_P5091926.jpg Garden Layout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620604993247-SHLJTS9BAIKK6O5WZPQL/20210509_P5091928.jpg Garden Layout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619464402142-MQR6BQ50K1J4Z0BBPZXH/20210426_P4261482_drawn.jpg Garden Layout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619464403287-UF0NDIJHDAEVRY8NH5XB/20210426_P4261490_drawn.jpg Garden Layout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619464402722-8YJ2W8WSXCFTQJHSB3PS/20210426_P4261485_drawn.jpg Garden Layout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619464403182-F3BBRA5MXMCXMWSIAPUF/20210426_P4261488_drawn.jpg Garden Layout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619464403761-R17SK5ACP4A4HAE4KSUS/20210426_P4261491_drawn.jpg Garden Layout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619464403823-026J36EJ25T8I13V7B1P/20210426_P4261492_drawn.jpg Garden Layout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619464402144-CEWRT5WA89GQX35O17B6/20210426_P4261481_drawn.jpg Garden Layout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619464402654-A2DHUXADAGQ75E3MWGK2/20210426_P4261484_drawn.jpg Garden Layout https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/cardinal-2021-05 daily 0.75 2022-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1622240977242-CCG9LLFTA4RRIXM4NE0I/CotD+%23177.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #177 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1622240977242-CCG9LLFTA4RRIXM4NE0I/CotD+%23177.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #177 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1622160272687-X94ZMARUNY0QSETWH3MR/CotD+%23176.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #176 May 27, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1622085352996-NQ0JA7L3TD6V47D9FQR1/CotD+%23175.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #176 May 26, 2021 Lots of birds hanging around with their mouths open today. I guess they are not used to the heat. Or maybe they are just overstuffed on cicadas. It's cooled off now with a giant thunderstorm. That should make them happier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1622000192312-X1YGF1D52ZY363SBOCIR/CotD+%23174.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #174 May 25, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621914253963-Q9MK5YVQ5X7PLDSZV3AZ/CotD+%23173.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #173 May 23, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621822297852-LD75KKHPOC8B7Z88FU81/CotD+%23172.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #172 May 23, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621822224967-A8PZ45A44XRY2J5FD7XY/CotD+%23171.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #171 May 22, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621645869452-USSLCFBH3LS74O5VDGW1/CotD+%23170.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #170 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621564917484-3RQVOKSMJ2AAZO4Y5SJV/CotD+%23169.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #169 May 20, 2021 New crop exploring the world! And are they in for a cicada feast! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621475827402-EMDMW0G32F16TK7XPMVJ/CotD+%23168.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #168 May 19, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621379746239-403YI0UEI7RPKLMYG45S/CotD+%23167.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #167 May 18, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621302456080-1H9AKLDZ62JGN1SG855L/CotD+%23166.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #166 May 17, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621221954263-4DSQ9J0G633WI4SU82W4/CotD+%23165.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #165 May 16, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621564396313-4OGJ7K4GBVY213BPGIKI/CotD+%23169.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #169 May 20, 2021 New crop exploring the world! And are they in for a cicada feast! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621129063612-HAR884RHS0AZ2EOM5YYB/CotD+%23164.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #164 May 15, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1621043870306-P6WX1XCWG2MCX2Y8RYOG/CotD+%23163.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #163 May 14, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620960572292-WMRH10TA63Y5ZLXVP9AN/CotD+%23162.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #162 May 13, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620869843266-V5PGFGZEK76G0M308VXF/CotD+%23161.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #161 May 12, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620791704576-5VPFF2ARL9VC7008EQZ1/CotD+%23160.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #160 May 11, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620704271368-WEA8VX1V00CBFKH0P82E/CotD+%23159.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #159 May 10, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620617529200-KV7BWAWI0CDBIYQPD546/CotD+%23158.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #158 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620526271055-F2S4G20YEAUSTIMFNYTV/CotD+%23157.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #157 May 8, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620445864445-LB5QP41ZYZ3V7B0608MC/CotD+%23156.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #156 May 7, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620360053477-5KWORV35WPB0T64BE8ML/CotD+%23155.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #155 May 6, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620272115710-A28DWSD58BDW06G1ZDXE/CotD+%23154.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #154 May 5, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620182477244-4EJGL4EECSPGJANNPHE0/CotD+%23153.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #153 May 4, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620095535095-QRDJWI38EV8TNG5GBASI/CotD+%23152.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #152 May 3, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1619922618823-6GXX2Q7I7W5LJSDJ1BTJ/CotD+%23150.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #150 May 1, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620004457190-OEMYF03IOZOVXGSDZ046/CotD+%23151+copy.jpg Cardinal 2021 05 - CotD #151 May 2, 2021 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/vertigo daily 0.75 2021-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624473221167-LH351RDGVD8FS46LDK6J/20210621-IMG_0938.jpg Vertigo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624473221167-LH351RDGVD8FS46LDK6J/20210621-IMG_0938.jpg Vertigo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624473227676-W5R1RN8WK0LR2B81CGG3/20210633-IMG_0951_pano_fan.jpg Vertigo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624473221562-0L88DRLJQ3MUKB6L866X/20210622-IMG_0960.jpg Vertigo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624473223085-84EQCZSNGW4XNFG8MKFM/20210622-IMG_0965.jpg Vertigo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624473224461-EURSDPB9GE9DYAL0OMNH/20210622-IMG_0976.jpg Vertigo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624473225786-NTVA4LO2XX1X2DXGI6JD/20210622-IMG_0981.jpg Vertigo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624473226812-A8CLP6QR6659RGOFTA4I/20210622-IMG_0984.jpg Vertigo https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/castles-in-the-sky daily 0.75 2021-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624474722384-7VVFF9IRYXNSPQ45UI0Y/20210622-IMG_0986.jpg Castles in the Sky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624474722384-7VVFF9IRYXNSPQ45UI0Y/20210622-IMG_0986.jpg Castles in the Sky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624474723409-XROAO11GT09F9HJHM6E9/20210622-IMG_1005.jpg Castles in the Sky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624474725291-G5UK19T0ATDUNPCFMTTX/20210622-IMG_1006.jpg Castles in the Sky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624474725983-W3PIC2PXQZ6JVOE2PC7G/20210622-IMG_1045.jpg Castles in the Sky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624474727615-7LRVZW1X9WVB44FMQ59P/20210622-IMG_1049.jpg Castles in the Sky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624474728382-FPVQ48S9O3C5HSN9Y3ZB/20210622-IMG_1072.jpg Castles in the Sky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624474731081-5X1EF4NES39GXHLB4RC3/20210622-IMG_1085.jpg Castles in the Sky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624474729684-PCTUIQHDNMI3RG53O3UK/20210622-IMG_1081.jpg Castles in the Sky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1624474731819-J8M9HSXRW7HSHGFQDBS5/20210622-IMG_1097.jpg Castles in the Sky https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/garden-july-aug-2021 daily 0.75 2021-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989035501-IPXJAO3NT2PALMEGRDQ7/20210722_P7222051.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Tomatoes in reusable shopping bags https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989035501-IPXJAO3NT2PALMEGRDQ7/20210722_P7222051.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Tomatoes in reusable shopping bags https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989036461-FRJIQ7TBZIMFLEYXZTD1/20210722_P7222052.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Volunteer boneset https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989036678-4Q31A1XX42KGURTL9TC1/20210722_P7222053.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Pokeweed escaped from the neighbors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989038081-RXF20RTOK1HDKQJ9F37L/20210722_P7222054.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Ostrich ferns like it under the deck. Nice and shady. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989038479-YNID6VA1ZCAI3HHTZNHY/20210722_P7222055.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Lots of squash, two blue indigos and a boneset on the right https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989063246-33PPXKHJ84UC7DYFG5GP/20210722_P7222060.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - False aster. Makes white daisies in the fall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989040887-SBHF0MEO56H72ZTEL4HQ/20210722_P7222056.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Howell's pussytoes in the front. New England aster in the back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989063082-9JSB6W6P2HXFJOAPVD3M/20210722_P7222061.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Hollow stem Joe pye weed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989040508-H9PPFU1OOWRDRV6FRDIH/20210722_P7222057.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Butterfly weed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989064723-DMPU0RJUXJA8B6EMXTC6/20210722_P7222062.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Hollow stem Joe pye weed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989041207-UGO2ZJ30VNNLYYI5C9WF/20210722_P7222058.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Sweet goldrenrod in the front, Ironweed in the back. Bonet and some sunflowers on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989064768-WN8YECR76IZNS8Z36V3C/20210722_P7222063.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Tickseed sunflower. Alum root in the left bottom corner, Pumpkin on the left. Arugula on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989041474-Y8TQZ9GHXTXZUFYDT8UA/20210722_P7222059.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Was supposed to be purple core flowers. Really copper leaf. And twin pumpkind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989065979-FJP9ROAIL4BXU5V8TPQG/20210722_P7222064.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Costal Joe pye weed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989066011-6GC8QAJM1M91K5PK4QKR/20210722_P7222065.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Costal Joe pye weed left, sunflowers right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989086445-01PRN68R33BH1L6CXU3N/20210722_P7222070.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Maybe sweet Annie or ragweed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989067087-E7AM2SUTQZMFOWKKG90K/20210722_P7222066.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Lots of little arugula. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989086627-HH3EGQ1IFXGZ8JEE3T8B/20210722_P7222071.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Real morning glory, not bindweed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989067340-WOXSA7069WMCCYEQHBO7/20210722_P7222067.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Golden alexanger front, Spotted mint next, whirled tickseed (yellow flowers) between two blueberry bushes. Lots of violets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989087967-NCMCKQCLN1ZS3IDGI2I0/20210722_P7222072.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - The on-and-off-again puddle with blue flag iris and some sort of weed that really likes our garden. Usually that weed is really bug eaten by now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989067726-HFBVA0SMKB5MWI6IZWB1/20210722_P7222068.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Whirled tickseed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989088024-9HPY0579CD2GEW302BOP/20210722_P7222073.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Woodland phlox (eaten by bunnies who don't know that they are rabbit resistant). Also happier violets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989112106-W7AAHUQ6E4ENK13KRYTW/20210722_P7222082.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Whirled tickseed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989112794-9P38KW4I51Z797LISRG8/20210722_P7222083.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Whirled tickseed in some random weed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989067928-5SKBN2NTGBN5MHTTBK5C/20210722_P7222069.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Eastern black nightshade https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989112046-0MH98VULAVRH3BTLZDYV/20210722_P7222081.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Eastern black nightshade https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989089347-MFIOWXENVHSYJYOISX79/20210722_P7222074.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Big view. Foam flower in the very front center and green and gold in the lower left corner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989089354-0RSRLF0Z17XI81D7NOFM/20210722_P7222075.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Foam flower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989089917-FF0KU3F55E8SCT93Y7ZN/20210722_P7222076.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Foam flower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989090279-0PD2VY869HF3AO798VOS/20210722_P7222079.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Coastal Joe pye weed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989113448-T02W6DBIPTRGJAX5U4I3/20210722_P7222085.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Boneset and squash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989113569-DGLQWTVO2GZKYMGUADLO/20210722_P7222086.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Long-leaved groundcherry (fruit) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989113908-W4669BY8ESP1L7J82BDW/20210722_P7222087.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Long-leaved groundcherry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1626989114137-6TLXDZTH0BN0ACK3ANPX/20210722_P7222088.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - The view from the enclosed porch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386426079-UV1G98G9VT96SJPG4VUK/20210802_P8022106.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Jimpson Weed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386425969-Y1IT9UWQLFEE68VP43PW/20210803_P8032117.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Nighshade of some sort https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386427049-RWYZ0G1YPXDYSXVHAJTW/20210803_P8032120.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - New England Aster https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386427019-0YWF2UYADMTL73001KU8/20210803_P8032121.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Butterfly weed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386427745-S3P89TRDGYJV58J6YIVV/20210803_P8032125.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Sunflower bud https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386427892-9VJVGMH9NC3NHAH6YT7R/20210803_P8032126.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Boneset https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386428279-PW115K82RLWGI5CQD7PB/20210803_P8032134.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Joe Pye Weed and a fly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386428657-YRQATOIR3RSBKECITNDO/20210803_P8032143.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Spotted Horse Mint https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386428756-UI6FJSJR81G2OH65OU7L/20210803_P8032145.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Prickly Fanpetals? Sida? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386429520-QPI74PXKXLOLP5FUCE82/20210803_P8032147.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Boneset and Cabbage White Butterfly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386429736-LNV8QKXWP4KEFT3YWFYI/20210807_P8072152.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Sunflower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386430737-DO6GKYIDNM24S43CAQ08/20210807_P8072154.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Cardinal Lobella https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386430659-AWWB7LYVCCNA6ZCGFCM1/20210807_P8072160.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Rocket Larspur https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386431180-31XRXWM3RWAYB9HOSPXR/20210807_P8072165.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Prickly Fanpetals? Sida? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386431536-G70I1BDEK78XE9FMYV9S/20210807_P8072170.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Spotted Horse Mint https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386431722-F6VXBYLJ34DC6GNXH2ZL/20210807_P8072174.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Bind weed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1628386432458-KBMXINHVE84PYP2B4I27/20210807_P8072179.jpg Garden July-Aug 2021 - Common Ragweed https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/garden-aug-oct-2021 daily 0.75 2021-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632776637958-KI1V5AVJZLBATBYSQOQA/20210827_P8272235.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - Aug 27, 2021 False daisy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632776637958-KI1V5AVJZLBATBYSQOQA/20210827_P8272235.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - Aug 27, 2021 False daisy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632776634066-TIPOJA6APQ4HAZFTQSHW/20210827_P8272232.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - Aug 27, 2021 Pokeweed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632776633970-JQIW840T5XWKV2NPU1MP/20210827_P8272229.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - Aug 27, 2021 Spotted horse mint with bee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632776634712-IGSSO1F8BD5IHW51IH21/20210827_P8272224.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - Aug 27, 2021 Sunflower with bee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632776634839-2O0AQQJ3QNXOVD6NVB8N/20210827_P8272217.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - Aug 27, 2021 Jimson weed seed pod https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632776636397-DFDGYNVFRZ530I1N1FAV/20210827_P8272212.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - Aug 27, 2021 Asiatic dayflower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632776637235-DW7SXUYHH0Q684VJWL09/20210827_P8272211.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - Aug 27, 2021 Squash flower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632839739763-5K678ITEBJAY0BA2Q39V/20210827-IMG_1806.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - August 27, 2021 Sunflowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632777081151-DVKCHUIC85TKFLV5A6GG/20210914_P9142258.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - Spetember 14, 2021 Tickseed sunflower, spotted horse mint, New England aster https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632841738856-XDBOJ6TDB69ZZFXKNDTC/20210924-IMG_2068.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - September 24, 2021 Left to right: daisies, joe pye weed, sunflowers, tickseed sunflower, spotted horse mint, goldenrod, New England asters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632860516836-RG73A5XKSX5P414FTLY2/20210921_P9212313.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - September 21, 2021 New England aster https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632859830574-SJJOKKG616GNMDNOU9BW/20210927_DSC02350.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - September 27, 2021 Fork-tailed Bush Katydid ,Scudderia furcata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1632859689267-9G7I9SXQ8HY4A72DA8HH/20210928_DSC02375.jpg Garden Aug-Oct 2021 - September 28, 2021 Cardinal eating sunflower seeds https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2021-06 daily 0.75 2022-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640500744723-WO74W1SV92XEWKB0LC7V/RBD+%2330+European+starling+210406.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #30 European starling Another starling, but in different light. Compared to #20, this really shows the iridescence. 2021-04-06 NIH field, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640500744723-WO74W1SV92XEWKB0LC7V/RBD+%2330+European+starling+210406.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #30 European starling Another starling, but in different light. Compared to #20, this really shows the iridescence. 2021-04-06 NIH field, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640500316603-IR0ARA7WA3YUA141BH1E/RBD+%2329A+Barn+swallow+210626.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #29A Barn swallow (Adult and juveniles) Here comes Dad!* Maybe he's going to feed us! 2021-06-26 NIH field, Bethesda, MD * Males are slightly darker coloured, slightly larger and have longer tail forks. Since I don't have the other sex for comparison he might be a she. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640500540259-AHKZN2ERH3EF86XQ6AMV/RBD+%2329B+Barn+swallow+210626.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #29B Barn swallow (Adult and juveniles) I’m not seeing any food… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640500650510-8IB0M93RNR2E1L0M38K4/RBD+%2329C+Barn+swallow+210626.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #29C Barn swallow (Adult and juveniles) Hey! Where is he going? We're starving! This domestic scene was recorded in less than a second using the continuous drive mode on the camera. Of course, there was a fair amount of waiting around for the right second and many many tossed photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640500152858-JEYB8NLY9RO71OWW4I8V/RBD+%2328+Barn+swallow+210626.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #28 Barn swallow (Juvenile) More hungry mouths. These young barn swallows are waiting mouths agape for mom or dad to swoop in and drop some food into their mouths. They are old enough to fly (they are nowhere near their nest), but swooping over the fields at speeds of 25 mph to catch insects is much harder. Wind tunnel data for a pair of adults: https://cob.silverchair-cdn.com/cob/content_public/journal/jeb/204/15/10.1242_jeb.204.15.2741/1/2741.pdf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640499754849-WLTK2Y5YH8UZJCR37Y2I/RBD+%2327+Carolina+wren+210627.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #27 Carolina wren From the blooper reel. No way this photo is going to make it to the cover of Audubon. Sometimes you have an itch that you've got to scratch. 2021-06-27 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640499611246-B2AWRQ1EGM3M3ECJXN94/RBD+%2326+Purple+martin+210626.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #26 Purple martin (Male and juveniles) Feed me! Feed me! It doesn't matter which mom or dad comes to land, all the little mouths open wide hoping for a tasty bug. 2021-06-26 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640499478855-5YUP2B8XYSILUYW0LO91/RBD+%2325+Great+crested+flycatcher+210624.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #25 Great crested flycatcher One of a dozen flycatcher species in the area, which is not nearly enough given the number of flies. 2021-06-24 NIH field, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640499393416-71CRW45PXOKDWXW004QY/RBD+%2324+Song+sparrow+210623.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #24 Song sparrow A song sparrow in the morning sun. 2021-06-23 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640499258435-AH78BSIPN9EZPSREB5FV/RBD+%2323+Barn+swallow+210621.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #23 Barn swallow The same barn swallow from two days ago just before banking into the curve. The dark blue and gray on the back and wings are quite a contrast from the beige belly. 2021-06-21 NIH field, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640498902218-3XBKK1UT4Y161JGSNQLL/RBD+%2322+Tree+swallow+210329.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #22 Tree swallow (Female) Going back to tree swallows, we've seen babies (#11) and daddies (#12), so here's a mommy to complete the collection. 2021-03-29 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640498684588-P2PWXOTQY62SNX5AVUBK/RBD+%2321+Barn+swallow+210621.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #21 Barn swallow A barn swallow banking into a curve. They spend the morning and evening swooping over the fields snatching up insects. They are fast moving but they are circling the field, so even after the 15th lap I still get another try. Three hundred photos later I hope there is at least one in focus! Probably female since she has pale underparts, but not definitive. 2021-06-21 NIH field, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640498585264-656XMH5T5TZ3IFBJKX0P/RBD+%2320+European+starling+210320.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #20 European starling The adult starlings look very different from the juveniles. Although mostly black, the lighting on the feathers can make them shimmer with greens and purples. 2021-03-20 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640498416453-L5JQJ2PGBXN004H1K9ZD/RBD+%2319+European+starling+210613.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #19 European starling (Juvenile) Student driver not quite steady on their new wings, this young starling righted itself after almost falling out of the nest. 2021-06-12 NIH field, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640498183116-NZBHMS2EQT7ZO8SJHYTZ/RBD+%2318+Yellow-bellied+sapsucker+210309.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #18 Yellow-bellied sapsucker These birds drill a line of holes in a living tree to get the sap to run and then eat the sap. This one is not from Northampton (though I did snap one in Childs Park), but rather from the spruce tree in our back yard. A bit worrisome since this can seriously damage some trees. 2021-03-09 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640498087857-N7251RDYGKUX5XH6RTR3/RBD+%2317+Hairy+woodpecker+210601_DSC08215.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #17 Hairy woodpecker (Female) A pair of hairy woodpeckers on the oak on Prospect St. Males have a red patch on the back of the head. 2021-06-01 Prospect St., Northampton, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640497481479-J8457V92ZKU4TRLPOS3B/RBD+%2316+Common+yellowthroat+210601_DSC080361.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #16 Common yellowthroat (Male) Back to Northampton, a common yellowthroat sitting on an alder in the Barrett Street marsh one morning. 2021-06-01 Barrett St. Marsh, Northampton, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640496831228-N38ADKHDBJPULIYMWKFH/RBD+%2315+Carolina+wren+210323.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #15 Carolina wren These are the loud one outside your window waking you up in the morning. Such a big sound from such a little bird. They put their whole body into it! 2021-03-23 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640496661192-ANAJ9SVDWMSE7QQ87HQH/RBD+%2314+Domestic+chicken+210530_DSC07439.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #14 Domestic chicken (Female) A bird unafraid to be free range (so not a chicken?), she was wandering the unfenced yard of a house in Northampton. I didn't warn her about the foxes. 2021-05-30 Jackson St., Northampton, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640496252284-Z4NF0JRQYC1G0MFN4LAU/RBD+%2313+Mourning+dove+210304_DSC03718.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #13 Mourning dove (Male and Female) A bit of a morning snuggle from back in March. I have no idea where they built their nest. 2021-03-04 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640495674930-78C6W1NIQ4LUVB3FTU7G/RBD+%2312+Tree+swallow+210519_DSC05817.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #12 Tree swallow (Male) The father of yesterday's teenagers. Males are solid blue on top while females usually have a brownish tinge though not always. 2021-05-19 NIH Pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640495029619-QB23V5FPLBHH8XC0V0DW/RBD+%2311+Tree+swallow+210610_DSC09151.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #11 Tree swallow (Juvenile) A pair of tree swallow babies waiting for food. Both mom and dad are active parents, regularly at the nest. I can believe that it takes two: they spend hours skimming the water in search of insects. 2021-06-10 NIH Pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640494723627-2DCWFV6ZGA1BR3WJQX71/RBD+%2310+Red-winged+blackbird+210325_DSC08537.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #10 Red-winged blackbird (Male) A red-winged blackbird calling into the void. They do that a lot. Unlike yesterday's female, this guy is black with red on the wings (hence the name). You can hear the songs and calls at All About Birds https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird/sounds 2021-03-25 NIH Pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640485148968-WPJQ0X43I4AJX73E2QSJ/RBD+%239+Red-winged+blackbird+210603_DSC08495.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #9 Red-winged blackbird (Female) Mom is bringing back something yummy from her grocery trip. You can tell she is female since she is neither red-winged nor black. 2021-06-03 NIH Pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640484733535-4AB2ZTC942EDR6ACL461/RBD+%238+House+sparrow+210606_DSC08844.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #8 House sparrow (female) Taking a dust bath in the early morning before a fine breakfast of crunchy cicadas. 2021-06-06 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640484564537-1ZKU75BFHQIR9BBRTXBM/RBD+%237+Blue+jay+210527_DSC07157.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #7 Blue jay A blue jay helping in the garden. How nice of him/her. 2021-05-27 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640484350340-T0H9G8UXRO8GFB8YVXAD/RBD+%236+Chipping+sparrow+210602_DSC08320.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #6 Chipping sparrow A chipping sparrow from Childs Park in Northampton. I don't see many on my walks in Bethesda, but they seem to be regulars in Childs Park. 2021-06-02 Childs Park, Northampton, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640484010585-820MB5WCLT1H2RR87M4B/RBD+%235+House+finch+210530_DSC07430.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #5 House finch Fellow visitor to Mass MoCA. 2021-05-30 Mass MoCA, North Adams, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640483071081-T3N3VYTZ9DSAM7F84QRV/RBD+%234+Canada+goslings+210531_DSC07625.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #4 Canada goslings Canada geese are family oriented. These three came into the little bay with both parents, climbed up on the causeway and proceeded to snack and rest. This put them between me and the trail, but I was able to sneak by with only a few threatening hisses. 2021-06-01 Barrett St. Marsh, Northampton, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640483236646-8RCUEO4FA867P4KPGNP3/RBD+%233+Eastern+wood+peewee+210601_DSC08188.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #3 Eastern wood peewee I was chasing down a tufted titmouse when I saw this guy zip across and land in a tree. The triangular shaped beak is good for catching flies (swallows also have them). It looks like he's spotted the gnat just below his/her tail. 2021-06-01 Childs park, Northampton, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640495524791-A33DEZ7AKS432N46NF27/RBD+%232+American+robin+210601_DSC08195.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #2 American robin Robin in residence on Prospect St. This rather bold robin has set up a nest just above eye level beside the porch, and has been returning every year. She makes it kind of easy to take pictures! 2021-06-01 Prospect St., Northampton, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640457817093-LAP6SGTAJMPVEJQ6ODKO/RBD+%231+Yellow+warbler+210601_DSC08054.jpg RBD 2021 06 - RBD #1 Yellow warbler The height of chivalry in the world of the yellow warbler is to have the gentleman bring his lady an insect treat. While sitting on the boardwalk this morning listening to the dawn chorus I saw this guy make a few trips to the forest floor to fetch a new tidbit and feed it to his girl. 2021-06-01 Barrett St. Marsh, Northampton, MA https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2021-07 daily 0.75 2022-07-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553068007-M1A69MSIRX8TSUJ3701G/RBD+%2361+Wood+duck+210605_DSC08681.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #61 Wood duck (Male) More waterfowl. Another wood duck. In this case an adult male actually in the water rather than perched in a tree. 2021-06-05 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC08681] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553068007-M1A69MSIRX8TSUJ3701G/RBD+%2361+Wood+duck+210605_DSC08681.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #61 Wood duck (Male) More waterfowl. Another wood duck. In this case an adult male actually in the water rather than perched in a tree. 2021-06-05 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC08681] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553059615-ODPC4LRVQH7T2OSBB40G/RBD+%2360+Common+merganser+210618_DSC00055.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #60 Common merganser 2021-06-18 Cedar Is, Potomac, MD [DSC00055] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553051465-UJBNLHBNNADO2KNZRBJ0/RBD+%2359+Wood+duck+210729_DSC06520.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #59 Wood duck (Female) Some confused wood ducks who think they are perching birds. Kids have got to try new things I guess. [Update: they are called wood ducks because they nest in trees, not because they are made of wood! So it is me that was confused.] 2021-07-29 C&O Canal, Potomac, MD [DSC06520] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553038877-ZQK7MXI2JDQFTJJKJM0C/RBD+%2358+Indigo+bunting+210703_DSC02740.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #58 Indigo bunting (Breeding male) An indigo bunting hanging out in the noonday sun looking festive. Origin of the name bunting is unknown, but bunt means colourful in German. 2021-07-29 Glendening Nature Preserve, Lothian, MD [DSC06520] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553029447-F733QKNUBLDNBB6XW3XA/RBD+%2357+Osprey+210724_DSC05974.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #57 Osprey A bit of sibling rivalry going on amongst these three, who are looking far too large to still be in the nest. 2021-07-24 Dyke Marsh, Alexandria, VA [DSC05974] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640642148107-I9MUTLLS09HHFC4KR6U7/RBD+%2356+Eastern+kingbird+210724_DSC06089.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #56 Eastern kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus, king of the tyrant flycatchers. I'm not sure why it's called the kingbird; perhaps it's because it has a hidden crown. 2021-07-24 Dyke Marsh, Alexandria, VA [DSC06089] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553014020-LHV9D7HN2B4EH2RKWE4R/RBD+%2355+Barred+owl+210724_DSC05994.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #55 Barred owl We found this guy because a group of wrens were all atwitter in the woods. A quote from the bard is apropos (Macbeth, iv.2). Lady MacDuff: ... for the poor wren, the most diminutive of birds, will fight, her young ones in her nest, against the owl. 2021-07-24 Dyke Marsh, Alexandria, VA [DSC05994] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553003622-6SF8NO6JJ5EVM0AF7M0Y/RBD+%2354+Northern+cardinal+210724_DSC06151.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #54 Northern cardinal (Male) Thanks, Jean! 2021-07-24 Bethesda, MD [_DSC06151] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640552994505-MCCSDHHRZVJGCPQULH8Y/RBD+%2353+American+crow+210404_DSC00126.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #53 American crow A crow out for a stroll on a cool spring morning. 2021-04-04 NIH field, Bethesda, MD [DSC00126] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640552980453-9KRP9P55X1XBRGI3NNM3/RBD+%2352+Eastern+bluebird+210718_DSC05506.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #52 Eastern bluebird (Juvenile) A juvenile bluebird high up in a tree. 2021-07-18 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC05506] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640552935645-0LKA2SUNMK8XXMF2GEBO/RBD+%2351+American+goldfinch+210718_DSC05539.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #51 American goldfinch (Breeding male) On the theme of little yellow birds, here's a goldfinch from our walk the other day. 2021-07-18 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC05539] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640552617711-OT1K3XKQ86EARY217KPK/RBD+%2350+Prothonotary+warbler+210718_DSC05380.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #50 Prothonotary warbler (Female) From the marsh this Sunday, the Prothonotary warbler (Protonotoria citrea) is so named because byzantine bureaucrats called prothonotaries (first scribes) wore yellow cloaks. 2021-07-18 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC05380] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640552402730-K7E022SDED5QRK59L172/RBD+%2349+Canada+goose+210718_DSC05335.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #49 Canada goose Goose Tai Chi: a lovely activity for a Sunday morning. This one went through a series of slow stretches and balancing activities exercising all its limbs. 2021-07-18 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC05335] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640551977145-40CY8XHHOP09XSBHZVUY/RBD+%2348+Purple+martin+210704_DSC03170.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #48 Purple martin (Male) This is a big mouthful of insects. I'm not sure what is going on. Purple martins swoop over the water at high speed to catch insects and bring them back home to their brood. The question is how did he get such a mouthful? It's hard to imagine catching one insect, let alone a whole mouthful. And why is he just sitting on the corner of the nest box when there are hungry mouths to feed? Maybe he is just taking out the trash? 2021-07-04 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC03170] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640551817936-YLC3MN1GDACAEHGIQ69E/RBD+%2347+Red-tailed+hawk+210404_DSC00204.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #47 Red-tailed hawk We went out to the lake this spring on a hike, and this red-tailed hawk flew overhead. I like how the light comes through the wings. 2021-04-04 Pig Tail Recreation Area, Tridelphia Reservoir, MD [DSC00204] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640551714048-L9Q357ENEKN5WIZ0BWSV/RBD+%2346+Mallard+duck+210711_DSC04084.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #46 Mallard duck (Female) What's a pond without some ducks? She and her offspring were hanging out beside the boardwalk. All and all, a rather lazy Sunday morning at the marsh. 2021-07-11 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [DSC00204] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640551604957-39D2IM3VUSO0UOEKR94B/RBD+%2345+Great+blue+heron+210711_DSC04201.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #45 Great blue heron Full frame, no cropping. The birds at the marsh ignore the people on the boardwalk. We have GBHEs visiting our local pond, and they are far more skittish. 2021-07-11 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [DSC04201] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640551486648-BKNPIC7N8FU8GZRBPQIO/RBD+%2344+Green+heron+210711_DSC04065.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #44 Green heron (Juvenile) A not-so-green green heron (young'uns are usually a little dull) hanging out on a Sunday morning at the marsh. 2021-07-11 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [DSC04065] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640551406264-LMG3XXDWPW1CABHRPQNI/RBD+%2343+Budgerigar+210711_DSC04048.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #43 Budgerigar Here's another out-of-place visitor to the region, this one napping on a branch while the paparazzi snap away. 2021-07-11 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [DSC04048] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640551316383-ZPTMM8VPQLGVZXPV2DB6/RBD+%2342+Great+egret+210711_DSC04070.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #42 Great egret Lots of egrets at the marsh on Sunday, this one doing a little fishing. 2021-07-11 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [DSC04070] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640551161872-VCPVATBLPHM2P86D8BKL/RBD+%2341+Roseate+spoonbill+210711_DSC04166.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #41 Roseate spoonbill Here's a young bird recently up from Florida, hanging out in northern Virginia for the past couple of weeks. While not unprecedented (there's a group of four hanging out in western Virginia as well), they are pretty far north of their usual range. One even showed up in the Twin Cities three years ago, so keep your eyes peeled! 2021-07-11 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [DSC04166] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640551020213-MA6TLZIXLXVIVMDWPE3D/RBD+%2340+Double-crested+cormorant+210703_DSC03021.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #40 Double-crested cormorant Cormorant family taking a break on the holiday weekend. Maybe. Two adults, a juvenile and some assumptions. 2021-07-03 Chesapeake Beach, MD [DSC03021] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640550837242-N181OYPW5VAVOGCZJOQE/RBD+%2339+Canada+goose+210303_DSC03444.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #39 Canada goose Here's one way to nap: Bring your own feather pillow. 2021-03-03 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC03444] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640550605163-NX5PB75MBY9AWXPJA61N/RBD+%2338+Northern+cardinal++210707_DSC03596.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #38 Northern cardinal (Female) I'm melting! I'm melting! 2021-07-07 NIH field, Bethesda, MD [DSC03596] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640550459258-47G6RODKHLSYWV9496VZ/RBD+%2337+Herring+gull+210703_DSC02936.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #37 Herring gull (3rd winter) It's hot out there today; I thought it would be nice to channel thoughts of the beach. This third winter herring gull seems happy to be in the water. 2021-07-03 Chesapeake Beach, MD [DSC02936] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640550218929-K0KGKBFAYURKPU9UXB5F/RBD+%2336+European+starling+210701_DSC02494.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #36 European starling (Adult and juvenile) "Feed me! Feed me!" is less cute when the baby is as big as the parent. 2021-07-01 Bethesda, MD [DSC02494] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640550023913-CTLOKMVQUALZWLHMFU1U/RBD+%2335+Osprey+210703_DSC02950.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #35 Osprey (Male, female, juveniles) Here's a family who opted to stay home on the July 4th weekend. 2021-07-03 Chesapeake Beach, MD [DSC02950] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640549857857-BZWGK7TI0Q6T6DWZDDUL/RBD+%2334+Brown+thrasher+210617.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #34 Brown thrasher Here's an adult brown thrasher accompanying yesterday's juvenile on a trip to the local eatery. 2021-06-17 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640549593580-PIWQT9FM3RXMNKB2C0QO/RBD+%2333+Brown+thrasher+210617.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #33 Brown thrasher (Juvenile) A young brown thrasher enjoying a romp in the grass. There are so many brown birds with spots! 2021-06-17 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640549234948-16EAGQ9L44TNV710FROP/RBD+%2332A+Gray+catbird+210630.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #32 Gray catbird Gray catbird or R2 unit? You be the judge. 2021-06-30 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640549003464-OEEVM6VI1WG22RO99EDX/RBD+%2331+Wood+duck+210618.jpg RBD 2021 07 - RBD #31 Wood duck (Female, Juveniles) Come along now, let's all stick together. Ignore the big scary thing on the shore shooting us. 2021-06-18 Cedar Is, Potomac, MD https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2021-08 daily 0.75 2022-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640554002538-88PXICJ2XX6SFDLAOVJ2/RBD+%2392+Indigo+bunting+210828_DSC08633.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #92 Indigo bunting (Male eclipse) Here's an indigo bunting after breeding season. He has dropped his jet blue tuxedo (see #58) and donned a motley bit of casual wear for lazing about near the sunflower fields at the end of summer. 2021-08-28 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesvile, MD [DSC08633] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640554002538-88PXICJ2XX6SFDLAOVJ2/RBD+%2392+Indigo+bunting+210828_DSC08633.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #92 Indigo bunting (Male eclipse) Here's an indigo bunting after breeding season. He has dropped his jet blue tuxedo (see #58) and donned a motley bit of casual wear for lazing about near the sunflower fields at the end of summer. 2021-08-28 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesvile, MD [DSC08633] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553516301-XE026GJWMRZY0HFNZ0LR/RBD+%2391+Blue+dasher+210825_DSC08429.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #91 Blue dasher (Male) By request, one of my dragonfly photos. This one is a blue dasher --- an adult male by the look of it. See colour guide here. 2021-08-25 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC08429] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553507916-ULEF6XI9D0VOOEPY2E0K/RBD+%2390+Red-spotted+admiral+210828_DSC08879.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #90 Red-spotted admiral A red-spotted admiral showing both top-side and underside of the wing. This one is a southeastern form; those in MA, MI and BC will have a broad white band in the middle of the wings (none in CA or southern BC). See details on BugGuide. 2021-08-28 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC08879] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553496859-2GYZQXLIR8UGXT22UMLX/RBD+%2389+Cabbage+white+210824_DSC08368.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #89 Cabbage white Our lesser calamint (Clinopodium nepeta) has been a pretty steady snack bar for pollinators all summer. There's always bees, flies or butterflies about, such as this cabbage white. I don't think it gives much (the visitors only stay at each flower a brief instant, then they are off to the next), but it's steady over the entire season with a lot of flowers. 2021-08-24 Bethesda, MD [DSC08879] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553487470-4E2ZENJUI5ZIDS2E12B5/RBD+%2388+Wood+duck+210819_DSC08001.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #88 Wood duck (Eclipse male) Yawd, yet another wood duck. Unlike #61, this is a non-breeding male (with "eclipse" plumage). #59 and #31 were females. #59 were a pair of wood ducks sitting on branches and I made some snarky comment about confused waterfowl. But the answer lies in the name: wood ducks are so called because the females perch and nest in trees. So not confused young 'uns as I suggested, just a wood duck doing as a wood duck would. 2021-08-19 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC08001] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553477658-AZUFB85ILJV1I38OOKS2/RBD+%2387+American+goldfinch+201211_P1080906.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #87 American goldfinch (Eclipse male) Here's a non-breeding male American goldfinch from last winter, feeding on a cutleaf teasel. Quite the difference from the bright yellow birds you see in the summer. 2020-12-11 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [P1080906] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553468262-MUN3JHTZ5YQUBBOJZTFR/RBD+%2386+Eastern+tailed-blue+210625_DSC01382.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #86 Eastern tailed-blue (Female) Yes, the same species as yesterday, but this time the upper side of the wings. It makes her tricky to find: I watch this dark shape fluttering about then she lands and disappears. 2021-06-25 Cabin John (powerline), Bethesda, MD [DSC01382] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553457425-82ZS2NRSXTE6DFAJAAEZ/RBD+%2385+Eastern+tailed-blue+210814_DSC07570.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #85 Eastern tailed-blue 2021-08-14 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC07570] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553449134-6L7NCDP11RFI0LO02307/RBD+%2384+American+goldfinch+210821_DSC08115.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #84 American goldfinch (Male) Yesterday's sunflower came from the McKee-Beshers sunflower fields whose purpose is "to provide a food source for mourning doves, as well as other wildlife species, after the plants mature and dry. Mourning doves are hunted at these fields during hunting seasons that traditionally begin on September 1 and continue through early January. [...] In addition to mourning doves, sunflowers and sunflower seeds are a favorite food source for a host of other songbirds, mammals and pollinators." This songbird agrees. It's an American goldfinch breeding male enjoying a seed "fresh off the plant" in our garden. 2021-08-21 Bethesda, MD [DSC08115] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553440138-PUFUMYBE0T6UJ9OMBX0C/RBD+%2383+Common+sunflower+210718_DSC05459.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #83 Common sunflower For those of us under a cloud, a reminder that the sun is out there somewhere. 2021-07-18 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC05459] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553430800-4EP13ETBFFKV4T33VXQD/RBD+%2382+Orange+sulphur+210815_DSC07877.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #82 Orange sulphur Probably an orange sulphur, but maybe a clouded sulphur. I don't have a reliable way to distinguish them. 2021-08-15 Cabin John (powerline), Bethesda, MD [DSC07877] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553421862-U6M74JP8TVMPIZQWM0FY/RBD+%2381+Blue+jay+210819_DSC07999.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #81 Blue jay Here's a way to deal with the heat: take off your coat! 2021-08-19 Bethesda, MD [DSC07999] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640632004079-YP51VZOY09ITYCM0ZWFY/RBD+%2380+Northern+mockingbird+210309_DSC05125.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #80 Northern mockingbird The mockingbird wing spots are only visible in flight, where they sometimes use them for signaling. I saw one guy(?) showing off to the ladies, performing a series of sideways loops while singing. It was so strange to watch that I didn't think to film it. This one is more prosaic: let's just hop across the street to get away from the camera. 2021-03-09 Bethesda, MD [DSC05125] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553328614-BUQTZA05GGH8539WEA7C/RBD+%2379+Northern+mockingbird+201005-1514.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #79 Northern mockingbird An adult mockingbird serenading us during an afternoon walk last fall. It felt safe hiding in the tree, letting us get very close. 2020-10-05 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [Video 15:14] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553320366-B2MLC0OLIRCHRWJW415W/RBD+%2378+Northern+mockingbird+210810_DSC07376.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #78 Northern mockingbird (Juvenile) A juvenile northern mockingbird. The adults don't have spotted breasts. 2021-08-10 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC07376] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553309641-VH887LRLA1GA5BMNBU2X/RBD+%2377+Cyanobacteria+210711_DSC04097.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #77 Cyanobacteria Blue-green algae at a marsh in northern Virginia. 2021-07-11 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [DSC04097] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553301050-KY7UAX9H4SAFAPWMRIM6/RBD+%2376+Chrysanthemum+lace+bug+210814_DSC07674.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #76 Chrysanthemum lace bug A small bug (2.8 mm) on our tall sunflowers. Who knew plants needed living doilies? 2021-08-14 Bethesda, MD [DSC04097] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553292610-QMTXRHGXCL1XXNDLUDE2/RBD+%2375+Carolina+chickadee+210320_DSC07621.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #75 Carolina chickadee A carolina chickadee flitting through the branches this spring. This one didn't hang around very long. It's an unusual pose: normally they are on top of the branch. 2021-03-20 Cedar Is, C&O Canal, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553284893-8E4ZQNQAPNFCELLSLWB9/RBD+%2374+Sachem+210717_DSC05225.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #74 Sachem (Male) Male sachem skipper on bluetop vervain. 2021-07-17 Brookside Gardens, Rockville, MD [DSC05225] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553277126-2BA49MT72K8OCWV4Y8Z1/RBD+%2373+Tufted+titmouse+210220_P1170505.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #73 Tufted titmouse A hike through a local nature park last February. This tufted titmouse was very chatty and curious. 2021-02-20 Blue Mash, Gaithersburg, MD [P1170505] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553268081-5SJCUM23QJ7P3FZC3O7S/RBD+%2372+Dark-eyed+junco+210318_DSC07263.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #72 Dark-eyed junco 21-03-18 NIH field, Bethesda, MD [DSC07263] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553259788-O3CX0VSJ2RNOETPURF6K/RBD+%2371+Red-banded+hairstreak+210803_DSC06863.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #71 Red-banded hairstreak A red-banded hairstreak on joe pye-weed. Our native flower garden is attracting butterflies! 2021-08-03 Bethesda, MD [DSC06863] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553250763-D03GI52HG7VSEM1AR6OT/RBD+%2370+White-breasted+nuthatch+210310_DSC05302.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #70 White-breasted nuthatch A white-breasted nuthatch out house hunting this spring, checking out a large knothole in a local tree. She decided not to take it---too much foot traffic nearby. 2021-08-03 NIH field, Bethesda, MD [DSC06863] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553243033-MDRAVU6JUWW0T8LZYRBZ/RBD+%2369+Black+vulture+210807_DSC07166.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #69 Black vulture Some black vultures down by the river passing the time. 2021-03-10 Billy Goat Trail A, Potomac, MD [DSC05302] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553232861-BZ3L7SRADKCYVOQW7A1P/RBD+%2368+Monarch+210722_DSC05762.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #68 Monarch butterfly A monarch in a neighbour's garden. 2021-07-22 Bethesda, MD [DSC05762] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553224139-V1F6JZDK4G3BSVRSCPBK/RBD+%2367+Pileated+woodpecker+210217_P1160824.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #67 Pileated woodpecker From the winter catalogue, a pileated woodpecker searching for food on a February morning. 2021-02-17 Billy Goat Trail C, Potomac, MD [P1160824] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553215830-E7P2VF6TQ007HGFJK98D/RBD+%2366+Killdeer+210522_DSC06529.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #66 Killdeer One of several killdeer wandering about in a field in an outer burb of Philly. According to the maps they should be in DC year-round but I haven't seen any. Western Mass, Minnesota and central BC only in breeding season. 2021-05-22 Village Dr, King of Prussia, PA [DSC06529] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553208156-NHTDF0P4XI3B7FBTF3P3/RBD+%2365+Eastern+phoebe+210326_DSC08718.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #65 Eastern phoebe Yet another tyrant flycatcher, this eastern phoebe stopped by the local pond this spring. According to the maps we are in the year 'round zone for these birds but this one was a transient visitor. 2021-03-26 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC08718] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553200953-DHO8Q2BIJV00FDZQ85JP/RBD+%2364+Downy+woodpecker+210727_DSC06321.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #64 Downy woodpecker (Female) 2021-07-27 NIH field, Bethesda, MD [DSC06321] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553193295-3URQJESX49DO2SUKT2JZ/RBD+%2363+Downy+woodpecker+210727_DSC06331.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #63 Downy woodpecker (Male) 2021-07-27 NIH field, Bethesda, MD [DSC06331] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553178497-UO0I03FQR15K1PA2CMFM/RBD+%2362+Blue+jay+210601_DSC08172.jpg RBD 2021 08 - RBD #62 Blue jay A blue jay in the pines in Childs Park. 2021-06-01 Childs Park, Northampton, MA [DSC08172] https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2021-09 daily 0.75 2022-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562517836-3Z8RM5J2OJI74FGDKVCX/RBD+%23120+Common+bottlenose+dolphin+210919_DSC01573.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #120 Common bottlenose dolphin Dolphins frolicking in the water outside the boat. Our guide said that it is mating time. 2021-09-19 Chincoteague Inlet, Chincoteague, VA [DSC01573] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562517836-3Z8RM5J2OJI74FGDKVCX/RBD+%23120+Common+bottlenose+dolphin+210919_DSC01573.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #120 Common bottlenose dolphin Dolphins frolicking in the water outside the boat. Our guide said that it is mating time. 2021-09-19 Chincoteague Inlet, Chincoteague, VA [DSC01573] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562537031-G2J14TMYE7DRO7TLWBZZ/RBD+%23119+Cloudless+sulphur+210919_DSC01411.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #119A Cloudless sulphur (Female) A cloudless sulphur visiting a false foxglove flower. You can tell she is a female from the spots on the topside of her wings that you can see in the second photo. She keeps her wings folded while sitting so it is hard to get a shot of the upper side of the wing. I pulled this one out of a video of her flying between flowers. 2021-09-17 Chincoteague NWR, Chincoteague, VA [DSC01573] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562547340-5JLQCC9NVVBNYZW568Z5/RBD+%23119B+Cloudless+sulphur+210919_DSC02060.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #119B Cloudless sulphur (Female) Top-side wing extracted from video. 2021-09-17 Chincoteague NWR, Chincoteague, VA [DSC02060] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562559314-2ELB4DBTTFRDGUFVNNDJ/RBD+%23118+Rhacostoma+atlanticum+210918_DSC01202.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #118 Rhacostoma atlanticum A ribbed jelly with the sunset shining through. Elliot washed it off and held it on top of a pool noodle. Doesn't help with the id but the light looks pretty. 2021-09-17 Assateague Beach, Chincoteague, VA [DSC01202] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562567313-M26L445NEQRWQ1FTOX95/RBD+%23117+Sanderling+210918_DSC01133.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #117 Sanderling This little guy found a large tasty morsel. (S)he wasn't able to eat it immediately, but rather than go up the beach and chow down, (s)he ran up and down the sand chasing the waves, pausing occasionally to take bites. I think it was to throw off the seagulls. As soon as they notice (s)he had something, a group of five of them surrounded h(er)im to try to take it away. Instead of giving it to them (s)he took to wing and dumped it in the sea so nobody got it. 2021-09-18 Assateague Beach, Chincoteague, VA [DSC01133] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562576007-ZX9MIA2TB0J6Q6PXOQ3B/RBD+%23116+Sanderling+210919_DSC01375.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #116 Sanderling Bird on the beach at sunrise. It's a sanderling, not that you can tell from the photo. There's also a flock of seagulls playing in the background. 2021-09-19 Assateague Beach, Chincoteague, VA [DSC01375] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562583864-ZINXAPKNAVFQ80Y5GJX1/RBD+%23115+Brown+pelican+210919_DSC01937.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #115 Brown pelican (Juvenile) A juvenile brown pelican sitting on a post in Chincoteague inlet. In the '70s the post was the support for a house on the island but now the house is gone, and the island, too, has moved on (it's all sandbars), so now there's a group of posts stuck in the sea. 2021-09-19 Chincoteague Inlet, Chincoteague, VA [DSC01937] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562593981-BKHYGL3P9IZMVW78SUTO/RBD+%23114+Blue-winged+scoliid+wasp+210831_DSC09522.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #114 Blue-winged scoliid wasp A scoliid wasp on some kind of goldenrod. 2021-08-31 Blue Mash, Gaithersburg, MD [DSC09522] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562602356-61QVGVYVIAUI6D7PPSRO/RBD+%23113+Red-footed+cannibal+fly+210815_DSC07747.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #113 Red-footed cannibal fly 2021-08-15 Cabin John powerline, Bethesda, MD [DSC07747] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562611533-089GUMMGSXVN7OC12PLP/RBD+%23112+Grapeleaf+skeletonizer+moth+210828_DSC09247.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #112 Grapeleaf skeletonizer moth I guess it must do what its name says, though in this case it is sitting on a boneset flower. I wouldn't have guessed "moth" from a quick glance. Don't eat too many of them 'cuz they make cyanide for defense. 2021-08-15 Bethesda, MD [DSC09247] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562622670-QJPO6D253QDK54TTOUFS/RBD+%23111+Spicebush+swallowtail+210828_DSC08868.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #111 Spicebush swallowtail Another of the half dozen swallowtail species in the area, this one a spicebush swallowtail. So named because it likes spicebush species, such as the northern spicebush with these flowers and berries. 2021-08-28 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC08868] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562630618-RBN0553PCZWNPYAO6AGV/RBD+%23110+Common+Eastern+bumble+bee+210902_DSC09684.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #110 Common eastern bumblebee A bumble bee sampling from goldenrod. 2021-09-02 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC09684] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562641189-8MFAXOC46B5RC83DU2YK/RBD+%23109+Zebra+swallowtail+210904_DSC09749.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #109 Zebra swallowtail What's black and white and red on over? A zebra swallowtail! 2021-09-04 Bethesda, MD [DSC09749] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562650705-B1Z0DF3YIX65LK8HTRS1/RBD+%23108+Zebra+swallowtail+210904_DSC09753.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #108 Zebra swallowtail On a butterfly bush (aptly named, but unfortunately an introduced species) down the street. 2021-09-04 Bethesda, MD [DSC09753] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562661582-W3BYR20ILJCBPM7OL537/RBD+%23107+Eastern+cottontail+210620_DSC00455.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #107 Eastern cottontail Jay's favourite labour saving device is the lawn mower. 2021-06-20 Bethesda, MD [DSC00455] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562668995-F3QGT83X18JKSFF7CZ2W/RBD+%23106+Greater+yellowlegs+210831_DSC09574.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #106 Greater yellowlegs A greater yellowlegs being surprised by a gust of wind. Not exactly Marilyn, but it is showing a lot of leg. 2021-08-31 Blue Mash, Gaithersburg, MD [DSC09574] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562678975-EU6HJBYPW36ZVDS1O1IB/RBD+%23105+Summer+azure+210905_DSC09940.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #105 Summer azure Here's a summer azure, like the eastern tailed-blue (#85, #86, #93), but with no tail. Again, the wing tops are bluish to grayish depending on sex. We didn't have the patience to get a picture on this walk. 2021-09-05 Dyke Marsh, Alexandria, VA [DSC09940] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562687829-WZX7G61824N67TAEN0YC/RBD+%23104+Mourning+dove+210909_DSC00146.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #104 Mourning dove and Downy woodpecker (Male) A mourning dove and a woodpecker sharing the bird feeder. A birder might be able to tell you if it is a "downy" or a "hairy" from beak length and head shape but I'm not one. Probably a downy woodpecker since they are far more common around here. 2021-09-09 NIH field, Bethesda, MD [DSC00146] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562697495-DARRR8QXGZA2IX46H58Y/RBD+%23103+House+sparrow+210903_DSC09715.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #103 House sparrow (Female) A pair of female house sparrows at the neighbour's bird feeder. 2021-09-03 Bethesda, MD [DSC09715] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562707778-ONPULRVV457RCAG36PPD/RBD+%23102+Hummingbird+clearwing+200905_IMG_20200905_110457392.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #102 Hummingbird clearwing There was a hummingbird clearwing in the same vernonia patch as the snowberry clearwing but I didn't get a photo of it. Instead, here is one from last September visiting a thistle. 2020-09-05 Lake Needwood, Rockville, MD [IMG_20200905_110457392] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562720212-V53HV3J1W7CYVI4Q0U73/RBD+%23101+Snowberry+clearwing+210828_DSC08806.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #101 Snowberry clearwing A snowberry clearwing is a moth that acts as a hummingbird, hovering over a flower to eat nectar. In this case a new york ironweed. This from the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area, that attractive nuisance where they provide food and shelter for animals in the county so that we can go out and shoot them (with camera or otherwise). 2021-08-28 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC08806] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562731288-Z17KKRSIZP39ZUQ2WMVW/RBD+%23100+Blue-grey+gnatcatcher+210828_DSC08967.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #100 Blue-gray gnatcatcher Speaking of insectivores, here's a blue-gray gnatcatcher checking me out from high in the tree. They swoop over greenery gleaning bugs or they may catch them mid-air. The blue-gray is on the back and wings; all you see are its white underpants in this photo. Wikipedia says the nests are built from lichen, hair and spiderwebs, which sounds pretty comfy. I've never seen one. 2021-08-28 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC08967] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562744129-9H9LNFLYJ6KT0ZZ6DHRA/RBD+%2399+Black+saddlebags+210831_DSC09491.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #99 Black saddlebags Another dragonfly, this one a black saddlebags. According to wikipedia they love to eat mosquitos, so I'm always happy to see them. 2021-08-31 Blue Mash, Gaithersburg, MD [DSC09491] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562753113-NZXWH7ZOYNRTIVTWG7HK/RBD+%2398+Common+wood-nymph+210831_DSC09520.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #98 Common woodnymph Common wood nymph lower wing. Not as dramatic as some because of the eye spots. I do like the fake wood grain effect. 2021-08-31 Blue Mash, Gaithersburg, MD [DSC09520] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562761889-8Q4Y4CSKKG4E4G190268/RBD+%2397+Common+wood-nymph+210831_DSC09516.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #97 Common woodnymph Top-side wing of a common wood-nymph butterfly. Wikipedia says the markings are variable, but this is the only one I've seen. 2021-08-31 Blue Mash, Gaithersburg, MD [DSC09516] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562771267-5COP41RPG5NIS5BXE13J/RBD+%2396+Viceroy+210831_DSC09532.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #96 Viceroy Not a monarch, though it looks very much like one. Not really a mimic either, since it, too, is awful tasting (not that I've tried one). They are bright and flashy to warn the birds not to eat them, but they have different toxins, the monarch picking up cardiac glycosides from milkweed and the viceroy getting salicylic acid from willows. 2021-08-31 Blue Mash, Gaithersburg, MD [DSC09532] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562782182-OY0OKNU87AU629FHFAS6/RBD+%2395+Cooper%27s+hawk+210831_DSC09391.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #95 Cooper's hawk (Juvenile) A young Cooper's hawk enjoying lunch.* 2021-08-31 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC09391] * Tanya had me edit out the more visceral parts of the image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562790113-KRCETUGU5ENY4KJEQ7M8/RBD+%2394+Goldenrod+stowaway+210831_DSC09529.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #94 Goldenrod stowaway A well-camouflaged owlet moth known as a goldenrod stowaway, but also hangs out on Coreopsis and Bidens. 2021-08-31 Blue Mash, Gaithersburg, MD [DSC09529] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562935110-7Y00X5H14R5N6VZF5B8U/RBD+%2393+Eastern+tailed-blue+210831_DSC09473.jpg RBD 2021 09 - RBD #93 Eastern tailed-blue (Male) On a walk yesterday I caught the top-side wing of a male eastern tailed-blue. Unlike the female in #86, he actually shows some blue in the wings. Okay, so not so very blue and not so long a tail, but distinctive enough to be called a tailed-blue. 2021-08-31 Blue Mash, Gaithersburg, MD [DSC09473] https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2021-10 daily 0.75 2022-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571443490-JWMEM3KUB5NHVMJX86JI/RBD+%23151+Eastern+towhee+211023_DSC03001.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #151 Eastern towhee (Female) A female eastern towhee sitting near yesterday's male. Easy to tell the difference since she doesn't have a black head or wings. 2021-10-23 Georgian Forest Park, Silver Spring, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571443490-JWMEM3KUB5NHVMJX86JI/RBD+%23151+Eastern+towhee+211023_DSC03001.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #151 Eastern towhee (Female) A female eastern towhee sitting near yesterday's male. Easy to tell the difference since she doesn't have a black head or wings. 2021-10-23 Georgian Forest Park, Silver Spring, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571456455-NF7ZA696NCBE8YRCWCKO/RBD+%23150+Eastern+towhee+211023_DSC02997.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #150 Eastern towhee (Male) This guy was being very sociable, sitting just a little way off the trail. 2021-10-23 Georgian Forest Park, Silver Spring, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571465650-IHTSPQ557ZWFYC4S4I6V/RBD+%23149+Common+whitetail+210815_DSC07755.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #149 Common whitetail A midsummer dragonfly. According to wikipedia the males hang out near the water eating lots of mosquitos, defending territory and waiting for females to come by and lay their eggs, but this one was hanging out on the powerline trail pretty far from water with a bunch of other guys. Not sure what is going on. 2021-08-15 Cabin John (poweline), Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571471837-SCJPWRAFTZRIGB5L9SJI/RBD+%23148+Red-bellied+woodpecker+211023_DSC02903.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #148 Red-bellied woodpecker 2021-10-23 Georgian Forest Park, Silver Spring, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571477628-8PJ5ZXVK36S1H03SU14Z/RBD+%23147+Blue+jay+211021_IMG_9093.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #147 Blue jay Ooh! Shiny! 2021-10-21 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571483411-NFK0DIWXSH08X9G28CF1/RBD+%23146+White-throated+sparrow+211023_DSC02885.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #146 White-throated sparrow The white-throated sparrows are back from their summer abroad, breeding and raising their chicks in northern Canada. Or maybe they stopped in New England because their wings were tired. 2021-10-23 Georgian Forest Park, Silver Spring, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571491000-I7V88K2XVOE88H3EVCIU/RBD+%23145+Hermit+thrush+211023_DSC03075.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #145 Hermit thrush A small bird hanging out at the edge of the forest. There is an Oneida tale* explaining why the hermit thrush is shy, but this one sure was not. Some sites say it is aptly named since it is "shy and retiring", but I didn't see anything special about its behaviour; there are lots of solitary birds. With 76 observations in the local area it is not particularly rare, though not particularly common either. * https://www.oneidaindiannation.com/the-legend-of-the-hermit-thrush/ 2021-10-23 Georgian Forest Park, Silver Spring, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571498713-IN9WL1G6YNLGEN263IMI/RBD+%23144+House+sparrow+211023_DSC03098.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #144 House sparrow (Male, Female) A large feather for a little bird. Maybe it'll make him a fine blanket for the winter. There was some squabbling when he landed with his treasure, and you can see a bit of fluff in the beak of the lady on the right. 2021-10-23 Georgian Forest Park, Silver Spring, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571506767-WI2AATK10FEWSBZBJE8J/RBD+%23143+Mallard+duck+210313_DSC05892.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #143 Mallard duck A pair of mallards feeding. I'll leave the obvious comments to the viewer. 2021-03-13 Cabin John Park, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571524406-CLH5C8970HJTZGISOD22/RBD+%23142+Pipevine+swallowtail+210726_DSC06245.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #142 Pipevine swallowtail (Female) A pipevine swallowtail on cutleaf teasel. She* is not very tasty. According to wikipedia she has large amounts of aristolochic acid accumulated over generations (!?!) from the host plants. This strategy is so successful that other butterflies try to look like pipevine swallowtails. * Males have more intense iridescence on the top of the hind wing. 2021-07-26 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571533433-X2OE8VJ5TXOCCZAIJ92X/RBD+%23141+Blue-headed+vireo+211019_IMG_9080.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #141 Blue-headed vireo Here's a transitory* visitor that flitted through our garden the other day. S/he didn't seem to be in any hurry, but I don't know how long the journey ahead might be. Anywhere from North Carolina all the way down to Central America. I hope the silver maple provided some insect protein to help h(er)im along the way. * Seasonal migration of the blue-headed vireo is shown by the number of observations per month in Montgomery County, MD shows a bimodal distribution centered on April and October, plus or minus a month. 2021-10-19 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571544301-YS1LYJYPZBBMC4CB6S5E/RBD+%23140+Northern+cardinal+210606_DSC08835.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #140 Northern cardinal Lunch on the go…if she can catch it. The 17-year cicadas (Brood X) were everywhere this spring providing more food than the birds (and squirrels and dogs) could eat. I did see a couple of house sparrows take down a cicada mid-flight, but this one got away unscathed. 2021-06-06 NIH field, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571554031-PHYJRAYWAZM28BUPVE0X/RBD+%23139+Pearl+crescent+210828_DSC08883.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #139 Pearl cresent A little later in the day and a different pearl crescent, this one with its wings closed. Haiku by Craig: Shy little one Hiding behind a grass blade waiting 2021-08-28 McKee-Beshers, Pooleville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571560235-J6AF4MBX0XW9F5ZDRYKR/RBD+%23138+Pearl+crescent+210828_DSC08798.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #138 Pearl cresent A pearl crescent relaxing in the morning dew. 2021-08-28 McKee-Beshers, Pooleville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571569465-YAOY6BAAO4OQCPNKTTZN/RBD+%23137+Great+spangled+fritillary+210925_IMG_8097.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #137 Great spangled fritillary (Female) A great spangled fritillary on thistle, along with a cucumber beetle and a crab spider. It looks like she* took a fair amount of damage in her 4–6 weeks of life, maybe wind and hail, maybe thorns, maybe the occasional nip from an almost lucky bird. She still seems to fly just fine, so hopefully all is well. I can't ID the crab spider below the family level without a good view of the eyes. * Or "he". Females are "larger and darker" according to wikipedia. Thanks, guys… that really helps when I've just got the one. This one may be a little darker than others I see on Bug Guide. 2021-09-25 Patuxent Research Refuge, Greenbelt, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571578238-2AWWPWMGRZZVYOSJRUXW/RBD+%23136+Tobacco+budworm+moth+211012_DSC02764.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #136 Tobacco budworm moth Non-native plant (common lambsquarter) feeding a native species (tobacco webworm moth). I had the macro lens on to get a closeup of the seeds. Tiny things, about 1 mm across: the native variety has pitted seeds but this one has smooth seeds. It also goes by the names white goosefoot, fat-hen, and bathua (a food crop in northern India). It can hybridize with the native, also a food crop before corn came up from Mexico. Both are closely related to quinoa. 2021-10-12 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571587486-Y4V0JR2FRKXFHYZCAF8N/RBD+%23135+Belted+kingfisher+210919_DSC01984.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #135 Belted kingfisher A belted kingfisher sitting on a post by the shore in Chincoteague. This is the longest I've seen one sit still. Normally they are swooping along the waterfront chittering away, stopping briefly enough so I can almost find them in the camera and then they are off again. Regular will-o'-the-wisps leading me up and down the shoreline. 2021-09-19 Mariner’s Point, Chincoteague, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571600043-KHJ0HWKO36NOSIFQCGO0/RBD+%23134+Variegated+fritillary+211009_IMG_8598.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #134 Variegated Fritillary Here is yesterday's butterfly with its wings closed. Even though we knew exactly where it was, it was still hard to find. From 3m away it's just another leaf in the grass. 2021-10-09 Bolivar Hts Battlefield, Harpers Ferry, WV https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640582158723-QPW0L4H0YJ1UBRXTH1DO/RBD+%23133+Variegated+fritillary+211009_IMG_8596.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #133 Variegated fritillary This variegated fritillary landed nearby while we were out walking in West Virginia. It's species name (Euptoieta claudia) comes from Greek for "easily scared" (euptoietos) so it is a good thing the camera I was using doesn't let me get within 2.8 m when taking a photo. Normally annoying but this time it was a feature. The common name, fritillary, comes from latin for "dice box" (fritillus) because of its checkerspot pattern. 2021-10-09 Bolivar Hts Battlefield, Harpers Ferry, WV https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640573563937-INZF9BXK6BR2P45QOHK7/RBD+%23132+Keeled+treehopper+210810_DSC07346.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #132 Keeled treehopper (Nymphs) Recently emerged keeled treehopper nymphs. You can still see some unhatched eggs. The ants in the picture are hired muscle, protecting mom and babies from predators. In exchange mom (at this moment a couple of centimeters down the leaf) secretes honeydew to feed them. Her maternal instinct keeps her around until the last nymph has flown. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/ientylia-carinatai-the-keeled-treehopper 2021-08-10 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640573572765-2GSBLZZEQTEACOZQD89G/RBD+%23131+Keeled+treehopper+210811_DSC07415.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #131 Keeled treehopper Here's a keeled treehopper hanging out under the leaf of our sunflowers (before the squirrels got at them). 2021-08-11 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641430641740-KJZD3ICAT5M9QD5A8E60/RBD+%23130+Eastern+gray+squirrel+210929_IMG_8295.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #130 Eastern gray squirrel Squirrel! Otherwise known as the destroyer of sunflowers. Gone are the mornings sitting on the deck watching the cardinals and goldfinches eating seeds direct from the plant. The squirrels finally tasted them and found them to be good. They only got one head…maybe there is time to save them. Looking online for solutions: * Get a dog (destroyer of gardens) or a cat (destroyer of birds). Not going to happen short term. * Spread cat pee around the garden. None handy. * Cover them with nets. But then the birds can't get them. * Plant them in the open. Our garden is too small for that. * Shiny things blowing in the breeze. Never worked before. * Surround them with thorns or plants infected with aphids. Seriously? * Use pepper spray. Promising... Homemade pepper spray: Soak cayenne powder in water for 24 hours. Not enough time for that: the squirrels know they are there and they will be gone by tomorrow. Maybe one hour will do it? Put it in a bottle and immediately clog the sprayer. Try painting it on. Sunflower heads appear to be water repellent. Dump it on directly. Okay maybe that worked, but to be safe let's sprinkle on some cayenne powder as well. Next morning all the sunflowers are neatly trimmed, and the heads piled next to the fence with no seeds left. The local squirrels really seem to like the flaming hot sunflowers! It was nice having the sunflowers, but squirrels have good memories so I don't think they will leave them in peace next year. We're not sure yet what we are going to do with that spot. Maybe try again with red stick, which didn't take this year. 2021-09-29 Bethesda, MD [IMG_8295] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640573592544-0WVB79NK5HBBKWZO1EQF/RBD+%23129+Zabulon+skipper+210815_DSC07768.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #129 Zabulon skipper (Male and Female) A pair of Zabulon skippers hanging out on knapweed. Male on the left and female on the right. 2021-08-15 Cabin John powerline, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640573602762-NLAN6PUBW3QD9LIS4V7Y/RBD+%23128+Glossy+ibis+210919_DSC01452.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #128 Glossy ibis A flock of ibises (ibes? ibides? ibis?)* flying over the marsh. I love the curved beak in the silhouette. Yet another instance of "shoot first, ask questions later." The beak made it easy to figure out the genus, but getting to species is hard when you can't see the colour. In this case there was enough white under the wings to rule out the white-faced ibis and enough dark on top of the wings to rule out the white ibis. Maybe. I left it at "ibis" and let the bird IDers on inaturalist come to this conclusion. * The plural of ibis: http://lexitechnia.frath.net/2009/10/the-plural-of-ibis/ 2021-09-19 Chincoteague NWR, Chincoteague, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640573612670-O0RT5SM3YF65PX27B5P9/RBD+%23127+Eastern+pondhawk+210828_DSC08586.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #127 Eastern pondhawk (Male) And predictably I will follow the female pondhawk with a male. This one from the McKee-Beshers WMA in the early morning with the dew still lying heavily on his wings. 2021-08-28 McKee-Besher WMA, Poolesville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640573622797-NBM7WXD7V2P9Y4O3DFRD/RBD+%23126+Eastern+pondhawk+210919_DSC01422.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #126 Eastern pondhawk (Female) We saw her perched on a branch while walking through the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island. You can tell she is female from her ovipositor (easily visible in this photo) or the terminal appendages at the end of the tail (see BugGuide* for details). Adult males are powder blue, but juveniles are green so you can't tell just from colour. * https://bugguide.net/node/view/577#id 2021-09-19 Chincoteague NWR, Chincoteague, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640573630587-94VW5J0IWHPLIYNCV5VG/RBD+%23125+Brown-headed+nuthatch+210918_DSC00941.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #125 Brown-headed nuthatch There was a flock of brown-headed nuthatches hanging out in the trees outside our rented house. Something to photograph in the morning before our adventures. From wikipedia: "The bird is regularly observed using a small chips of bark, small twigs, and pine needles held in its beak as tools to dig for insects." In this case, it is using a pine needle. 2021-09-18 Sunrise Shore, Chincoteague, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640573687350-MCRU5HLGPBUZZAHS02QE/RBD+%23124+Common+buckeye+210917_DSC00805.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #124 Common buckeye (Male) Another photo of the same buckeye showing the underside of his wings. You can tell he is male because of the white antenna and the stubby abdomen. There's also a size difference, but that doesn't help much when you've only got one in the picture. 2021-09-17 Island Nature Trail, Chincoteague, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640573699448-P5AFBP5MQ6OWO4O3XMYS/RBD+%23123+Common+buckeye+210917_DSC00803.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #123 Common buckeye (Male) A common buckeye we saw on a walk through the salt marsh on Chincoteague. 2021-09-17 Island Nature Trail, Chincoteague, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640573711206-K1NM45TB2OIE1HJQT0YD/RBD+%23122+American+oystercatcher+210919_DSC01697.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #122 American oystercatcher An oystercatcher taking a short hop over the water. The name says it all: primarily a diet of oysters, but they eat other shellfish as well. Sometimes they catch the oyster with its shell open and snip the closing muscles, otherwise they hammer it with their beaks. Our guide says they will pick up and drop the shells on the rocks to open them. 2021-09-19 Assateague channel, Chincoteague, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640573721545-O3D5YF5JOEN4MS0JACU7/RBD+%23121+Bald+eagle+210919_DSC01777.jpg RBD 2021 10 - RBD #121 Bald eagle One of two eagles we saw on our harbour tour. 2021-09-19 Assateague channel https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2021-11 daily 0.75 2022-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640575102775-LEXL5EC5GASHFP3ZJORQ/RBD+%23180+Cardinal+lobelia+210828_DSC08851.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #180 Cardinal lobelia A cardinal as homage to CotD #180, this one a flower. With an isolated bloom on a short stalk I didn't recognize it. It was in the middle of a shaded path in the McKee-Beshers WMA—maybe it didn't like being mowed. At #97 in the region on iNaturalist they are not uncommon but I never noticed them before. Now I'm seeing them everywhere, from swamp to forest to meadow, and even some volunteers that came to our garden with the daisies. 2021-08-28 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640575102775-LEXL5EC5GASHFP3ZJORQ/RBD+%23180+Cardinal+lobelia+210828_DSC08851.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #180 Cardinal lobelia A cardinal as homage to CotD #180, this one a flower. With an isolated bloom on a short stalk I didn't recognize it. It was in the middle of a shaded path in the McKee-Beshers WMA—maybe it didn't like being mowed. At #97 in the region on iNaturalist they are not uncommon but I never noticed them before. Now I'm seeing them everywhere, from swamp to forest to meadow, and even some volunteers that came to our garden with the daisies. 2021-08-28 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640575108645-88KBFRBWD536O6O3D003/RBD+%23179+Gray+hairstreak+210814_DSC07701.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #179 Gray hairstreak A gray hairstreak enjoying the flowers in our back yard last August. She's not particular about her food. Wikipedia says her caterpillars prefer mallows and legumes, but here she is on a joe-pye weed from the aster family. Nor is she particular about habitat, living everywhere from tropical forest and mountains to temperate woodlands and meadows. And suburban gardens. 2021-08-14 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640575116770-JJU8O3P6Z6I777RFKS6X/RBD+%23178+Red-shouldered+hawk+211121_DSC03966.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #178 Red-shoulder hawk So I am standing by the tree waiting for the hawk to talk to me (it was quite chatty that morning), when this mockingbird comes and lands right beside it, stays for a while, then flits away. This is not like the wren which will scream bloody murder to harass any predator that should chance to land in its territory. Nor is it like the gazelle that will sidle up to the lion to show the ladies how fast he can run when the lion gives chase (there were no mockingbirds to watch this feat of daring-do, and there was none of that sidling). From All About Birds, Red-shouldered hawks occasionally eat birds, sometimes from bird feeders; recorded prey include sparrows, starlings, and doves. This scene could have ended very differently. 2021-11-21 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640575122934-PJ26R8HEYGP45R5NZRTL/RBD+%23177+Arugula+211121_DSC04045.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #178 Arugula More November botanicals, this time a flower from the arugula that we planted as ground cover. It's native to the Mediterranean with a long history of cultivation (it was used as an aphrodisiac in ancient Rome). I hope it doesn't self-seed too aggressively since I planted it with the natives. 2021-11-21 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574640951-AP1WPH0ZYX5TRMCY2DUS/RBD+%23176+Pansy+211121_DSC04037.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #176 Pansy I replanted pansies for the season. It is nice having a little colour throughout the winter. Last year they survived until mid-July and even spread themselves, but they didn't pop up again in October. Too hot for them around here. 2021-11-21 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574646341-9PD3DXNCDMI4MRW44MM2/RBD+%23175+Atlantic+ghost+crab+210919_DSC01354.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #175 Atlantic ghost crab Lots of ghost crabs on the beach at Chincoteague, but you have to be looking for them because they hide in plain sight. They also move pretty fast and disappear into burrows that they've built. 2021-09-19 Assateague Beach, Chincoteague, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574649910-9H52253MAVILPEWTICV9/RBD+%23174+Spined+stilt+bug+210828_DSC08946.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #174 Spined stilt bug A pair of stilt bugs on a bee blossom. Probably Jalysus wickhami, but maybe J. spinosus. Anyway, they seemed happily oblivious of the camera. 2021-08-28 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574656011-6796ND2LTEKNTGLCY2HU/RBD+%23173+Ruby-throated+hummingbird+210828_DSC08643.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #173 Ruby-throated hummingbird Here's a ruby-throated hummingbird, as you can clearly tell from her ruby coloured throat…or not. At least she gets to keep the lovely green on her head and back. 2021-08-28 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574661672-VBXD3MUZ3F34XX1XZN0P/RBD+%23172+House+finch+211106_IMG_9810.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #172 House finch (Female) 2021-11-06 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574666534-H4ZMNUVF1BONF1VN2O6U/RBD+%23171+Bordeaux+mastiff+211120_IMG_1097.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #171 Bordeaux mastiff Lots of animals to be seen on my daily walk to the local pond. 2021-11-20 NIH field, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574672366-IAMDFMVSYIPLFG70GSJG/RBD+%23170+Blood+moon+211119_IMG_0893.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #170 Blood moon For those of you who didn't stay up late enough/wake up early enough, a picture of the near total lunar eclipse from this morning. 2021-11-19 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574691296-A83G1WGJO9GQ0XRYHDFM/RBD+%23169+Eastern+tiger+swallowtail+210815_DSC07795.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #169 Eastern tiger swallowtail (Female) An eastern tiger swallowtail on joe-pye weed. Unlike her yellow sistren (e.g., #156) she is one of the dark morph females that sometimes appear. They are more common in the south where they mimic the awful tasting pipevine swallowtails according to this site. The pipevine swallowtail poison comes from pipevine flowers (Aristolochia), a strange looking flower that I haven't yet seen (they aren't common around here). 2021-08-15 Cabin John (powerline), Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574695353-X31BWIRQR370X9R5K0C2/RBD+%23168+Humped+trashline+orbweaver+211013_IMG_8714.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #168 Humped trashline orbweaver According to wikipedia the trashline (bits of plant and old meals) woven into the web allow the spider to hide from wasps. 2021-10-13 NIH field, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574702090-DGICNC8TSXOPCQIWM1LE/RBD+%23167+Wild+indigo+duskywing+210815_DSC07814.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #167 Indigo duskywing A not-camouflaged duskywing hiding in the joe-pye weed. Here is a photo where it is not so hidden. The caterpillars like wild indigo (Baptisia) and lupins, hence the name. Scratch and sniff: "Male has a costal fold containing yellow scent scales; female has a patch of scent scales on the 7th abdominal segment." Bug Guide has pictures identified as male and female. Let me know if you can spot the difference. It's much too subtle for me. 2021-08-15 Cabin John (powerline), Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574707587-QSD05O4RPOW5CVP1A1JD/RBD+%23166+Cabbage+white+210728_DSC06424.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #166 Cabbage white (Male) Cabbage white on thistle. Wikipedia says he* is native to the Eastern Mediterranean but followed brassica crops around the world. Looking at the pictures on iNaturalist, the adults seem to like any sort of flower (including thistle). * "She"s have two spots. 2021-07-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574713954-RPLDLQITOUJW2STRT9MI/RBD+%23165+211107_IMG_0018.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #165 Another impressionist light painting—same pond, different tree—showing a bit of fall colour. Maybe a white oak? It's kind hard to guess the leaf shape from this photo 8-) 2021-11-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574862083-UOQWGL6QWU0OQNYFFF70/RBD+%23164+American+sycamore+211107_IMG_0019.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #164 American sycamore The crown of the sycamore reflected off the water of the canal. There was a light breeze tickling the surface giving rise to fine ripples. No need to twiddle anything in post. Branches. Yes, that's it: It is a photo of branches. 2021-11-07 C&O Canal, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574869853-GCVJ1T31ZPRUJTXANOHF/RBD+%23163+Red-bellied+woodpecker+211107_IMG_0024.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #163 Red-bellied woodpecker I selected the photo more for the camouflaged bark of the sycamore than for the woodpecker. 2021-11-07 C&O Canal, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574877027-KMP97TKT1N87ZNTURL7I/RBD+%23162+Least+skipper+210831_DSC09432.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #162 Least skipper Yet another skipper, this one smaller than most. According to one website they will counter-rotate their antennae when sitting. Clearly I need to spend more time staring at butterflies to notice this sort of thing. 2021-08-31 Blue Mash, Gaithersburg, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574885764-ZK0WIRWF65RLQJUTOHV4/RBD+%23161+Ruby-crowned+kinglet+211107_IMG_9952.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #161 Ruby-crowned kinglet (Male) The hidden crown on a ruby-crowned kinglet. He was moving his head, so a bit blurry, but you can still see the hints of red. I've never seen them with crest up, but there's a photo at All About Birds. 2021-11-07 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574893479-OAFNAPF4W4P455XJMW31/RBD+%23160+American+widgeon+211107_IMG_0034.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #160 American widgeon A couple of widgeons swimming in the canal, taking a bit of a break from their travels. Breeding range is west of Hudson's Bay and north of Colorado. Maybe some will stick around for the winter, but most are headed south. 2021-11-07 C&O Canal, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574902848-XPLI7DOJWB19GCPQMKMV/RBD+%23159+Goldenrod+sp+211107_IMG_9916.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #159 Goldenrod sp A bit of fall colour, this is some variety of goldenrod with blurry sumac in the background. 2021-11-07 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574909440-9QF2AERS80M9QQP8FJF0/RBD+%23158+Cucumber+beetle+210826_DSC08492.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #158 Cucumber beetle A cucumber beetle on our sunflowers. Not the nicest visitor. From bug guide: "major pest of many field crops including cucumbers and other squashes, corn, soy. Beetles also transmit crop diseases such as bacterial wilt. Adults also reported damaging to garden plants including hibiscus, roses." 2021-08-26 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574915594-M3112O4OK4AKEOCSWJL6/RBD+%23157+Laughing+gull+210918_DSC01036.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #157 Laughing gull 2021-09-18 Assateague Beach, Chincoteague, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574921856-PAO22706XK8VYB5FQHNG/RBD+%23156+Eastern+tiger+swallowtail+210815_DSC07821.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #156 Eastern tiger swallowtail (Male) One swallowtail, slightly nipped. Alternatively: one swallowtail with one tail swallowed. He* is snacking on joe pye weed by the looks of it. Not uncommon since it is a great butterfly attractor. * Females have pretty blue bars at the end of their wings. 2021-08-15 Cabin John (powerline), Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574928935-6P1F04LNHG5CVDB7MUQ7/RBD+%23155+Ruby-crowned+kinglet+211031_IMG_9515.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #155 Ruby-crowned kinglet Classic pose. I like the orange feet. The "ruby crown" is a crest of orange-red feathers that males extend when excited. I've seen a few hints of red on some of the photos so there is a male in the area, but I don't know about this one. 2021-10-31 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574936492-MCNNTLEXO7MNB42FOXMU/RBD+%23154+Porcellonides+sp+211024_DSC03117.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #154 Porcellonides Part of nature's recycling program, this sow bug helps turn cellose back into soil. They are outdoor creatures, but will sometimes come inside. They don't do well when it is too dry. Internet care sheets say 50-80% humidity. This one was photographed while getting a ride back to a suitable environment on an Indian fast food container. 2021-10-24 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574944828-4XVSNH4HQQ8IH5P035YK/RBD+%23153+Peck%27s+skipper+210831_DSC09410.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #153 Peck's skipper (Male) Peck's skipper, topside view, on one of our New England asters. The pattern on the leading edge of the top wing indicates that it is a male, particularly the orange spot at the end. 2021-08-31 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574950284-6GVUKVXM4FEGUY544GGK/RBD+%23152+Peck%27s+skipper+210831_DSC095440.jpg RBD 2021 11 - RBD #152 Peck's skipper Pick a pair of Peck's skippers and put them on a thistle… though in this case the lady by the crab spider is a sachem. I'm not sure who is hiding under the petals. 2021-08-31 Blue Mash, Gaithersburg, MD https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2021-12 daily 0.75 2022-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641354444325-474TQVNWDOQG3XR9FQO4/RBD+%23193+Yellow+warbler+210601_DSC08052.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #193 Yellow warbler According to tradition, a kiss at the ringing in of the new year ensures affections for the coming year. From the internets, this is an ancient tradition adapted from the festival of Saturn. Methinks cause and effect are reversed in this instance, but who am I to argue with a Roman god. 2021-06-01 Barrett St Marsh, Northampton, MA [DSC08052] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641354444325-474TQVNWDOQG3XR9FQO4/RBD+%23193+Yellow+warbler+210601_DSC08052.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #193 Yellow warbler According to tradition, a kiss at the ringing in of the new year ensures affections for the coming year. From the internets, this is an ancient tradition adapted from the festival of Saturn. Methinks cause and effect are reversed in this instance, but who am I to argue with a Roman god. 2021-06-01 Barrett St Marsh, Northampton, MA [DSC08052] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641354355926-533NFYXW48U47C6QYMTM/RBD+%23192+Snow+goose+211223_IMG_1433.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #192 Snow goose white morph snow goose rooting through the muck for grasses and tubers. The Ross's goose also has black wing tips, but the snow goose has a black "grin" on its beak. Family groups of at least a dozen come down from the arctic to forage together in the wintering grounds, but this one was all alone. Lost? Social distancing rules? 2021-12-13 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [IMG_1433] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641354273032-HTMTKNGPCKLIVMWZ8H4G/RBD+%23191+Northern+shoveler+211223_IMG_9254.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #191 Northern shoveler A pair of shovelers swimming about the marsh. 2021-12-23 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [IMG_9254] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640704766168-CRXKAG8M3CJ4R4RHYVYT/RBD+%23190+Cedar+waxwing+211226_IMG_9592.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #190 Cedar waxwing A flock of cedar waxwings were at the swamp on Sunday. The bandit mask, the yellow tips on the tail (not visible here) and the red highlights make this an easy bird to identify. From Wikipedia[1], the red tips of the feathers are waxy deposits which match the colour of the berries that they eat (see details in the feather atlas[2]). The tail feather tips may be yellow or orange, again depending on diet. 2021-12-26 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [IMG_9592] [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedar_waxwing#Description [2] https://www.fws.gov/lab/featheratlas/feather.php?Bird=CEDW_secondary_adult https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640577422115-O9PAZI5615MKJ2ICCTGE/RBD+%23189+Virginia+rail+211223_IMG_1420.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #189 Virginia rail A virginia rail hiding in the march grass. It was easy to find: just go to the clump of people hovering on the boardwalk waiting for it to pop out, then stand around for 10 or 20 minutes. When you get home edit the hell out of the photo until you get something impossible. 2021-12-23 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [IMG_1420] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640577432963-Q3ADMIH8CBIXDPLHZNPQ/RBD+%23188+Tree+cholla+211213_DSC05182.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #188 Tree cholla Another tree cholla, this one showing more purple and yellow. The background is the canyon wall. 2021-12-13 Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos, NM [DSC05182] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640577436547-TQXG1UT3GP7BVANVDVAR/RBD+%23187+Northern+cardinal+211201_DSC04616.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #187 Northern cardinal (Male) Looking rather Christmassy, this cardinal was snacking on some honeysuckle berries one morning in December. 2021-12-01 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC04616] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640577440937-YUU621RLB536YCK31ZHU/RBD+%23186+Dark-eyed+junco+211213_DSC05031.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #186 Dark-eyed junco Lots of colour variation in dark-eyed juncos. This one has "Oregon" colouration. I don't know how they maintain so much variety with the different variants living in close proximity. Maybe they segregate when they fly back to their breeding grounds in the spring. 2021-12-13 Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos, NM [DSC05031] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640577447228-A98MELFA9BU3BL9F0U8G/RBD+%23185+White-crowned+sparrow+211213_DSC05041.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #185 White-crowned sparrow Still in Los Alamos, here is a teenaged white-crowned sparrow, without the red streaks on its chest that it had as a baby but not yet having black stripes on its head instead of brown. One of the few birds I saw that was not a dark-eyed junco or a raven. 2021-12-13 Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos, NM [DSC05041] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640577450687-88219XSK06DIJGWX0QLQ/RBD+%23184+Border+ice+211213_DSC05189.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #184 Border ice In contrast to the geometric abstractionism of yesterday's piece, this bit of ice chose the earlier art nouveau for its styling. I like the caterpillar form reaching out from the shelf trying to break free. On the water below there is some skim ice forming, hinting at a more modern style. 2021-12-13 Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos, NM [DSC05189] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640577454562-ZIPGRH7MVPU5CVV48NP6/RBD+%23183+P2+ice+211213_DSC05200.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #183 P2 ice It was cold enough in Los Alamos for there to be ice forming on the creek (elev. about 2000 m). These crystals are long (several centimeters) and needle-like. This sounds like P2 ice from [1] but the conditions are wrong: this ice formed on the edge of a fast flowing creek. [1] Michel, B. and Ramseier, R.O., 1971. Classification of river and lake ice. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 8(1), pp.36-45. doi:10.1139/t71-004 P2 Calm Surface, Large Temperature Gradient The grain size is varied, ranging from medium to extra large. The crystallization progresses rapidly. The grain shape varies from tabular to needle-like and can be several cm in length. Dendrites are also common. The crystallographic orientation is random or vertically preferred superimposed on a random orientation. This type of ice is found in lakes, reservoirs, and very calm areas of rivers. 2021-12-13 Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos, NM [DSC05200] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640577460917-YPSS0V9QUT2MIGU9HVKE/RBD+%23182+Tree+cholla+211213_DSC05171.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #182 Tree cholla It's pretty dry in New Mexico, with lots of cactus and sage. The tree cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata) provides a bit of color with its yellow fruit. 2021-12-13 Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos, NM [DSC05171] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640577466713-6LDUHC9A6YR8X1ES545V/RBD+%23181+Dark-eyed+junco+211213_DSC051040.jpg RBD 2021 12 - RBD #181 Dark-eyed junco A dark-eyed junco from New Mexico. There were dozens of them flitting between the branches. This one was particularly bold, sitting on a rock in front of me. I love all the colourful lichen. 2021-12-13 Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos, NM [DSC051040] https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2022-01 daily 0.75 2022-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643247948970-VZKW1MOUQOUCC1K62X0C/RBD+%23223+Mesa+211207_DSC049180.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #223 Mesa A New Mexican sunrise over the Kwage mesa. 2021-12-07 Los Alamos, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643247948970-VZKW1MOUQOUCC1K62X0C/RBD+%23223+Mesa+211207_DSC049180.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #223 Mesa A New Mexican sunrise over the Kwage mesa. 2021-12-07 Los Alamos, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643247949046-166SEQLCPA1AE8REZMOM/RBD+%23222+River+211002_DSC02484.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #222 River A little later that same morning the fog was lifting from the Potomac River. 2021-10-02 Potomac River, Great Falls, MD [DSC02484] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643305960647-BH914QF1DKCB1RA485O8/RBD+%23221+Lake+211002_DSC02458.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #221 Lake Daybreak seen through the rising mist on the C&O canal, where it widens into a lake. An actual landscape, with nary a bird in sight. 2021-10-02 C&O Canal, Great Falls, MD [DSC02458] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643247950208-3BTMLATYPA6I03SUMB1T/RBD+%23220+Great+blue+heron+211224_IMG_9389.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #220 Great blue heron A great blue heron standing in a shallow retention pond. This is the same bird shown in [RBD #208](https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2022-01/4c0fw3c4wyqymvdu9l15o7of501f5r) before it took flight. I really wasn't that close! 2021-12-24 Blue Mash Nature Trail, Gaithersburg, MD [IMG_9389] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643247951768-DIL1W7Q1GR6D9TWHH6IL/RBD+%23219+Mallard+duck+210302_DSC03219.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #219 Mallard duck (Male) A mallard taking his evening swim at the local pond. Waves really do interact (mostly) linearly. 2021-03-02 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DCC03219] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643247952730-7GVBDXM06JDY3EYBZUVS/RBD+%23218+Ring-necked+duck+210314_DSC06031.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #218 Ring-necked duck (Male, Female) Some ring-necked ducks eating breakfast in the marsh. 2021-03-14 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC06031] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643247953487-26HXBKHQFS6OFPTB8D02/RBD+%23217+Long-tailed+duck+210221_P1170811.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #217 Long-tailed duck (Female) A long-tailed duck sitting in the ocean off Sandy Point. A surprising name since clearly her tail is not particularly long. It's a guy thing. I like the snow-capped peaks in the foreground. It's a nice change from the usual landscape. 2021-02-21 Sandy Point Park, Annapolis, MD [P1170811] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643247953847-9GX5REFGKT7Q1LY301S0/RBD+%23216+Belted+kingfisher+220123_IMG_9976.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #216 Belted kingfisher We can see that it is a "fisher", but what about the "king"? Looking at an old dictionary the name is shortened from "King's fisher."[1] Tolkien says that like the swan, the King's fisher was a royal bird.[2] I wonder if it's because of the royal blue cape of the European kingfisher? It is also known as the halcyon, after Alcyone who was turned into a kingfisher when she threw herself into the sea. Her father Aeolus calms the storms so that she can lay her eggs in peace during the halcyon days of winter.[4] 2022-01-23 Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC [IMG_9976] [1] Guy Miege, Gent. (1690) The short french dictionary in two parts. [2] The letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 240 to Mrs. Pauline Gasch, illustrator, 1962. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642775132232-NENWJ1DBI4DY3E5H8Y8V/RBD+%23215+Yellow+rumped+warbler+210220_P1170567.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #215 Yellow-rumped warbler (Female) Yet another little brown bird, this one with yellow highlights so people can name her. 2021-02-20 Blue Mash Nature Trail, Gaithersburg, MD [P1170567] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642736358879-DEZ0HIZB984RLKK2VFD0/RBD+%23214+Red-bellied+woodpecker+220115_DSC06864.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #214 Red-bellied woodpecker … as you can see from the photo. 2022-01-15 Blue Mash Nature Trail, Gaithersburg, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642736241584-ROXIPWPB0Z58OGVDXEJO/RBD+%23213+Field+sparrow+220115_DSC06805.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #213 Field sparrow Pink beak, white eye-ring, so it's a field sparrow. Rusty crown and white breast so adult. No dimorphism, so sex unknown. It's kind of hard to get a picture when it hides in the bushes like this. 2022-01-15 Blue Mash Nature Trail, Gaithersburg, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642736127951-402FVJ39N851ZKW8N51I/RBD+%23212+Carolina+chickadee+220116_DSC07043.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #212 Carolina chickadee A chickadee fluffball trapping air in its feathers to keep warm on this cold winter morning. 2022-01-16 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642736475205-Z6LYYFTUQ7P528PXDRMN/RBD+%23215+Yellow-rumped+warbler+220115_DSC06898.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #215 Yellow-rumped warbler Yet another little brown bird, this one with yellow highlights so people can name it. 2022-01-15 Blue Mash Nature Trail, Gaithersburg, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642736026611-BHUKW5ZY7TR2SZSQ07Q4/RBD+%23211+Song+sparrow+220116_DSC06984.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #211 Song sparrow A little sparrow scurries across the ice nipping bits of duckweed that escaped the frozen lake. How does it run barefoot when my gloved fingers are numb with cold? A bit of latin rete mirabile hints at the answer: countercurrent heat exchangers. Waterfowl have a "miraculous network" of veins that wrap around the arteries, cooling the blood that goes to the feet and warming it as it returns. In cold weather the blood may be 4ºC going through the webbing. Passerine birds have a less developed system, with veins and arteries running in parallel, which apparently is enough for this song sparrow. 2022-01-16 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC06984] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642735934745-0FI24OX3Y2M7XEVW720H/RBD+%23210+Hoarfrost+220116_DSC06988.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #210 Hoar frost Not a feather, but another mystery of growth and development. These ice needles sprouted from blades of grass surrounding a little hollow on the path by the swamp. The temperature was about -8 C, which is a bit warm for ice needles[1] but maybe a bit of rot keeps things warm and moist so the needles can grow. 2022-01-16 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC06988,DSC06993] [1] http://www.snowcrystals.com/morphology/SnowflakeMorphology2.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642445732739-OOO0W8S44AA0P5PU7B7J/RBD+%23209+Cedar+waxwing+211226_IMG_9585.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #209 Cedar waxwing Another cedar waxwing (see #190), this one showing the yellow tips on the tail. National Geographic says, "Some birds (especially immatures) have an orange tail tip, a result of consuming non-native honeysuckle fruit during molt." Judging by photos on iNaturalist the orange tail tips are rare. If you look at the details at the end of the feather, the individual barbs change colour at just the right time so that the yellow tip cuts straight across. Here is a 6 min video on how feathers grow if you are curious. 2021-12-26 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [IMG_9585] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642442052510-VHIGS6JVMOK1G8PDY5P7/RBD+%23208+Blue+heron+211224_IMG_9400.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #208 Great blue heron This great blue heron decided that I was too close, so it flew to the other side of the pond, making our Christmas Eve walk a little more colourful. Alas, still no Reindeer-in-Flight (RIF) photos. 2021-12-24 Blue Mash Nature Trail, Gaithersburg, MD [IMG_9400] Note: this is another somewhat unusual pose, barely within the top 500 GBHe photos on Flickr (out of 450,000+) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642439947785-9UJ8J322ZKX56GS10MAH/RBD+%23207+Purple+martin+210620_DSC00317.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #207 Purple martin (Female) Yet another non-classic pose, a purple martin trims her tail flaps in preparation for landing. 2021-06-20 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC00317] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642439701217-REGLG0ABVBIXM5UYQ241/RBD+%23206+American+goldfinch+211124_DSC04093.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #206 American goldfinch Launching herself from her perch, an American goldfinch flew right toward me before disappearing into the woods. This is a photo from Washington Monument State Park, home of the original Washington Monument. I like the fanning of the tail. Not your classic BIF shot. Those are wings, not bat ears! 2021-11-24 Washington Monument State Park, Boonsboro, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642439565762-Z4RFD15B1PETIRSUJI6R/RBD+%23205+Red-shouldered+hawk+211129_DSC04489.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #205 Red-shouldered hawk Back to the BIF theme, here's a red-shouldered hawk taking flight from its perch. There's a pair of them that hang out at the local pond. Maybe this is the same one as #178 Red-shouldered hawk. 2021-11-29 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC04489] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642439280311-RN2MIY1E0T3U5ZRSKZLO/RBD+%23204+Birthday+cake+220110_DSC06735.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #204 Birthday cake Under the sea… Check out Elliot's twitter thread for details of his design and construction, plus many more pics! 2022-01-10 Bethesda, MD [DSC06735] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642439188119-H68WUEB3MXKJ5KZZVEF2/RBD+%23203+Canada+goose+211110_IMG_0196.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #203 Canada goose A goose taking off from the local pond. You can still see the drops of water coming off the feet from the run up to take-off. 2021-11-10 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1642436632167-4KF0JBLXBMXD8N8A1SRZ/RBD+%23202+Song+sparrow+211107_IMG_9914+copy.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #202 Song sparrow More fall colours: a song sparrow in front of a very blurry sumac thicket. This is the same setting as #159 Goldenrod sp. 2021-11-07 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [IMG_9914] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641677502127-3W80DM025DPA4O7SWYTR/RBD+%23201+Turkey+vulture+211113_IMG_0430.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #201 Turkey vulture Some autumn colours to remind us of Thanksgiving. 2021-11-13 Sugarloaf Mt, Poolesville, MD [IMG_0430] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641677473426-7D9LGHEWQOCP264QS5N1/RBD+%23200+Northern+pintail+211219_IMG_1301.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #200 Northern pintail (Male) This guy was one of several paddling through the muck, spending most of their time eating. The female is yet another non-descript brown dappled duck. 2021-12-19 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [IMG_1301] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641476290050-E7S1ZRTJBQQ219GYIA9P/RBD+%23199+Autumn+cherry+220103_DSC06415.jpg RBD 2022 01 - Red #199 Autumn cherry About ~15cm of snow fell on Monday hiding the cherry blossoms (Prunus × subhirtella) in a winter wonderland. 2022-01-03 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC06415] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641427534176-LPGTB1XILF2YM2XWW5TZ/RBD+%23198+European+starling+211230_IMG_97781.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #198 European starling No, not stop-motion photography. Just a whole lot of birds coming in to land at the same time. 2021-12-30 Outlook Farm, Westhampton, MA [IMG_9778] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641354953166-06RKAJ3NUL9FFBLAA6T1/RBD+%23197+Northern+cardinal+211230_IMG_9704.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #197 Northern cardinal (Male, Female) A fellow traveler with the chickadees and titmouses, these cardinals were enjoying some japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica). Although the seeds are pretty, the knotweed is one of the top 100 worst invasive species in the world.[1] Deep roots (3 m) adaptable to all soil types and a lot of seeds make this hard to eliminate. It can survive -35 C, so Massachusetts winters aren't going to touch it. 2021-12-30 Barrett St Marsh, Northampton, MA [IMG_9704] [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynoutria_japonica#Invasive_species https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641354747635-65A7Q97S2MHYW8RY4R33/RBD+%23196+Black-capped+chickadee+211230_IMG_9727.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #196 Black-capped chickadee A black-capped chickadee traveling with yesterday's titmouse. These are different from the carolina chickadee (#75), and can be distinguished by the "hockey stick" on the wing. They do not exist in Bethesda, being outcompeted by the carolinas. Girl chickadees prefer carolina to black-cap, so as soon as it is warm enough the black-caps disappear. Maybe they don't like hockey obsessed guys? 2021-12-30 Barrett St. Marsh, Northampton, MA [IMG_9727] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641354658439-SVQ07D3TX54T7UUABD0G/RBD+%23195+Tufted+titmouse+211230_IMG_9707.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #195 Tufted titmouse A tufted titmouse looking a bit surprised on a branch. The name is a compound from tit+mouse, meaning "little little".[1] This is a bit of a misnomer: they are larger than the chickadees they travel with. The plural is titmouses, not titmice, which makes me a little bit sad. [1] https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/titmouse 2021-12-30 Barrett St. Marsh, Northampton, MA [IMG_9707] PS, When looking up "Why is a titmouse called a titmouse?" a related question on that website was "Who is Robert Morris?". I couldn't find any association between Robert Morris and titmouses, either for the signer of the Declaration of Independence or the creator of the internet worm. I'm not including the website because it is unusable with javascript. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641354576307-WYETA7RL1GB8PXC2XQFO/RBD+%23194+Black+vulture+211228_DSC06078.jpg RBD 2022 01 - RBD #194 Black vulture Happy New Year! 2021-12-28 Wheaton Regional Park, Silver Spring, MD [DSC06078] https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2022-02 daily 0.75 2022-11-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/t/637876474ff4bb1fe4d7991b/1668830903680/ RBD 2022 02 Next https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/61f8cacb9ea1564a05b31865/6378563fba82ba208145c4e7/1668830903680/RBD+%23503+Indian+blanket+220913_DSC04530+copy.jpg RBD 2022 02 Next https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1646096860824-0H092YTJAO9IECZDCQ5E/RBD+%23251+Redhead+220227_DSC086581.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #251 Redhead (Male) On the subject of red-heads, here's a red-headed duck. 2022-02-27 Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD [DSC086581] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1646020280985-7230SC1AYJNX9YTIWU5G/RBD+%23250+Red-headed+woodpecker+220227_DSC08428.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #250 Red-headed woodpecker Not particularly rare, but it took a few trips to find. Populations were dropping rapidly and it was listed as "near threatened" until 2017. Deforestation and blight reduced their food sources (beechnut and chestnut), and cleaning out snags and dead trees removed nesting habitat. Populations stabilized, so it is now a species of "least concern". 2022-02-27 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC08428] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1645472109968-OMU9JGCPGHHYVHMMHLOW/RBD+%23249+Ruddy+duck+220220_IMG_1505.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #249 Ruddy duck Latin Oxyura jamaicenses for “sharp-tailed from Jamaica”, which you can see from his distinctive tail. Breeding males have reddish plumage (hence the English name) and a bright blue bill, which you might be able to see near PG or around the twin cities. Send pictures! 2022-02-20 Lake Artemesia, College Park, MD [IMG_1505] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1645472110110-5N4CUS1M314JPN1SENVA/RBD+%23248+American+coot+220220_IMG_1635.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #248 American coot No idea how old it is. 2022-02-20 Lake Artemesia, College Park, MD [IMG_1635] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1645472111547-FTOVK3ZWKFQQHGBMSO6J/RBD+%23247+Rainbow+trout+220220_IMG_1370.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #247 Rainbow trout A rainbow trout splashing in the water near the shore. Three of them were hanging out looking kind of dead, then flip and splash, apparently they are alive! 2022-02-20 Lake Artemesia, College Park, MD [IMG_1370] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1645472111530-5AX5KLXZMUDXXWSU5LBG/RBD+%23246+Hooded+merganser+220220_IMG_1293.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #246 Hooded merganser The ladies also sport the punk look, though in muted colours. 2022-02-20 Lake Artemesia, College Park, MD [IMG_1293] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1645472112836-FBYHYOAC5ZLT8YMBX6F0/RBD+%23245+Hooded+merganser+220220_IMG_1297.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #245 Hooded merganser Some hooded mergansers were hanging out near the gulls, dipping under from time to time in search of food. The hoods shift from flat, with a narrow strip of white, to more than vertical. These guys have theirs half raised. 2022-02-20 Lake Artemesia, College Park, MD [IMG_1297] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1645460220524-2478BNYWNO77FJ4ALI0Y/RBD+%23244+Ring-billed+gull+220220_IMG_1342.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #244 Ring-billed gull Even though yesterday's eagle was not yet a full adult (second or third year plumage), this flock of ring-billed gulls still took flight when it appeared high above. 2022-02-20 Lake Artemesia, College Park, MD [IMG_1342] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1645416614014-FWHD7HPH4OFEQGQ74YER/RBD+%23243+Bald+eagle+220220_IMG_16190.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #243 Bald eagle Not so iconic when they are young. Second and third years are motley brown. Even fourth years still have some brown feathers in their otherwise white head. It looks like some of the feathers are broken on the wing tips, but that is probably just bad preening. The primaries in this third season female show that the shaft is on one side of the feather, with very short barbs on the back side. 2022-02-20 Lake Artemesia, College Park, MD [IMG_16190] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1645298992924-UWY0CXD87M0EN4KSLE2H/RBD+%23242+Building+220122_IMG_9931.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #242 Building Playing with reflections. Like #164 and #165 but with a building on the shore of the Potomac. 2022-01-22 Theodore Roosevelt Is, Washington, DC [IMG_9931] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644940281120-C541MO30IIXOBHWWPS7M/RBD+%23241+Hydrangea+220212_IMG_1129.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #241 Hydrangea On a lovely Saturday with a temperature of 14 °C, the early flowers in full bloom, much of the garden remains in stasis. Spring is not quite here: On Sunday it is -4 °C and the snow is falling. The hydrangeas are wise to keep their winter coats. 2022-02-12 Brookside Gardens, Silver Spring, MD [IMG_1129] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644940281000-G96EZ9P2YZ5JM5M3A6TR/RBD+%23240+Paperbush+220212_IMG_1078.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #240 Oriental paperbush The oriental paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysanthia) is ready to blossom. Each bell will burst out into a ball of little white trumpet flowers. The name comes from the bark, which is made into mitsumata paper for arts and crafts. It's also pretty where it is, providing lovely winter contrast. 2022-02-12 Brookside Gardens, Silver Spring, MD [IMG_1078] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644940283780-6MH2OCP7B6TJQ7S6DIB0/RBD+%23239+Witchhazel+220212_IMG_1135.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #239 Witch hazel A witch hazel shrub (Hamamelis x intermedia 'Strawberries and Cream') announcing that it is time for spring. The name comes from Middle English wiche meaning "pliant', not wicche meaning "sorceress", though its use in dowsing rods encourages the confusion. 2022-02-12 Brookside Gardens, Silver Spring, MD [IMG_1135] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644940284450-BVFI4SHDHQJRA2DN772S/RBD+%23238+Honey+bee+220212_IMG_11061.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #238 Honey bee Yesterday the birds; today the bees. This honey bee (Apis mellifera) is tending to the newly opened winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis). 2022-02-12 Brookside Gardens, Silver Spring, MD [IMG_11061] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644940286075-V6F93P0EW7G2G818TEWN/RBD+%23237+Canada+goose+220210_IMG_1047.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #237 Canada goose Courtship ritual. The geese paired off in the pond, showing their love by sticking their necks out for their mates. 2022-02-10 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [IMG_1047] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644940287661-EXTLC5NOKAFAW20QD2Y8/RBD+%23236+Hairy+woodpecker+211231_DSC06333.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #236 Hairy woodpecker (Male) Another hairy woodpecker from Northampton (last one was #17). This guy has done a pretty thorough job stripping this tree! 2021-12-31 Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, Northampton, MA [DCS0633] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644673733556-VHYE7ZJ8S0OEMY44YGZK/RBD+%23235+Morning+glory+210803_DSC06816.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #235 Morning glory Ivy-leafed morning glory (Ipomoea hederacea) ?? 2021-08-03 Bethesda, MD [DSC06816] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644673733573-TDJZOK3C2O3FIHPQTEYQ/RBD+%23234+Rapids+220130_IMG_0487.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #234 Rapids Not entirely smooth sailing for the kayakers. 2022-01-30 Great Falls, Potomac, MD [IMG_0487] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644673736315-ELS1YXZZ9WF7EC6FTRHK/RBD+%23233+Corn+220206_DSC07788.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #233 Corn A few kernels stayed in the field after the harvest (Zea mays), showing a bit of contrast on this February morning. I don't know why the birds didn't find them. 2022-02-06 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC07788] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644673736305-T5FI0Q212E0WEU09V1NY/RBD+%23232+Monarch+210804_DSC06917.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #232 Monarch To balance winter's cold monochrome here is a splash of summer brightness. 2021-08-04 NIH Pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC06917] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644208020053-K70JQKLJAIIKH0OU3NFG/RBD+%23231+Snow+220129_IMG_0266.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #231 Snow Tiny snow drifts at Sandy Point Park from the same steady wind that kept the seagull aloft. 2022-01-29 Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis, MD [IMG_0266] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644208009339-4RLKD142DLOOECB1Y8ZP/RBD+%23230+Ring-billed+gull+220129_IMG_0203.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #230 Ring-billed gull A quick trip to the beach to visit the seagulls. This one was hovering in place in the wind, shortly after takeoff. You can still see water dripping from the beak. 2022-01-29 Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis, MD [IMG_0203] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644036816666-2K2GPXEUS4HOM4SX9KM9/RBD+%23229+Mallard+duck+220122_IMG_9830.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #229 Mallard duck (Male) Duck pose: lazy version. Sit on the ice and soak up some rays. 2022-01-22 Theodore Roosevelt Is, Washington, DC [IMG_9830] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1644036816853-MMSHWB8RMUBD70ZMS2SC/RBD+%23228+Mallard+duck+220122_IMG_9831.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #228 Mallard duck (Female) Winter event: duck pose. Stand barefoot on one leg in ice water and enjoy! 2022-01-22 Theodore Roosevelt Is, Washington, DC [IMG_9831] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643697352766-G8CR4BYOJXNZ10288YWP/RBD+%23227+Brown+creeper+220130_IMG_0620.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #227 Brown creeper This small bird flicks itself along the branches, systematically searching the tree for any bugs that might be there for the taking. 2022-01-30 Great Falls, Potomac, MD [IMG_0620] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643694851379-2KJVMQV4VT6NI0PQV05D/RBD+%23226+Eastern+bluebird+220130_IMG_0610.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #226 Eastern bluebird (Male) Another member of the flock. Unlike female bluebirds (#225) and juveniles (#52) the males show much more blue. 2022-01-30 Great Falls, Potomac, MD [IMG_0610] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643694851516-SOJC8CU1HIGI4ML5GO1L/RBD+%23225+Eastern+bluebird+220130_IMG_0606.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #225 Eastern bluebird (Female) A bluebird dining on juniper berries. Her perch is precarious. Some of her flock didn't land, instead hovering in place to grab the berries. 2022-01-30 Great Falls, Potomac, MD [IMG_0606] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643694852788-T8KZ2KPHZFO1H4GXO7HT/RBD+%23224+Rapids+220130_IMG_0503.jpg RBD 2022 02 - RBD #225 Rapids A kayak navigating the icy waters of Great Falls. 2022-01-30 Great Falls, Potomac, MD [IMG_0503] https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2022-03 daily 0.75 2022-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649044861216-7D8PPRPYIUPPYN6OJ504/RBD+%23282+Cherry+220325_DSC03894.JPG RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #282 Cherry ssp Cherry blossoms peaked a couple of weeks early this year, though we did get a few snowflakes the next day. 2022-03-25 Bethesda, MD [DSC03894] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649044861216-7D8PPRPYIUPPYN6OJ504/RBD+%23282+Cherry+220325_DSC03894.JPG RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #282 Cherry ssp Cherry blossoms peaked a couple of weeks early this year, though we did get a few snowflakes the next day. 2022-03-25 Bethesda, MD [DSC03894] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649044861023-RG22FQ60XMFJDJGDMZLT/RBD+%23281+Phainopepla+220307_DSC09464.JPG RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #281 Phainopeple (Female) I think she looks like a gray cardinal. Red eyes though. She must be a comic book villain. 2022-03-07 Oasis of Mara, Twentynine Palms, CA [DSC09464] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649044863791-XBDA9EZOCQDGJ3HALEKO/RBD+%23280+Bladderpod+spiderflower+220307_DSC09548.JPG RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #280 Bladderpod spiderflower Wikipedia says Peritoma arborea gives off a foul smell to discourage insects but this honeybee doesn't seem to mind. I didn't notice it walking by. 2022-03-07 Oasis of Mara, Twentynine Palms, CA [DSC09548] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649044864538-8OARGSL0TUIN229V32EC/RBD+%23279+Cowpen+daisy+220305_DSC08821.JPG RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #279 Cowpen daisy AKA golden crownbeard, Verbesina encelioides is native to the southwest. GoBotany claims they have been introduced to the northeast but iNat only shows one observation. I can't investigate further since my computer froze and won't reboot. 2022-03-05 Peck Road Water Conservation Park, Arcadia, CA [DSC08821] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648472561026-XE8I0VXFG8EPSMFV9KBA/RBD+%23278+Joshua+tree+220307_DSC098450.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #278 Joshua tree Playing with the late afternoon light. You can see the Joshua trees arrayed in the distance. The 5+ inches of rain every year is enough to support vegetation, though there is a lot of bare ground between the plants. 2022-03-07 Joshua Tree National Park, CA [DSC098450] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648472474884-I88LZS2AL4BTUUIUHPSD/image-asset.jpeg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #277 Joshua tree They also look good in silhouette. 2022-03-07 Joshua Tree National Park, CA [DSC09887] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648266603500-1K3A2M9EF1EJ12QG61YE/image-asset.jpeg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #276 Joshua tree Closeup of the Joshua tree flower. 2022-03-06 Joshua Tree National Park, CA [DSC09330] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648126594350-1IHKZ9MGCFO3LMD98B5Z/RBD+%23275+Joshua+tree+220306_DSC09331.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #275 Joshua tree The Joshua trees are flowering. This happens after a bit of rain and a bit of frost, so my timing was just right. The latin (Yucca brevifolia) makes it clear that this is an overgrown yucca; they branch when the flower falls off. About a quarter of the yucca species are tree-like, so not uncommon. Brevifolia means "small-leaved". 2022-03-06 Joshua Tree National Park, CA [DSC09331] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648126593616-6DBZURSDOQ3TOU99N7JN/RBD+%23274+Woolly+darkling+beetle+220308_DSC00596.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #274 Woolly darkling beetle A most excellent stinkbug from San Dimas, the woolly darkling beetle has more of a scrub brush than a mop top. Looking through Bug Guide there are species all over Coleoptera that have visible hair. This seems like a strange feature to suddenly appear, but there is an evolutionary path: According to Parks Canada, "Tiny hairs called “setae” on the outside of the exoskeleton help improve the beetle’s perception of touch and sound."[1] Expanding an existing structure so that it is visible is not so hard. Across the phylum, "Arthropods also have a wide range of chemical and mechanical sensors, mostly based on modifications of the many bristles known as setae that project through their cuticles."[2] If bees and spiders can be fuzzy, why not beetles? 2022-03-08 Frank G. Bonelli Park, San Dimas, CA [DSC0596] [1] https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/docs/v-g/dpp-mpb/sec2/dpp-mpb2c [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthropod https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009761144-NSY3BZKPNXU4OT494ER7/RBD+%23273+Ruddy+duck+220310_DSC01413.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #273 Ruddy duck (Male) A ruddy duck with his breeding plumage and his lovely blue beak. Compare with the eclipse plumage shown on the guy in #249. 2022-03-10 Oso Flaco Lake, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01413] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009761327-1BTVPPEZHP7VUSCJCV6P/RBD+%23272+Shining+sumac+220212_IMG_1163.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #272 Shining sumac Shining sumac (Rhus copallinum) showing bright colours in mid-February. 2022-02-12 Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD [IMG_1163] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009762488-9N5N1ZP46IH8BD4L6YFS/RBD+%23271+Wild+bergamont+210605_DSC08722.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #271 Wild bergamot A lovely purple wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) at the local pond last summer. 2021-06-05 NIH Pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC08722] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009762711-FUTCMY9O4EQXELUO5LKG/RBD+%23270+American+robin+210712_DSC04539.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #270 American robin (Juvenile) A young robin still showing motley colors. 2021-07-12 NIH, Bethesda, MD [DSC04539] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009764321-8QMOJW0AIPKIJX2LF3PC/RBD+%23269+Orange+mint+moth+210712_DSC04515.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #269 Orange mint moth Another obvious name, an orange mint moth (Pyrausta orphisalis) on calamint (Clinopodium nepeta). The generic name Pyrausta comes from a mythical insect-sized dragon that lives in fire. No idea about orphisalis. 2021-07-12 Bethesda, MD [DSC04515] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009764265-RJPPZ2NGLW160EW3XO6C/RBD+%23268+Pale+green+assassin+bug+210810_DSC07353.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #268 Pale green assassin bug When you are lying in wait on a leaf you want to wear green rather than black. I like the latin: Zelus luridus. Luridly zealous? Bonus: it's a volunteer biocontrol agent. 2021-08-10 Bethesda, MD [DSC07353] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009765842-JQE6RWF3M2VJAYHPESES/RBD+%23267+Broad-handed+leafcutter+210825_DSC08407.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #267 Broad-handed leafcutter Broad-handed leafcutter (Megachile latimanus) with sachem (Atalopedes campestris) on NY ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis). There are two dozen leafcutter bee species in Maryland, and I'm not certain I've got the right species label. Regardless, I do like the name. Wiktionary claims Megachile comes from Greek for "big lips". The common name (leafcutter) is because many of them line their burrows with bits of leaf which they cut from plants. 2021-08-25 Bethesda, MD [DSC08407] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009766053-H9UYXEE01G7TQ43YY6GL/RBD+%23266+Northern+cardinal+211106_IMG_9771.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #266 Northern cardinal Yes, I'm ready for my closeup. 2021-11-06 Bethesda, MD [IMG_9771] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009766617-8YEZJ6V4FZCXW0K0F37S/RBD+%23265+House+finch+211106_IMG_9851.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #265 House finch A convenient roost for looking your best and posing for the camera… and for checking that it is safe to approach the feeder! The fall colours provide a nice complement for your feathers. 2021-11-06 Bethesda, MD [IMG_9851] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009766979-3MHMRP22GI1BJDQLL3XN/RBD+%23264+House+sparrow+211107_IMG_9910.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #264 House sparrow (Male) Some house sparrows posing on a neighbourhood fence. 2021-11-07 Bethesda, MD [IMG_9910] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009767379-K0A7D9LMHEYK16UXS4DO/RBD+%23263+Double-crested+cormorant+210328_DSC09168.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #263 Double-crested cormorant You can see why they are called double-crested. 2021-03-28 Lake Needwood, Rockville, MD [DSC09168] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009768317-IVSPV212KG1NA0EREOPP/RBD+%23262+Red-shouldered+hawk+211124_DSC04179.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #262 Red-shouldered hawk 2021-11-24 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC04179] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009768681-1OE0BAXV6HLYO3J4GKVE/RBD+%23261+Broad-headed+sharpshooter+210629_DSC01884.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #261 Broad-headed sharpshooter A variety of leaf-hopper. This one a nymph, 2021-06-29 Bethesda, MD [DSC01884] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009769141-C05W6XSQK0NE7YC1GQ1Y/RBD+%23260+Margined+calligrapher+210622_DSC01024.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #260 Margined calligrapher Calligrapher flies are so named because their backs look like they were drawn in fancy script with a fountain pen. This one is "margined", with none of the black stripes going all the way to the bottom. 2021-06-22 Behesda, MD [DSC06024] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009769584-UXCCDGOYU2EQNDW7QSVO/RBD+%23259+Japanese+beetle+210815_DSC07809.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #259 Japanese beetle The Japanese beetle is introduced from Japan where it is a minor pest, but here they have no predators so populations can expand rapidly. Who knew that beetles have hair? That's what the white tufts are around the sides. 2021-08-15 Cabin John powerline, Bethesda, MD [DSC07809] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009770111-ERMMKXWORXPJA1E7KRH9/RBD+%23258+Cat+ice+220206_DSC07767.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #258 Cat ice Lots of things going on here. The thin cloudy sheet is called "cat ice". It's so thin it can't even hold a cat? Then there are the ribs underneath. Why are they growing down in the water, and only in some parts? On the surface there On the top we see crystal clear versions of the same thing. The ice surface is covered in fractal crystals like you see on a window pane on a really cold morning. Thawing and refreezing? 2022-02-06 McGee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [DSC07767] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009770669-DYQZE3LHVVM1WA9WQBRE/RBD+%23257+Birds-eye+speedwell+210309_DSC05180.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #257 Bird's-eye speedwell Same season, different year, an early spring flower pokes up through the lawn. It's a tiny little thing not much wider than a blade of grass, but no less pretty when you look closely. The latin Veronica persica hints that it is an introduced species, which has adapted well all over North America. 2021-03-09 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC05180] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648009771015-SCF57VYOEKI05L7BUQQR/RBD+%23256+Wild+indigo+dusky+wing+210815_DSC07761.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #256 Wild indigo duskywing One would hope from the name that it would be wild indigo but instead it is in a dusky wing that hangs out on wild indigo. But the hairy legs are pretty wild! 2021-08-15 Cabin John Powerline, Bethesda, MD [DSC07761] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1646278589777-R4YF7JFC500NJ4PDH07O/RBD+%23255+Crocus+220302_DSC08669.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #255 Crocus The crocuses are back! 2022-03-02 Bethesda, MD [DSC08669] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1646198486992-1618ZPH4DXYN16PLZKDV/RBD+%23254+Gold-crowned+kinglet+220227_DSC08637.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #254 Gold-crowned kinglet A tiny bird, she was systematically exploring every branch of the tree, up and down, up and down. It's catch-22. Either they are still and I can't spot them or they are moving and I can't shoot them. She (?) finally paused long enough for a click. 2022-02-27 Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD [DSC08637] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1646196064435-T1J7P5KS0I60C3PG5R5Y/RBD+%23253+Lesser+scaup+220227_DSC085460.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #253 Lesser scaup (Male) Duck soup: Toss in a pair of lesser scaup (black and white males) two pair of redhead, a pair of ruddy duck (spiky tails), and a pair of American widgeon. Include a large helping of aquatic weeds to keep them stirring. Let bake in the afternoon sun. 2022-02-27 Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD [DSC085460] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1646196056062-O5MVXCTI28E5WB1JOT2C/RBD+%23252+Redhead+220227_DSC08513.jpg RBD 2022 03 (282) - RBD #252 Redhead (Female) A redhead (not red) hanging out with the guys, a redhead (red) and a widgeon (green). 2022-02-27 Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD [DSC08513] https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2022-04 daily 0.75 2022-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1651324398353-CJYRBNX2O8PQR8H4GLV4/RBD+%23312+American+white+pelican+220312_DSC03027.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #312 American white pelican A sister species of the brown pelican (#311, #115) for another happy bird day. 2022-03-12 Watsonville State Wildlife Area, Watsonville, CA [DSC03027] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1651324398353-CJYRBNX2O8PQR8H4GLV4/RBD+%23312+American+white+pelican+220312_DSC03027.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #312 American white pelican A sister species of the brown pelican (#311, #115) for another happy bird day. 2022-03-12 Watsonville State Wildlife Area, Watsonville, CA [DSC03027] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1651282365904-UG0CEIHM0FVP3PO1OB1R/RBD+%23311+Brown+pelican+220309_DSC008100.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #311 Brown pelican A wonderful bird is the pelican, His bill will hold more than his belican, He can take in his beak Enough food for a week But I'm damned if I see how the helican! - Dixon Lanier Merrit (1910) Happy Bird Day! 2022-03-09 Leo Carrillio State Beach, Malibu, CA [DSC008100] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1651149884348-TMWAVDQ4R6NDOCKIKF45/RBD+%23310+Stellar%27s+jay+220313_DSC03353+copy.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #310 Stellar's jay A Stellar's jay enjoying the morning in the botanical gardens. There are two Cyanacitta species: Stellar's jay in the west, blue jays in the east, with some hybridization where they overlap. I tried to lookup how long ago they diverged, but as of 2004 there was not enough DNA data.[1] The paper does address a question from #181 and #186: The "Gray-headed" and "Oregon" junco species diverged 0 years ago. 2022-03-13 SF Botanical Gardens, San Francisco, CA [DSC03353] [1] Johnson, N.K. and Cicero, C., 2004. New mitochondrial DNA data affirm the importance of Pleistocene speciation in North American birds. Evolution, 58(5), pp.1122-1130. DOI: 10.1111/j.0014-3820.2004.tb00445.x https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1651084294111-XGTY3OW6G810IDTORNFR/RBD+%23309+California+scrub+jay+220309_DSC00766.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #309 California scrub jay Not so many blue jays in California, but lots of scrub jays. This one in a small orchard in the mountains. Curious fact: Scrub jays hold funeral rites for fallen brethren,[1] and avoid the area for a day thereafter. The display is similar to predator displays. Brain-to-mass ratio similar to primates and cetaceans. 2022-03-09 Malibu, CA [DSC00766] [1] Iglesias, T.L., McElreath, R. and Patricelli, G.L., 2012. Western scrub-jay funerals: cacophonous aggregations in response to dead conspecifics. Animal Behaviour, 84(5), pp.1103-1111. DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.08.007 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1651017576515-KVLFBUZ3MA8OQLADIZGO/RBD+%23308+Blue+jay+220411_DSC04469.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #308 Blue jay The blue jays like our native garden. 2022-04-11 Bethesda, MD [DSC04469] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650892699511-YG2I3VZ2ST3ZLJ0ZUHTZ/RBD+%23307+Acorn+woodpecker+220309_DSC00740.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #307 Acorn woodpecker (Female) In a city called "Thousand Oaks" you would figure she could find a tree with acorns. Instead she is on a palm tree looking for insects, or maybe trying to get sap to flow. 2022-03-09 Thousand Oaks, CA [DSC00740] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650855035278-IZ7MY9C2J0EQSXJAM41J/RBD+%23306+California+quail+220309_DSC00711.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #306 California quail (Male) California's state bird. 2022-03-09 Thousand Oaks, CA [DSC00711] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650746298366-PP4R8RKAVXITHQ1FDK03/RBD+%23305+Common+goldfield+220308_DSC00001.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #305 Common goldfield Aptly named, these tiny plants spread themselves over the landscape turning the field into gold. iNaturalist suggests Lasthenia gracilis, but L. californica is a possibility. 2022-03-08 Mission Creek Preserve, Desert Hot Springs, CA [DSC000001] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650647094071-OR6H79ABKO2FUZETPVTC/RBD+%23304+Beach+220310_DSC01639.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #304 Beach Happy Earth Day from Oso Flaco Beach. It's a bit of hike and we are just coming out of winter so there are few people to disturb the natural formations. Each of these tracks is anchored by a piece of giant kelp or similar at the head. Strong steady winds from the water every day push away the fine particles, leaving larger grains at the front of each dune. 2022-03-10 Oso Flaco Beach, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01639] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650546975914-B5JIHH9KLRITJQ75UC4Y/RBD+%23303+Black-tailed+jackrabbit+220307_DSC09765.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #303 Black-tailed jackrabbit Despite its ginormous ears this rabbit still hopped within a meter of me. I was screened by a bush but still it should have heard the camera clicking. 2022-03-07 Barker Dam, Joshua Tree National Park, CA [DSC09765] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650460731384-A4RMPCQKXCIC8Q9L4QNE/RBD+%23302+Engelmann%27s+hedgehog+cactus+220308_DSC09960.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #302 Engelmann's hedgehog cactus Peak bloom in April so I was a month early. 2022-03-08 Mission Creek Preserve, Desert Hot Springs, CA [DSC09960] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650374105402-AOXACFMB8UKPWGNVML6G/RBD+%23301+California+barrel+cactus+220307_DSC09539.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #301 California barrel cactus It's a desert. It has cacti. This one was planted in the garden at the Joshua Tree NP headquarters. 2022-03-07 Oasis of Mara, Twentynine Palms, CA [DSC09539] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650309726286-O76PQOC0JEIW7UCSI9QC/RBD+%23300+Desert+dry+wash+220306_DSC09285.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #300 Desert dry wash The desert dry wash is a specific biome with plants specialized for flooding. For example, seeds that don't sprout unless they get scraped up by sand and gravel. 2022-03-07 Lost Palms Oasis Trail, Joshua Tree NP, CA [DSC09285] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650248926311-MN82NOJ6OKC9NAO4D2WZ/image-asset.jpeg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #299 Verdin Even birds with bright colours are camouflaged in the right context. 2022-03-08 Mission Creek Preserve, Desert Hot Springs, CA [DSC00161] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650122670200-111ID8XDZKMI3VBJ12MD/RBD+%23298+Arroyo+willow+220308_DSC00296.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #298 Arroyo willow Sitting on the forest waiting for what might appear, I finally began to see what was already there (probably an arroyo willow, Salix lasiolepis). 2022-03-08 Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley, CA [DSC00296] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650026308640-ZHEGG330G1VE9XJ7B8YN/RBD+%23297+Common+side-blotched+lizard+220307_DSC09543.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #297 Common side-blotched lizard Lots of little lizards running around but I only see them when they move. The turquoise tiling on its back is very southwest. 2022-03-07 Oasis of Mara, Twentynine Palms, CA [DSC09543] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649991455460-E5DOOFPZ23F5QYIEE0BK/RBD+%23296+Black-throated+sparrow+220306_DSC09141.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #296 Black-throated sparrow Making a living in a desert environment searching the barren ground for food. A little whistle helps them pass the time, and lets me know to look for them. 2022-03-06 Lost Palms Oasis, Joshua Tree National Park, CA [DSC09141] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649905753986-DFDSDC3MDXZLBQ2M8JGJ/RBD+%23295+Ladder-backed+woodpecker+220307_DSC09618.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #295 Ladder-backed woodpecker (Female) Hanging out on a Joshua tree, her main source of food and shelter in this part of the park. Not much water about. She is probably like other desert birds, getting by on whatever water is in her diet. 2022-03-07 Joshua Tree National Park, CA [DSC09618] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649799714919-UMLAKTWCUV0UUNAVUTJ7/RBD+%23294+Creosote+bush+220306_DSC09306.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #294 Creosote bush ... because it smells like creosote, apparently. I didn't notice. The Latin name is Larrea tridentata. It's kind of a bully: it slows the growth of nearby plants so it can get more water. 2022-03-06 Joshua Tree National Park, CA [DSC09306] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650248846247-LT8S20HL9H3U8ZFV5XEP/RBD+%23299+Verdin+220308_DSC00161+copy.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649799714114-8N13W80X05MH09QN4Z0A/RBD+%23293+White-tailed+antelope+squirrel+220307_DSC09693.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #293 White-tailed antelope squirrel Excessive cuteness. 2022-03-07 Live Oak Picnic Area, Joshua Tree, CA [DSC09693] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649804616655-NJ4SDND24I3LDD0PNVTN/RBD+%23292+Red+stem+storksbill+220307_DSC09656.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #292 Redstem stork's-bill Mixing it up with some purple. Introduced in the 18th century this old world plant (Erodium cicutarium) really likes it in California. The seeds are interesting: they have a long tail which curls when it dries out. With the daily humidity cycle they drag themselves to across the ground and bury themselves in the soil. 2022-03-07 Joshua Tree National Park, CA [DSC09656] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649906850627-S4WIDEHX58032WYK3DT4/image-asset.jpg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #291 Desert marigold Some desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata). I like the dried stalks with the white heads.still standing tall. 2022-03-07 Oasis of Mara, Twentynine Palms, CA [DSC09538] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649391532630-3FAY0683RAD16ONOXD6U/image-asset.jpeg RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #290 California fan palm California fan palms at the Oasis of Mara in Twentynine Palms, CA. Unfortunately due to over-pumping there hasn't been surface water since the 1940s. Now they pump water into the oasis to keep the trees alive. 2022-03-07 Oasis of Mara, Twentynine Palms, CA [DSC09370] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649045346136-HUKKD88EJNVD5TKO683M/RBD+%23289+Firecracker+penstemon+220307_DSC09554.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #289 Firecracker penstemon More hummingbird food! This time it's a firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii). We have foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) in Maryland, but it is far less colourful. 2022-03-07 Oasis of Mara, Twentynine Palms, CA [DSC09554] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649045345726-KVQUZHS2D00Z4ALQZ4AQ/RBD+%23288+Annas+hummingbird+220308_DSC00433.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #288 Anna's hummingbird (Female) Even though she lacks a gorget this Anna still shows a bit of colour on her throat. It feels like cheating using the bird feeder. They just sit there waiting to be shot! No flitting from flower to flower and bush to bush. 2022-03-08 Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley, CA [DSC00433] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649045347038-T4CR2PA8U6QEKSYYUSMO/RBD+%23287+Annas+hummingbird+220308_DSC00125.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #287 Anna's hummingbird (Male) This Anna is showing his gorget colors while sipping on a bladderpod spiderflower (Peritoma arborea). 2022-03-08 Mission Creek Preserve, Desert Hot Springs, CA [DSC00125] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649045352427-T1HNDQP33K7BDOP8UYPJ/RBD+%23286+Costas+hummingbird+220307_DSC09534.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #286 Costa's hummingbird (Male) A Costa's hummingbird to go with the hummingbird bush. Unfortunately his gorget looks black rather than an iridescent purple when the light catches it just right. Instead there is tail length to distinguish him from Anna's hummingbirds. 2022-03-07 Oasis of Mara, Twentynine Palms, CA [DSC09534] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649045348496-9KBXSTQXFINR79WSGUPS/RBD+%23285+Chuparosa+220307_DSC09526.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #285 Chapurosa Chuparosa (Justicia californica) is Spanish slang for "hummingbird". Long tubes for long beaks. 2022-03-07 Oasis of Mara, Twentynine Palms, CA [DSC09526] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649045349641-6N9XJDA0N1DSPPVJ3GNR/RBD+%23284+Cactus+wren+220307_DSC09500.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #284 Cactus wren A desert bird flitting through the brush. 2022-03-07 Oasis of Mara, Twentynine Palms, CA [DSC09500] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1649045350646-IR21CAT7Z4CI0S54250I/RBD+%23283+Phainopepla+220307_DSC09485.JPG RBD 2022 04 (312) - RBD #283 Phainopepla (Male) They also come in black. 2022-03-07 Oasis of Mara, Twentynine Palms, CA [DSC09485] https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2022-05 daily 0.75 2022-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654028728347-WSIOO9WV3MIZ6NCT88TK/RBD+%23343+Strawberry+anemone+220311_DSC02397.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #343 Strawberry anemone Another Corynactis californica, this one strawberry icecream rather than orange sorbet. Colour is variable (lavender, pink, red, orange) and cameras lie, especially with low light photos through water in undersea exhibits, so I set the tips of the tentacles to white and adjusted the brightness to taste. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02397] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654028728347-WSIOO9WV3MIZ6NCT88TK/RBD+%23343+Strawberry+anemone+220311_DSC02397.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #343 Strawberry anemone Another Corynactis californica, this one strawberry icecream rather than orange sorbet. Colour is variable (lavender, pink, red, orange) and cameras lie, especially with low light photos through water in undersea exhibits, so I set the tips of the tentacles to white and adjusted the brightness to taste. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02397] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1653977953947-IZSIA8AEMTNN8YKJX9PE/RBD+%23342+Strawberry+coral+220311_DSC02363.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #342 Strawberry anemone Reflections on Corynactis californica. Despite its name it is a Corallimorph, having more in common with stony corals than with sea anemones. It glows under UV light forming a ring pattern inviting unsuspecting prey in for dinner.[1] In the deep where the sun doesn't shine this kind of display is all there is to see. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02363] [1] Schnitzler, et al. (2008). Spectral diversity of fluorescent proteins from the anthozoan Corynactis californica. Marine Biotechnology, 10(3), pp.328-342. DOI: 10.1007/s10126-007-9072-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1653837948859-IYQWUIEMA0TIADUGVLF9/RBD+%23341+Pacific+sardine+220311_DSC02319.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #341 Pacific sardine Like sardines in a cannery.* I don't know what sleep looks like when you are constantly swimming against the current. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02319] * The Hovden Cannery closed in 1973 when the sardine populations collapsed. It was converted to the Monterey Bay Aquarium a decade later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1653759769009-XUNNGXIS3JJ3NEIRNMQF/RBD+%23340+Spot+prawn+220311_DSC02316.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #340 Spot prawn Standing on a crust of coralline algae dotted with orange cup anemone, this spot prawn surveys his/her domain. Curiously, most start life as "he", spawn once around age 3, then spend their remaining 4-8 years as "she" (protandric hermaphrodites). 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02316] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1653688080170-PAWVQ6ZBFAK53G82JAR4/RBD+%23339+Vermillion+rockfish+220311_DSC02281.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #339 Vermillion rockfish Another rockfish, this one hanging out with a fish-eating anemone (?) and an abalone. Not to worry: it eats small fish. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02281] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1653627054857-MTEW2WW87FOQKW12MCD3/RBD+%23338+Black+rockfish+220311_DSC02260.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #338 Black rockfish One of 50+ species of rockfish in California, this one is hanging out at the bottom of the kelp forest with a black surfperch in the background. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02260] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1653528693066-GKX6PEPUWGHG1UQEF59J/RBD+%23337+Bigfin+reef+squid+220311_DSC02488.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #337 Bigfin reef squid Another cephalopod, this one displaying a dazzling array of patterns on its mantle. Muscles control the opening and closing of individual colour patches giving them a pixel canvas. Of course, give a guy a pencil and he will draw a penis. Called "accentuated gonads", the squid will adjust its colour until its sex organs appears bright white on its mantle indicating interest in sex. Depending on species, a female might draw fake male bits to dissuade unwanted male attention, or a male might draw female bits to cause a rival male to waste sperm. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02488] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1653396980967-WBPPF0XW1TLJZVSDMRD5/RBD+%23336+Giant+Pacific+octopus+220311_DSC02300.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #336 Giant Pacific octopus The octopus was quite active when we were there zooming around the tank exploring all the corners. Still no way out… The female is semalparous, mating once, laying hundreds of thousands of eggs then watching over them without leaving until she starves to death a few months later. Males survive 3-5 years in the wild, breeding over several seasons (iteroparous). 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02300] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1653393370765-612MO2PW2FDSVUC5CTP9/RBD+%23335+Lion%27s+mane+nudibranch+220311_DSC02373.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #335 Lion's mane nudibranch Mostly stomach, they sift through the water with their tentacles and bring food to their mouth to swallow whole. They are both male and female at the same time (simultaneous hermaphrodites). With 30,000 eggs per batch you would hope that we might find at least one of them in a pool at low tide but we didn't see any. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02373] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1653229703210-GYMONCWC3DP9E5C09QMM/RBD+%23334+Sunset+IMG_20220521_195828391.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #334 Sunset Setting over Manhattan from Brooklyn, bye-bye sun! 2022-05-21 Brooklyn, New York [20220521_195828391] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1653114105919-OJAT29LE11ZIJZJI49QN/RBD+%23333+Blue+and+white+daisybush+220310_DSC01905.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #333 Blue and white daisybush Some more white, these Dimorphotheca ecklonis(?) flowers are naturalized citizens of California. Their South African homeland has a similar climate, so the move is easy. 2022-03-10 Spyglass Beach, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01905] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652933601362-P00QCLPXEWCHPEXC10WA/image-asset.jpeg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #332 Coralline algae And some natural lack of colour: coral bleached by the sun. The calcified deposits are joined by bendy bits allowing it to anchor near the shore and dance in the waves. A clearly beneficial adaptation, if you don't have a rock to cling to then build your own! These structures evolved independently at least three times. 2022-03-10 Spyglass Beach, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01737] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652931075489-79OS6YJGBRQCDVUW256H/RBD+%23331+Graffiti+220310_DSC01898.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #331 Graffiti More colour at Spyglass Beach, this time man-made rather than natural. Though it's not clear that modern Bougainvillea counts as natural… 2022-03-10 Spyglass Beach, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01898] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652878487200-FC6NCZ3JY2AAU8QU6CO1/RBD+%23330+Black+phoebe+220310_DSC01697.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #330 Black phoebe Sitting on a bougainvillea this black phoebe is enjoying the afternoon sun. Given how urban they are (#5 in California iNaturalist observations of birds) I would think that it was hanging around waiting for bits of my sandwich but they are insectivores. Maybe that's why there are no flies and wasps hanging around the picnic tables? 2022-03-10 Spyglass Park, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01697] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652819127671-O6BVVFQ075HYMOZVUOFR/RBD+%23329+Green-winged+teal+220310_DSC01676.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #329 Green-winged teal Although he doesn't show it, there is a patch of green on his wings that is visible when he flies. 2022-03-10 Oso Flaco Lake, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01676] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652707819629-V0YOC0BY7K8FM5JFX0I3/RBD+%23328+Bermuda+buttercup+220310_DSC01495.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #328 Bermuda buttercup This pretty weed from South Africa (Oxalis pes-caprae) found a lovely home in California. First introduced in the 1960s, it spreads slowly underground but is hard to eradicate. Now it is the most common wood sorrel reported on iNaturalist. 2022-03-10 Oso Flaco Lake, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01495] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652622891044-JEU9BJB66K9UOP67TWTI/RBD+%23327+Pied-billed+grebe+220310_DSC01405.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #327 Pied-billed grebe Showing off its pied bill. Interesting behaviours: they can adjust buoyancy, lowering their body so only their eyes and beaks are above the water; they hold their chicks under their wings when they dive; they build floating nests. 2022-03-10 Oso Flaco Lake, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01405] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652547576483-FK2AMTPPKJX5Q87KISTU/RBD+%23326+Canada+goose+220310_DSC01281.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #326 Canada goose Some geese taking off over the marsh on a misty morning. I hope they don't hurt themselves when they crash into the frame. 2022-03-10 Pismo Marsh, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01281] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652462488986-IIDIO0EZ90SC69XQ64XN/RBD+%23325+Bushtit+220314_DSC03681+copy.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #325 Bushtit (Male) Another willow, another bushtit, this one showing off his coal black eyes. 2022-03-14 Mountain Lake Park, San Francisco, CA [DSC03681] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652379918935-KEX8IV995QENASLDGT9M/RBD+%23324+Bushtit+220310_DSC01310.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #324 Bushtit (Female) Bushtit in pussy willow, her sex shown by her pale golden eyes. 2022-03-10 Pismo Marsh, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01310] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652274889595-O6QOHVAE0VG2ZS7WZMQF/RBD+%23323+Black+phoebe+220309_DSC01086.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #323 Black phoebe The meadows above the beach provide plenty of insects for the phoebe to scoop out of the air. 2022-03-09 Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA [DSC01086] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652184454121-B0XPO67FSFIUV829I569/RBD+%23322+California+sea+lion+220309_DSC01045.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #322 California sea lion See sea lion lyin' in the sun. 2022-03-09 Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA [DSC01045] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652114926447-5TKJ02P1IEEUWK1JVF6K/RBD+%23321+Ochre+sea+star+220309_DSC00979.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #321 Ochre sea star The star of this tide pool, bedecked in orange with white bead highlights. They vary in colour from red to purple. This is a keystone species. Without them the intertidal zone will become overrun with mussels. 2022-03-09 Leo Carrillo Beach, Malibu, CA [DSC00979] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652065730671-8O0Z3B2EF70B1HBJYXFA/RBD+%23320+California+spiny+chiton+220309_DSC00983.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #320 California spiny chiton In this tide pool garden a couple of herbivores graze on the green algae under the waving coralline algae fronds. The California spiny chiton in front is a mollusc of class Polyplacophora meaning multi-plate bearing. The volcano keyhole limpet (Fissurella volcano) behind is a mollusc of class Gastropoda meaning stomach foot. 2022-03-09 Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA [DSC00983] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1651949998018-9XN5AI9ACQ3IRZCT17B8/RBD+%23319+Coralline+algae+220309_DSC00985.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #319 Coralline algae A form of red alga, it grows hard shell plates with bendy bits between so that it can undulate in the waves. 2022-03-09 Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA [DSC00985] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1651846016913-Q81UN12230F24L6Y3EAL/RBD+%23318+Western+gull+220310_DSC01843.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #318 Western gull This crab wasn’t fast enough. 2022-03-10 Spyglass Beach, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01843] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652275262586-2WCAPIW5167NDFGF2MGL/RBD+%23317+Striped+shore+crab+220309_DSC00959+copy.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #317 Striped shore crab Another tide-pool denizen, this one a little faster moving. Good thing, too, since it has to scuttle into cracks and crevices when danger lurks above. 2022-03-09 Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA [DSC00959] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1651714783813-5GUB9VI3MMV6GLOZNN01/RBD+%23316+Sunburst+anemone+220309_DSC00874.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #316 Sunburst anemone One of the creatures from the tide pools of California, this anemone was happy to perform, pulling its tentacles to its mouth when anything touched them. The green comes from symbiotic algae which provide oxygen in exchange for food. It's a harsh environment, going from cool water to a small sun-drenched pool, possibly drying out before the waves from the next tide come crashing down. 2022-03-09 Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA [DSC008718] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1651634395064-6WN8DV34F4Q267H61MC6/RBD+%23315+Song+sparrow+210323_DSC08297+copy.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #315 Song sparrow A song sparrow keeping warm on a cool morning (9 C according to historic data at worldweatheronline.com). 2021-03-23 Bethesda, MD [DSC08297] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1651454161631-9WA7VM7793KHK42EA47W/RBD+%23313+Bewick%27s+wren+220308_DSC00399.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #313 Bewick's wren Like any good alarm system, wrens are loud and sensitive to any intruders. Follow the noise and you may find a bird of prey or other interesting threat (but not this time). 2022-03-08 Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1651537000579-HM7Q8TT5WRRIVGLQHPGQ/RBD+%23314+House+wren+220424_DSC05206.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #314 House wren Another common wren, this one wearing "Northern" garb. There are a couple of dozen southern varieties, many named for Caribbean islands. I guess they don't travel much. They aren't as loud as the Carolina wren, the bird that screams in your window every morning telling you to get up, but still a lot of volume from a little bird. 2022-04-24 McKee-Beshers WMA, Potomac, MD [DSC05206] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1651845982912-K5DSSH6GOFDT2LVKG3XA/RBD+%23318+Western+gull+220310_DSC01843.jpg RBD 2022 05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652065505608-X2M4ZZZYB13PD4P96QRP/RBD%2B%2523320%2BCalifornia%2Bspiny%2Bchiton%2B220309_DSC00983.jpg RBD 2022 05 - RBD #320 California spiny chiton In this tide pool garden a couple of herbivores graze on the green algae under the waving coralline algae fronds. The california spiny chiton in front is a mollusc of class Polyplacophora meaning multi-plate bearing. The volcano keyhole limpet (Fissurella volcano) behind is a mollusc of class Gastropoda meaning stomach foot. 2022-03-09 Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA [DSC00983] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652379790530-VWKXD77XX1KZT2FGWLSE/RBD+%23324+Bushtit+220310_DSC01310.jpg RBD 2022 05 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/the-best-cardinals daily 0.75 2022-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620791704576-5VPFF2ARL9VC7008EQZ1/CotD+%23160.jpg The Best Cardinals - CotD #160 May 11, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620791704576-5VPFF2ARL9VC7008EQZ1/CotD+%23160.jpg The Best Cardinals - CotD #160 May 11, 2021 (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618452819155-NNPELH20T1QN0EAHVXJT/CotD+%23133.jpg The Best Cardinals - CotD #133 April 14, 2021 (Copy) Bath time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617594569292-DI3MJFUZXYRV0SO8ONO9/CotD+%23123.jpg The Best Cardinals - CotD #123 (Copy) Singing amongst the blossoms (crab apples maybe?). Only boys today. I tried to track down some nests but no luck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617068107039-K68BSJ6RSFBYQZ9ZZFFZ/CotD+%23117.jpg The Best Cardinals - CotD #117 March 29, 2021 (Copy) The girls were making themselves scarce while the boys were busy fighting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616194582922-41MT1N6QBKPK9I34I4ME/CotD+%23107.jpg The Best Cardinals - CotD #107 March 19, 2021 (Copy) Looking très à la mode with wavy mohawk and goatee, he was singing into the winds as the tree swayed around him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616118062025-HBT3Y4FSB9E3DMEOGZD7/CotD+%23106.jpg The Best Cardinals - CotD #106 March 18, 2021 (Copy) Cleaning up after the rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612720624749-ZX56LSWMXR0U3IU9LFCC/CotD+%2367.jpg The Best Cardinals - CotD #67 Fenruary 7, 2020 (Copy) Waiting out the snow with friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614179272657-RIK0FGBTIKL6CUEFQZB1/CotD+%2384.jpg The Best Cardinals - CotD #84 February 24, 2021 (Copy) A lot of "crest down" today. I'm not convinced by the web pages that say "crest up = aggression" and "crest down = relaxed". Based on what I've seen there is no rhyme nor reason. There's a lot of "birds and bees" happening: some mourning doves exchanging food, a starling courtship display, a pair of cardinals flitting through the trees. Maybe related to the crest down? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913259231-F9IB51028SJ865G3LU6N/CotD+%2311.jpg The Best Cardinals - CotD #11 December 8, 2020 (Copy) All the leaves are gone. No more flowers and bugs to photograph. But now we can see the birds! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913214994-NP48IBXM19Y9WZ61IGSZ/CotD+%2315.jpg The Best Cardinals - CotD #15 December 16, 2020 (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610912678485-OLURYQRIQ7BSB94H7C0Q/CotD+%239.jpg The Best Cardinals - CotD #9 November 7, 2020 (Copy) https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/the-best-rbd daily 0.75 2022-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640498684588-P2PWXOTQY62SNX5AVUBK/RBD+%2321+Barn+swallow+210621.jpg The Best RBD - RBD #21 Barn swallow A barn swallow banking into a curve. They spend the morning and evening swooping over the fields snatching up insects. They are fast moving but they are circling the field, so even after the 15th lap I still get another try. Three hundred photos later I hope there is at least one in focus! Probably female since she has pale underparts, but not definitive. 2021-06-21 NIH field, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640498684588-P2PWXOTQY62SNX5AVUBK/RBD+%2321+Barn+swallow+210621.jpg The Best RBD - RBD #21 Barn swallow (Copy) A barn swallow banking into a curve. They spend the morning and evening swooping over the fields snatching up insects. They are fast moving but they are circling the field, so even after the 15th lap I still get another try. Three hundred photos later I hope there is at least one in focus! Probably female since she has pale underparts, but not definitive. 2021-06-21 NIH field, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640551316383-ZPTMM8VPQLGVZXPV2DB6/RBD+%2342+Great+egret+210711_DSC04070.jpg The Best RBD - RBD #42 Great egret (Copy) Lots of egrets at the marsh on Sunday, this one doing a little fishing. 2021-07-11 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [DSC04070] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553250763-D03GI52HG7VSEM1AR6OT/RBD+%2370+White-breasted+nuthatch+210310_DSC05302.jpg The Best RBD - RBD #70 White-breasted nuthatch (Copy) A white-breasted nuthatch out house hunting this spring, checking out a large knothole in a local tree. She decided not to take it---too much foot traffic nearby. 2021-08-03 NIH field, Bethesda, MD [DSC06863] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562678975-EU6HJBYPW36ZVDS1O1IB/RBD+%23105+Summer+azure+210905_DSC09940.jpg The Best RBD - RBD #105 Summer azure (Copy) Here's a summer azure, like the eastern tailed-blue (#85, #86, #93), but with no tail. Again, the wing tops are bluish to grayish depending on sex. We didn't have the patience to get a picture on this walk. 2021-09-05 Dyke Marsh, Alexandria, VA [DSC09940] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571569465-YAOY6BAAO4OQCPNKTTZN/RBD+%23137+Great+spangled+fritillary+210925_IMG_8097.jpg The Best RBD - RBD #137 Great spangled fritillary (Female) (Copy) A great spangled fritillary on thistle, along with a cucumber beetle and a crab spider. It looks like she* took a fair amount of damage in her 4–6 weeks of life, maybe wind and hail, maybe thorns, maybe the occasional nip from an almost lucky bird. She still seems to fly just fine, so hopefully all is well. I can't ID the crab spider below the family level without a good view of the eyes. * Or "he". Females are "larger and darker" according to wikipedia. Thanks, guys… that really helps when I've just got the one. This one may be a little darker than others I see on Bug Guide. 2021-09-25 Patuxent Research Refuge, Greenbelt, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574862083-UOQWGL6QWU0OQNYFFF70/RBD+%23164+American+sycamore+211107_IMG_0019.jpg The Best RBD - RBD #164 American sycamore (Copy) The crown of the sycamore reflected off the water of the canal. There was a light breeze tickling the surface giving rise to fine ripples. No need to twiddle anything in post. Branches. Yes, that's it: It is a photo of branches. 2021-11-07 C&O Canal, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641354444325-474TQVNWDOQG3XR9FQO4/RBD+%23193+Yellow+warbler+210601_DSC08052.jpg The Best RBD - RBD #193 Yellow warbler (Copy) According to tradition, a kiss at the ringing in of the new year ensures affections for the coming year. From the internets, this is an ancient tradition adapted from the festival of Saturn. Methinks cause and effect are reversed in this instance, but who am I to argue with a Roman god. 2021-06-01 Barrett St Marsh, Northampton, MA [DSC08052] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641354953166-06RKAJ3NUL9FFBLAA6T1/RBD+%23197+Northern+cardinal+211230_IMG_9704.jpg The Best RBD - RBD #197 Northern cardinal (Male, Female) (Copy) A fellow traveler with the chickadees and titmouses, these cardinals were enjoying some japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica). Although the seeds are pretty, the knotweed is one of the top 100 worst invasive species in the world.[1] Deep roots (3 m) adaptable to all soil types and a lot of seeds make this hard to eliminate. It can survive -35 C, so Massachusetts winters aren't going to touch it. 2021-12-30 Barrett St Marsh, Northampton, MA [IMG_9704] [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynoutria_japonica#Invasive_species https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643694851379-2KJVMQV4VT6NI0PQV05D/RBD+%23226+Eastern+bluebird+220130_IMG_0610.jpg The Best RBD - RBD #226 Eastern bluebird (Male) (Copy) Another member of the flock. Unlike female bluebirds (#225) and juveniles (#52) the males show much more blue. 2022-01-30 Great Falls, Potomac, MD [IMG_0610] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648472474884-I88LZS2AL4BTUUIUHPSD/image-asset.jpeg The Best RBD - RBD #277 Joshua tree (Copy) They also look good in silhouette. 2022-03-07 Joshua Tree National Park, CA [DSC09887] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650309726286-O76PQOC0JEIW7UCSI9QC/RBD+%23300+Desert+dry+wash+220306_DSC09285.jpg The Best RBD - RBD #300 Desert dry wash (Copy) The desert dry wash is a specific biome with plants specialized for flooding. For example, seeds that don't sprout unless they get scraped up by sand and gravel. 2022-03-07 Lost Palms Oasis Trail, Joshua Tree NP, CA [DSC09285] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652275262586-2WCAPIW5167NDFGF2MGL/RBD+%23317+Striped+shore+crab+220309_DSC00959+copy.jpg The Best RBD - RBD #317 Striped shore crab (Copy) Another tide-pool denizen, this one a little faster moving. Good thing, too, since it has to scuttle into cracks and crevices when danger lurks above. 2022-03-09 Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA [DSC00959] https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2022-06 daily 0.75 2022-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656560129657-ES210THZGGYEZ11S914F/RBD+%23373+Red-flowering+currant+220313_DSC03287.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #373 Red-flowering currant A pretty useful plant, Ribes sanguineum provides berries to eat and baskets to carry them. Extract from the branches have antibiotic properties. Controlled burns were used to clear out pests and encroaching trees. After a fire new shoots grow back as straight as arrows providing a living armoury. 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03287] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656560129657-ES210THZGGYEZ11S914F/RBD+%23373+Red-flowering+currant+220313_DSC03287.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #373 Red-flowering currant A pretty useful plant, Ribes sanguineum provides berries to eat and baskets to carry them. Extract from the branches have antibiotic properties. Controlled burns were used to clear out pests and encroaching trees. After a fire new shoots grow back as straight as arrows providing a living armoury. 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03287] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656469246796-F4788VAZ8DBVGWRXF2OT/RBD+%23372+California+poppy+220313_DSC03282.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #372 California poppy Relax and enjoy the golden state flower. Eschscholzia californica has sedative effects (100 mg/kg in mice).[1] 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03282] [1] Rolland, Alain, et al. "Behavioural effects of the American traditional plant Eschscholzia californica: sedative and anxiolytic properties." Planta medica 57.03 (1991): 212-216. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656419456378-MBD5DXC6BB3UFWWM3RLZ/RBD+%23371+Pacific+houndstongue+220312_DSC03181.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #371 Pacific hound's tongue A long lived deer resistance, dry shade, low/no water, clay soil plant: I have some good spots for it. Too bad Adelinia grande is native to the Pacific northwest, not the east coast. Roots used to treat burns and stomach ache. 2022-03-12 Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Santa Cruz Co., CA [DSC03181] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656302301738-2C54BJ8FZBQC9BCO2A3M/RBD+%23370+Common+sow-thistle+220312_DSC03161.jpg RBD 2022 06 The epithet Sonchus oleraceus is Greek for hollow-stemmed kitchen vegetable, though given its purported uses (an abortifacient, a cure for opium addiction, a narcotic, etc.)[1] I would be hesitant to try it. Herbal remedies to induce menses are common, with American history and tradition using pennyroyal, rue, tansy and cotton root. 2022-03-12 Big Basin Redwoods SP, Santa Cruz County, CA [DSC03161] [1] Jimoh, Florence O., Adeolu A. Adedapo, and Anthony J. Afolayan. "Comparison of the nutritive value, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Sonchus asper and Sonchus oleraceus." Records of Natural Products 5.1 (2011): 29-42. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656271233708-NRSFYSICLALSAYTWWYZE/RBD+%23369+Redwood+sorrel+220312_DSC03114.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #369 Redwood sorrel A deep shade plant, Oxalis oregana needs to be very good at capturing sunlight. But that means when the sun slips between the trees and shines directly down they scorch. To protect themselves they close up their leaves when they get too much sun, repairing whatever damage happens before they close.[1] 2022-03-12 Big Basin Redwoods SP, Santa Cruz County, CA [DSC03114] [1] Raven, J. A. "Flight or flight: the economics of repair and avoidance of photoinhibition of photosynthesis." Functional Ecology (1989): 5-19. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656175720528-XQ8O53MFL5YVFPGG7VSO/RBD+%23368+Aircraft+220312_DSC03050.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #368 Aircraft One of several groups of aircraft flying formation that morning. iNaturalist was unable to identify the species. 2022-03-12 Watsonville, CA [DSC03050] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656126627317-WXBPJBNN6PCS2QEJMQL0/RBD+%23367+Northern+flicker+220312_DSC02858.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #367 Northern flicker (Red-shafted female) A flicker in the golden light of dawn. Both parents participate equally in brooding and provisioning,[1] though the guys do better as single parents.[2] This gives the gals some freedom, with one polyandrous female maintaining two nests 1/2 km apart.[3] 2022-03-12 Watsonville State Wildlife Area, Watsonville, CA [DSC02854] [1] Wiebe K.L. & C.L. Elchuk 2003. Correlates of parental care in Northern Flickers Colaptes auratus: do the sexes contribute equally while provisioning young? Ardea 91(1): 91-101. [2] Wiebe, K.L. Asymmetric costs favor female desertion in the facultatively polyandrous northern flicker (Colaptes auratus): a removal experiment. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 57, 429–437 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-004-0878-2 [3] Wiebe, Karen L. "First reported case of classical polyandry in a North American woodpecker, the northern flicker." The Wilson Bulletin 114.3 (2002): 401-403. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4164475 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1655989782112-OYO1GHZRDBUE5SZD66YP/RBD+%23366+Spotted+towhee+220312_DSC02854.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #366 Spotted towhee What to do with the leftover food on the toddler's plate? Feed it to daddy! Some parents are more extreme: Fecal-Sac Ingestion by Spotted Towhees.[1] The claim is that eating the bits the chicks don't digest offers up some extra calories. Females at twice the rate of males because of course they are doing more of the work. I guess that beats starving. 2022-03-12 Watsonville State Wildlife Area, Watsonville, CA [DSC02854] [1] McKay, Jenny E., et al. The Condor 111.3 (2009): 503-510. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1655926230914-PV8FSCK6XP6FHLT6N6LP/RBD+%23365+Sunset+220311_DSC02785.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #365 Sunset Sunset over the Pacific. No green flash. 2022-03-11 Point Pinos, Pacific Grove, CA [DSC02785] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1655843672192-C3P4CQYD1RS5IRAL4HUH/RBD+%23364+Black+turnstone+220311_DSC02720.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #364 Black turnstone Another turnstone, this one on a stone much too big to turn. Regarding stone turning, an adult jelly is called a medusa after the Greek woman with venomous snakes for hair that turned people to stone. Appropriate for an animal with tentacles around its mouth that paralyzes fish. 2022-03-11 Point Pinos, Pacifc Grove, CA [DSC 02720] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1655761000999-5XFA0X74EITARGLQJN7Z/RBD+%23363+Crystal+jelly+220311_DSC02645.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #363 Crystal jelly Although mostly transparent, the tank lighting highlights the structure of this jelly. They are famous for the production of luminescence and green fluorescence proteins[1] which were used extensively in the 1960s to help understand cell biology. They only glow when they bump into things. You can see it if you pick one up and shake it gently on a dark summer night. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02645] [1] Mills, C.E. 1999-present. Bioluminescence of Aequorea, a hydromedusa. http://faculty.washington.edu/cemills/Aequorea.html https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1655675496111-AJV2XI2BW2O2JOW22LRJ/RBD+%23362+Hormiphora+californensis+220311_DSC026380.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #362 Hormiphora californensis A comb jelly (Ctenophora), which is a different phylum from the true jellies (Cnidaria). No "cnids", which is Ancient Greek for nettle (κνίδη). Instead the tentacles of most comb jellies produce glue to trap prey. As they float through the water it looks like they have multicoloured led light strips dancing over their bodies. Except they are not bioluminescent. Instead the strips are made from tiny diffraction gratings that show different colours depending on the angle, so just by wiggling they pick up different colours from the tank lighting. I don't know why they need this in the deep where little light shines. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02638] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1655582101038-BRXMO0SOZK9K6O0D0DUY/RBD+%23361+Pacific+sea+nettle+220311_DSC02637.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #361 Pacific sea nettle Floating on the currents with long tentacles trailing. The nettles pack a sting like a bee, so not pleasant for swimmers. Use jellyfish sunscreen for protection. 2022-03-11 Monterey bay aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02637] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1655487051940-LSU86HIX1IICNPB23KCA/RBD+%23360+Moon+jelly+220311_DSC02624.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #360 Moon jelly Aurelia sp, descended from a long line of jellies going back at least 500 M years. Free floating larva come to rest on a reef or rock and form a polyp. Polyps clone themselves, forming "buds" which break off and float away, developing into adult medusa. Adult medusa reproduce sexually,with the female holding the fertilized eggs until they hatch into larva and float away. In a curious bit of life cycle reversal, medusa have been observed rejuvenating, turning back into polyps.[1] 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02624] [1] He, J., Zheng, L., Zhang, W. and Lin, Y., 2015. Life cycle reversal in Aurelia sp. 1 (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa). PLoS One, 10(12), p.e0145314. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0145314 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1655425601369-UFZQVDFV5QI7WGXKPTSS/RBD+%23359+Purple-striped+jelly+220311_DSC02623.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #359 Purple-striped jelly Floating through the ocean sweeping up zooplankton, this mobile ecosystem carries parasitic amphipods (small shrimp-like critters) and symbiotic cancer crabs that feed on them. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02623] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1655333068875-DLAEURJDOMK7OBX2T7V0/RBD+%23358+Candy+cane+220311_DSC02513.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #358 Candy cane A stony coral and not because of the psychedelic colour. It is easy to grow if you have low light and water flow. It is not a picky eater, but you may need to feed it at night when the tentacles are open so Dory and Nemo don't steal all the food. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02513] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1655237331234-MAMRGCXCYO4C8O08OK6U/RBD+%23357+Marbled+godwit+220311_DSC02613.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #357 Marbled godwit Another member of the sandpiper family, along with curlews, sanderlings, turnstones, dowitchers, woodcocks (which cocker spaniels were bred to hunt), snipes, shanks, tattlers and willets. The first record of the name godwit is from the 1400s, perhaps because that's what their call sounds like. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02613] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1655154564405-76H13EEO2G2S40G0RLP6/RBD+%23356+Sanderling+220310_DSC01580.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #356 Sanderling Four sanderlings in the swash, coming back empty. The sand crabs will live to see another wave! 2022-03-10 Oso Flaco Beach, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01580] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654964900116-WS2K6YT5PJGMX026TVBU/RBD+%23355+Pacific+sand+crab+220311_DSC02425.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #355 Pacific sand crab Sand crabs live in the "swash zone", moving in and out with the tide. They filter plankton from the receding wave with their feathered antennae then quickly bury themselves before the sanderlings rush in looking for a bite. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02425] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654918393487-UTVELVIVND73VCCZ6U1N/RBD+%23354+White-spotted+rose+anemone+220311_DSC02408.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #354 White-spotted rose anemone A couple of challenging critters to keep in your aquarium. You will need a chiller to keep the water cool, a pump to keep it moving and filters to keep it clean. The anemone is easier, needing fresh fish once a week and a bit of plankton, but the red gorgon is difficult to impossible. A soft coral without an algal symbiote, it needs continuous plankton feed. This tends to foul the tank and smother the thing you are trying to keep alive. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02408] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654863117908-D4XHL9JCT1V0VRSSZZ57/RBD+%23353+Ruddy+turnstone+220311_DSC02609.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #353 Ruddy turnstone A turnstone with no stone to turn. Instead of looking under rocks for bugs it can dig through the sand or plow through some washed-up kelp. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02609] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654829077973-1ZQYVN6LU7EP491RGXXD/RBD+%23352+Pigeon+guillemot+220311_DSC02460.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #352 Pigeon guillemot Gliding over the bay showing off its sexy feet* this pigeon guillemot is headed out for dinner. They use their wings to power a dive 20 to 30 meters down where they find crustaceans and fish to eat. 2022-03-11 Monterey bay, Monterey, CA [DSC02460] * Sea birds have drab feathers so attractiveness is signaled by the colour of the beak and feet. Pierotti, R. (1987). Isolating mechanisms in seabirds. Evolution, 41(3), 559-570. DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.1987.tb05826.x https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654688433574-DSQNAH2S74Z6MH5XCASZ/RBD+%23351+Black-necked+stilt+220311_DSC02421.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #351 Black-necked stilt Nesting on open ground stilts have developed distraction displays, such as the classic "broken wing", but also false brooding where one parent will pretend to sit on a nest that isn't a nest. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02421] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654602430381-568CO7VR4MUJ0FPXR0B3/RBD+%23350+Black+oystercatcher+220311_DSC02598.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #350 Black oystercatcher The black oystercatcher is local to the west coast; the American oystercatcher (RBD #122) covers the rest of the continent. There's a 480 km stable hybridization zone in Baja California but the chicks don't survive as well. Maybe the wrong colour for the beach.[1] 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02598] [1] https://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCprop931.htm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654551209042-UHAHMBBR40Q1L1J0PX2U/RBD+%23349+Snowy+plover+220311_DSC02612.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #349 Western snowy plover The aquarium includes an aviary where cute little shore birds can hide behind the rocks. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02612] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654448512545-OEPFP0DLH64ENWIRPAMA/RBD+%23348+Zebra+perch+220311_DSC02581.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #348 Zebra perch A near-shore fish whose fry fry in tide pools. Q: Where does the zebra seahorse roost? A: On the zebra perch. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02581] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654390075668-64WX0A9DKWWQCZIYTT95/RBD+%23347+Copperband+butterflyfish+220311_DSC02569.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #347 Copperband Butterflyfish In search of coral polyps and brine shrimp to eat, this Chelmon rostratus is inadvertently participating in a game of Finding Nemo. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02569] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654261208623-DA9UX6XVMFMAC312WREW/RBD+%23346+Clownfish+220311_DSC02573.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #346 Clownfish If you want to find fish then go to an aquarium. In this case some clownfish and a blue tang. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02573] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654203575426-NO49250N8UMKA31OIFFS/RBD+%23345+Banggai+cardinalfish+220311_DSC02545.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #345 Banggai cardinalfish A tropical fish from Indonesia, Pterapogon kauderni is paradoxically threatened in the wild because it is easy to keep in an aquarium. They are mouth-brooders, with the male holding the eggs and fry in his mouth for 3 to 4 weeks until they are developed. He is hungry at the end of this so be sure to remove him from the breeding tank so he doesn't devour his offspring! 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02545] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1654092048125-K8THP6R9E6K1ZYWUWTTH/RBD+%23344+Orange+cup+coral+220311_DSC02400.jpg RBD 2022 06 - RBD #344 Orange cup coral Balanophyllia elegans on a field of blue. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02400] https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2022-07 daily 0.75 2022-08-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1659205978765-DA8HURVOCL5BTWMGSKHE/RBD+%23404+Sunset+220311_DSC02790.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #404 Sunset Add some tequila and it would be a sunrise. 2022-03-11 Point Pinos, Pacific Grove, CA [DSC02790] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1659205978765-DA8HURVOCL5BTWMGSKHE/RBD+%23404+Sunset+220311_DSC02790.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #404 Sunset Add some tequila and it would be a sunrise. 2022-03-11 Point Pinos, Pacific Grove, CA [DSC02790] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1659203976012-IWXUMZZBR4ZE98KM4FL6/RBD+%23403+California+sea+otter+220311_DSC02695.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #403 California sea otter No blubber, just thick luscious fur and a high metabolism to keep them warm in the North Pacific waters, powered by shellfish (urchins) which otherwise destroy the kelp forests. In a more recent discovery, by removing crabs in the estuary near Monterey more sea slugs survive to clean the algae blooms from the seagrass, leaving a thriving ecosystem despite extremely high nitrogen runoff from nearby farms. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay, Monterey, CA [DSC02712] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1658978161686-CYADBCQRTPCX5DQFUKJQ/RBD+%23402+Black+turnstone+220310_DSC01859.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #402 Black turnstone Shore birds doing shore bird things. 2022-03-10 Spyglass Beach, Pismo Beach, CA [DSC01859] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1659201174031-ZOMC09DAUUHEJI2OYROB/RBD+%23403+California+sea+otter+220311_DSC02712.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #403 California sea otter No blubber, just thick luscious fur and a high metabolism to keep them warm in the North Pacific waters, powered by shellfish (urchins) which otherwise destroy the kelp forests. In a more recent discovery, by removing crabs in the estuary near Monterey more sea slugs survive to clean the algae blooms from the seagrass, leaving a thriving ecosystem despite extremely high nitrogen runoff from nearby farms. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay, Monterey, CA [DSC02712] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1658977301740-08KGGF76KUK8IKNTCFE5/RBD+%23401+California+sea+lion+220309_DSC01029.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #401 California sea lion The same sea lion as #322, lying on top of a huge boulder. We didn't know how she(?) got there. It was much too high even for high tide, and she's a bit too heavy to fly. We later watched her clamber down an improbably steep slope and go for a swim. Mystery solved. 2022-03-09 Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA [DSC01029] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1658888153243-ZE835JIKG617I2ANDIJI/RBD+%23400+Scorpionweed+220308_DSC09921.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #400 Scorpionweed The flowers of Phacelia crenulata come in a coiled stack, looking something like a scorpion. It carries a bit of a sting as well, with a rash of contact dermatitis cases in the spring when it comes out. 2022-03-08 Mission Creek Preserve, Desert Hotsprings, CA [DSC09921] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1658712332552-WN1KWSTZIV2LI02G2B8K/RBD+%23399+Bristly+fiddleneck+220307_DSC09600.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #399 Bristly fiddleneck A weedy native annual Amsinckia tessellata has an interesting property that it outcompetes the non-native cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), later giving way to the native wild rye, big squirreltail (Elymus multisetus).[1] Ecosystems are complicated. 2022-03-07 Live Oak Picnic Area, Joshua Tree NP, CA [DSC09600] [1] Leger, Elizabeth A.; Goergen, Erin M.; de Queiroz, Tara Forbis. 2014. Can native annual forbs reduce Bromus tectorum biomass and indirectly facilitate establishment of a native perennial grass? Journal of Arid Environments. 102: 9-16. DOI:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2013.10.015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1658710407873-VR6RQ07HGW2YYA7T9YTU/RBD+%23398+Utah+beardtongue+220307_DSC09540.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #398 Utah beardtongue You can tell that Penstemon utahensis(?) is pollinated by hummingbirds by the red colour and narrow corolla (not fully open in this photo). Bee-pollinated Penstemon tend to have a broad blue or white corolla with a landing pad and concentrated nectar. DNA studies show 20+ lineages of Penstemon switching from bee to bird pollination independently.[1] This might be because hummingbirds are more efficient pollinators, going from 1.6% to 2.5% efficiency by adding bird specializations. There are no lineages that reverted to bee pollination, which is perhaps not surprising. Birds will pollinate bee-specialized flowers but not the other way around so the pressure is in one direction. 2022-03-07 Oasis of Mora, Twentynine Palms, CA [DSC09540] [1] Wilson, Paul, et al. "Constrained lability in floral evolution: counting convergent origins of hummingbird pollination in Penstemon and Keckiella." New Phytologist 176.4 (2007): 883-890. DOI:10.1111/j.1469-8137.2007.02219.x https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1658700681046-BOHBCAIFA2AFSPEK64U0/RBD+%23397+California+barrel+cactus+220306_DSC09250.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #397 California barrel cactus Hanging on the edge of a cliff these cacti don't get much water (less than 25mm/month in winter and almost none in summer), but they still add a splash of cover. 2022-03-06 Cottonwood Spring Oasis, Joshua Tree NP, CA [DSC09250] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1658606055091-WB892X0G9PMP5ZMJZH0W/RBD+%23396+Mountain+220308_DSC09906.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #396 Mountain Golden hour shortly after dawn when the light is yellow. Not much snowpack here which is why LA needs to import 85% of its water from the rest of the state. 2022-03-08 San Bernardino Mountains, CA [DSC09906] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1658534566074-PEHRZTPOBU0XWK065ES2/RBD+%23395+Mountain+220307_DSC09872.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #395 Mountain Rorschach test with a cliff face. Feeling a little pressure? 2022-03-07 Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, CA [DSC09872] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1658373377025-HMX7T646Z0G2JV5HE60N/RBD+%23394+Elephant+seal+220310_DSC01964.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #394 Elephant seal It's near the end of breeding season so these will be mostly pups hanging out on the beach learning to fend for themselves. 2022-03-10 Elephant Seal Vista Point, San Simeon, CA [DSC01964] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1658373072252-R3HANISCBWET3W825OKQ/RBD+%23393+Elephant+seal+220310_DSC01969.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #393 Elephant seal Mom and pup. Another feat of parenting she will go without food or water for a month, converting 40% of her body weight into 5 or 6 L of milk per day (50% fat, 100 MJ). It's an efficient process: The pup gains over half the mass that mom lost.[1] Then off she goes, putting on the pounds for next year's marathon, leaving the pup to fend for itself. 2022-03-10 Elephant Seal Vista Point, San Simeon, CA [DSC01969] [1] Costa, D. P., et al. "The energetics of lactation in the northern elephant seal, Mirounga angustirostris." Journal of Zoology 209.1 (1986): 21-33. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1658283515411-TO9B9V409T14RC7N0BRR/RBD+%23392+Arroyo+willow+220314_DSC03625.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #392 Arroyo willow New word for the day: catkins (from middle dutch for "little cat") are the flower clusters on a willow. To me they look like fuzzy caterpillars (from old northern french for "hairy cat"). Pussy willows come from a few species which produce small gray catkins (hence pussies rather than catkins). 2022-03-14 Mountain Lake Park, San Francisco, CA [DSC03625] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1658202207526-C4Y78QQZ5R3FDVF7C5FD/RBD+%23391+Building+220314_DSC03526_retouch.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #391 Building First pyramid taller than Giza (4500 years). 2022-03-14 Transamerica Pyramid, San Francisco, CA [DSC03526] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1658111821632-F3G6ZSPTO5J8VOCHWWE4/RBD+%23390+Brewer%27s+blackbird+220314_DSC03462.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #390 Brewer's blackbird (Male) A bold bird eying my chocolate croissant figuring he is deserving. 2022-03-14 Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA [DSC03462] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1657982661137-15UXZ0MVH2QIOQAEEJ82/RBD+%23389+Wolf+eel+220311_DSC02395_extended.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #389 Wolf eel Not true eels, just very long fish. Around age seven they mate for life, settling in a cozy cave for the next 13+ years. They are active parents with one present at all times during the three months that the eggs develop, protecting them from rockfish and pulling in fresh seawater. 2022-03-11 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA [DSC02395] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1657932820859-S6I8T38A6NZT9053UXQ8/RBD+%23388+Crimson+bottlebrush+220313_DSC03365.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #388 Crimson bottlebrush One of the early bits of British botanical pillage, Joseph Banks sent some root cuttings of Melaleuca citrina from Cook's voyage to Australia (among others) to establish the exotic botanical gardens at Kew. Like others in the myrtle family it produces the herbicide leptospermone which it uses to keep down the competition. 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03365] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1657597934659-8DP1UVP630ZVY0JK3178/RBD+%23387+Gum+rockrose+220313_DSC03362.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #387 Gum rockrose Used in cosmetics since biblical times, Cistus ladanifer resin helps to fix scents so they last longer. It provides antioxidants and a bit of sun protection, so it's a useful addition to skin creams. Bonus: it is cytotoxic to melanoma while leaving non-cancerous skin cells alone.[1] 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03362] [1] Gaweł-Bęben, Katarzyna, et al. "Characterization of Cistus× incanus L. and Cistus ladanifer L. extracts as potential multifunctional antioxidant ingredients for skin protecting cosmetics." Antioxidants 9.3 (2020): 202. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1657595123492-W2IFQKPL24O7UFGKNHOC/RBD+%23386+Canada+goose+220313_DSC03361.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #386 Canada goose Duck, duck, goose! I don't dare tag it since it might tag me back! 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03361] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1657594061383-096TNJ11RX302EBXN9Z6/RBD+%23385+Ring-necked+duck+220321_DSC03813.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #385 Ring-necked duck (Male) A male wearing breeding colours in the local pond this spring. There were no females around so he moved on. 2022-03-21 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC03813] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1657592744843-S0ZH9EOC8UOMMISMSDPU/RBD+%23384+Mallard+220313_DSC03303.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #384 Mallard (Female) A duck unphased. 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03303] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1657245577127-4WIJPUNSP3U34F3JU3RJ/RBD+%23383+Fern-leafed+corydalis+220313_DSC03328.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #383 Fern-leafed corydalis Corydalis cheilanthifolia from "cheilanthes" (lip fern) + "folia" (leaves). 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03328] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1657245468609-FGFHS1Z0M4IN2MDDH5IO/RBD+%23382+African+daisy+220313_DSC03327.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #382 African daisy Awakening with the morning light, this Arctotis sp shakes the dew off its petals as it opens for the day. 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03327] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656980677083-9YI1HA0LS5XLK911EV18/RBD+%23381+Blue+lily+220313_DSC03324.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #381 Blue lily Another South African native Agapanthus praecox seems to do well around the world, for example being treated as invasive in Tasmania. Not top 100 worst species but still likely to cause harm by crowding out natives with its dense root network. 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03324] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656979521583-N96LA65PU0C9MIC4ECHX/RBD+%23380+Florist%27s+cineraria+220313_DSC03320.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #380 Florist's cineraria Pericallis × hybrida is a hybrid from the Canary Islands with a wide range of cultivars. Although perennial in zones 9 to 11 it is usually treated as a potted plant forced to bloom at Christmas or Easter then tossed in the compost. 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03320] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656978525474-IZXJEZ4QAQUCB3OL0MUF/RBD+%23379+Dally+pine+220313_DSC03313.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #379 Dally pine Kind of funky to see a conifer with flowers, but even though it looks like a pine Psoralea pinnata is a legume. In soil remediation studies it has been shown to extract large amounts of iron and chromium, so look for it in mine tailings on your travels to South Africa. 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03313] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656977435533-THV2UVT5A6357C4WUXPV/RBD+%23378+Sierra+Madre+lobelia+220313_DSC03307.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #378 Sierre Madre lobelia A treasure for dry landscapes, Lobelia laxiflora provides food for hummingbirds. Like other lobelia it produces alkaloids with medicinal effects such as reducing swelling. 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03307] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656949588902-SG2L5YZT8X3VMVQB4ENF/RBD+%23377+Fringed+iris+220313_DSC03306.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #377 Fringed iris Despite being a fast spreading flexible ground cover for zone 7-9 Iris japonica appears not to have escaped cultivation. Except one in the mountains of Columbia, all the wild observations are from Japan and China. 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03306] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656912280110-8ZHZQU382Q36PULTSBDV/RBD+%23376+Magnolia+220313_DSC03297.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #376 Magnolia A magnolia, but I'm not sure which species (there are dozens species and hybrids at the SFBG). Historically the magnolia was used as the type genus for all flowering plants (that is, the most typical), but genetic analysis has shaken the tree. It is no longer monocots (single-leaf seedlings like lilies) and dicots (dual-leaf seedlings like magnolias), but instead monocots, 3-part flowers and 4&5 part flowers. There are some stragglers such as Amborella trichopoda which exists as a single species in its order on a single island in the Pacific. Think platypus vs. mammal for the degree of difference—that's a species worth preserving! 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03297] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656808895955-VKDS9N481SE2RW2HRJH7/RBD+%23375+Cappadocian+navelwort+220313_DSC03293.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #375 Cappadocian navelwort Wikipedia claims Omphalodes cappadocica is from woodland habitats in Turkey, but iNat only shows them on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains near Sochi. There is observation bias (25X more observations in Sochi compared to a similar box in Turkey) but we should still see a few. The Royal Horticultural Society lists plant range as Turkey & Caucasus. 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03293] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1656644555838-VIJC23H46OODMZXWE8H5/RBD+%23374+Oregon+grape+220313_DSC03292.jpg RBD 2022 07 - RBD #374 Oregon grape Berberis aquifolium or maybe Mahonia aquifolium: there is no consensus on whether Mahonia exists as a separate genus. An ointment made from the wood has been shown to effectively treat psoriasis (lots of alkaloids).[1] The berries are sour but edible. You can dye from them and from the roots.[2] 2022-03-13 San Francisco Botanical Gardens, SF, CA [DSC03292] [1] Janeczek M, Moy L, Lake EP, Swan J. Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Mahonia aquifolium for the Treatment of Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018 Dec;11(12):42-47. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6334833/ [2] https://www.stravaiginyarnco.com/journal/2018/4/20/traditional-sinixt-dye-oregon-grape https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2022-08 daily 0.75 2022-09-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1663810545835-IMW0YV19NR9AOI4H3E7N/RBD+%23435+White-tailed+deer+220619_IMG_2376.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #435 White-tailed deer After dropping to a low of about 300 k in 1900, deer populations have recovered to about 30 M, which is possibly more than the pre-Columbian levels. The deer, in turn, are keeping the trees in check, nibbling on seedlings and giving space for other plants to grow. Populations have stabilized in some areas with the reintroduction of predators (bobcats, coyotes, black bear) which prey upon fawns. That seems better than watching an unchecked population starve after they've eaten all the available food. 2022-06-19 Algonkian Park, Sterling, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1663810545835-IMW0YV19NR9AOI4H3E7N/RBD+%23435+White-tailed+deer+220619_IMG_2376.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #435 White-tailed deer After dropping to a low of about 300 k in 1900, deer populations have recovered to about 30 M, which is possibly more than the pre-Columbian levels. The deer, in turn, are keeping the trees in check, nibbling on seedlings and giving space for other plants to grow. Populations have stabilized in some areas with the reintroduction of predators (bobcats, coyotes, black bear) which prey upon fawns. That seems better than watching an unchecked population starve after they've eaten all the available food. 2022-06-19 Algonkian Park, Sterling, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1663810545625-XX0FBVK79YH345MAFZDO/RBD+%23434+Delicate+cycnia+moth+220611_DSC09783.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #434 Delicate cycnia moth AKA the dogbane tiger moth, Cycnia tenera. Butterflies like monarchs defend themselves by having horrible taste and dressing in bright robes (aposematism). But these are night fliers, so looking fancy does no good. Instead they use colourful language, emitting a sequence of ultrasonic chirps to tell approaching bats that they are poison. Some moth groups with better taste have developed radar jamming instead, sending an echolocation response fast enough to confuse the bat about its actual location. It's amazing what you can accomplish with 65 million years of random bit twiddling. 2022-06-11 Audubon, PA [1] Hristov and Conner (2005). "Sound strategy: acoustic aposematism in the bat–tiger moth arms race." DOI:10.1007/s00114-005-0611-7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1663357962711-P26Z2HOU22ANFHDVA6JJ/RBD+%23433+Blue-banded+lema+leaf+beetle+220716_DSC01240.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #433 Blue-banded lema leaf beetle The internets don't have much to say about it. It is a leaf beetle from the south east that feeds on nightshade family. In this case some sort of black nightshade that found itself in our garden (a weed that produces little black berries, but it might be native so I let it be). 2022-07-16 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1663640962302-0I5V4DPIYHYRLJR2TG6I/RBD+%23432+Helmeted+guineafowl+220611_DSC09777.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #432 Helmeted guineafowl Free-range domestic birds. If you habituate them to a roost you can let them roam free. They will travel a couple of miles, such as in this case over a highway and into an empty field but they will come back to sleep in safety. Note: Chickens (genus Gallus) are a domestic form of junglefowl (part of the pheasant family) whereas guineafowl are in their own family (Numididae). Both are in the order Galliformes, which is to say "chicken-like". 2022-06-11 Parkesburg, PA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1663355668579-AK0P5XQTYYXVSRRKA8R5/RBD+%23431+Eastern+subterranean+termite+220610_DSC09738.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #431 Eastern subterranean termite Despite it being native, I can't say I'm pleased to have this guest show up in our house. Unlike the carpenter ants and carpenter bees the termites actually eat the wood with the help of protozoa in the gut to digest cellulose. They evolved from cockroaches to form complex social structures, developing a pheromone signaling system for communication. They are unrelated to ants, wasps and bees, evolving from cockroaches 100 million years earlier (150 MYA). 2022-06-10 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1663355667514-JGH9VU5WXU733BANCVSD/RBD+%23432+Helmeted+guineafowl+220611_DSC09777.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #432 Helmeted guineafowl Freerange domestic birds. If you habituate them to a roost you can let them roam free. They will travel a couple of miles, such as in this case over a highway and into an empty field but they will come back to sleep in safety. 2022-06-11 Parkesburg, PA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1663166102130-64ZGMYSA59VII2SJT7HE/RBD+%23430+Seven-spotted+lady+beetle+220517_DSC07259.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #430 Seven-spotted lady beetle Introduced from Europe multiple times as a biological control agent, it is now naturalized in North America. There are plenty of aphids for it to eat in our garden. 2022-05-17 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1663166098241-09RP281J9DFND4CVQ1TG/RBD+%23429+Crane+fly+220507_DSC06810.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #429 Crane fly A crane fly after the rain. It has very long feet hanging below the leaf. I like how the water forms drops on its shell, adding in some lensing. iNat suggests the tiger crane fly genus. 2022-05-07 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662993967824-QBIAETJOP2R2RGOOKV06/RBD+%23428+Eastern+chipmunk+220502_DSC06445.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #428 Eastern chipmunk A little different from the western chipmunk (larger, longer lived, more territorial), but still much smaller than a squirrel. They make a constant "chip chip chip" which could easily be described as annoying. 2022-05-02 Locust Grove Nature Center, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662993947840-5Z9TPRKQQKEQWQ161QKK/RBD+%23427+Wood+duck+220501_DSC06277.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #427 Wood duck (Male) Yet another WODU (#31, #59, #61, #88) because they look so unreal. Bird banding codes (WOod DUck) are handy shorthand if you are part of the Christmas bird count---it's faster to write the first couple of letters of each word than writing out the whole name. Unfortunately there are collisions (BarreD OWl and BarN OWl for example), so you have a list of exceptions to memorize and get wrong. Since I’m posting today from South Carolina I refer you to this article from the Carolina Bird Club. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662817592320-VGOTOQYGCCE1OIU94LEV/RBD+%23426+Little+blue+heron+220501_DSC06113.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #426 Little blue heron A largish bird (300-400g), it is only little compared to the great blue heron (2100-2500g). I think it is eating a fish or maybe a dragonfly. Often young birds are drab and mottled making them harder to see but the little little blues are pure white. In this case it lets them blend in with flocks of snowy egrets for the first year before they start dining alone as adults. 2022-05-01 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662695463956-9RSDQ8QTHW32KLNY8SQ4/RBD+%23425+Black-throated+blue+warbler+220501_DSC06069.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #425 Black-throated blue warbler (Male) Forest birds which nest close to the ground so bird researchers like them. They are socially monogamous, but genetic testing shows high rates of "extrapair fertilization". Even with close following by the male during fertile periods a neighbouring male may still slip through (presumably while he is off on his own dalliance) or the female may evade long enough to diversify her brood.[1] 2022-05-01 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [1] Chuang-Dobbs, Helen C., Michael S. Webster, and Richard T. Holmes. "The effectiveness of mate guarding by male black-throated blue warblers." Behavioral Ecology 12.5 (2001): 541-546. DOI:10.1093/beheco/12.5.541 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662603037905-DI193MKIENNAUSF9JTYQ/RBD+%23424+Northern+flicker+220429_DSC05850.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #424 Northern flicker (Yellow-shafted male) Another flicker (see #367), this one an east coast male. Despite the large difference in feather colour between the red-shafted and yellow-shafted varieties, the genetic difference is small and they mate at random where the range overlaps.[DOI:10.1642/AUK-18-7.1 ] 2022-04-29 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662426528057-YWIMGFUDX49NBG475GXI/RBD+%23423+Common+compost+fly+220429_DSC05805.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #423 Common compost fly Sitting on our perennial candytuft border (Iberis sempervirens) this fly is anticipating the inaugural loading of our new rotating compost barrel (this year's Earthday present from Tanya). 2022-04-29 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662418995277-OHXXBUFMJ0ZCG9844A3P/RBD+%23422+Metallic+green+sweat+bee+220429_DSC05791.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #422 Metallic green sweat bee A metallic green sweat bee on Philadelphia fleabane, so named because they lick salt from cattle and people (though they've always ignored me). Spiking your plants with sodium can double the number of pollinator visitors.[1] They are common in our garden but small (7 mm) so you have to look for them. Some species are gold, or black or striped. I once saw a bright blue one but didn't get a picture. Unlike honey bees with a hive and a single queen who lays all the eggs, these bees are semi-social,* nesting in underground burrows** with several of their sisters, each raising their own family. [1] Finkelstein, Carrie J., et al. "Sodium-enriched floral nectar increases pollinator visitation rate and diversity." Biology Letters 18.3 (2022): 20220016. DOI:0.1098/rsbl.2022.0016 * some species are solitary ** some species nest in decaying wood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662405780758-9KLR5KMWYLH9JWAW8JCS/RBD+%23421+Golden+ragwort+220429_DSC05545.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #421 Golden ragwort A spring perennial, Packera aurea gives the early bee some nectar. At 7 AM the stems are still showing a bit of late spring frost. It is a shade tolerant ground cover, so the forest along the Potomac rings in the new season with a burst of yellow. Bonus: the deer don't like the Pyrrolizidine in the leaves. 2022-04-29 Cabin John Park, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662354647962-DOSD0725ZTSUDDRNSKHO/RBD+%23420+Red+fox+220429_DSC05538.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #420 Red fox A red fox on a cold morning at the end of April. Native to the northern hemisphere it still makes the list of the 100 worst invasive species because of its effects on the Australian ecosystem. We have one that comes to our garden from time to time, keeping the rabbit population in check. 2022-04-29 Cabin John Park, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662258503798-RVZFS26DH2BCB4QR1417/RBD+%23419+Doves+foot+cranes+bill+220424_DSC05421.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #419 Dove's foot crane's bill It's called "Crane's bills" because of the shape of the seeds, but I don't know about the "Dove's foot". The Latin Germanium molle is easier. Introduced from the Mediterranean, it is used as an anti-cancer agent in Portugal. One study shows that it inhibits cancer cell lines in vitro at slightly lower doses than those required to "inhibit" pig's liver. 2022-04-24 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662181980926-M47XT1WS229ISO5A3TJH/RBD+%23418+Chestnut+carpenter+ant+220827_DSC02605.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #418 Chestnut carpenter ant Similar to carpenter bees, carpenter ants do not digest wood, but only bore into it for nesting (the eggs need moisture, so if your house is well maintained it is safe). Carpenter ants have a symbiotic bacteria (Blochmannia), which provides amino acids that the ant can't make itself. What's especially interesting is that this bacteria is transferred from mother to child through the egg. With an intricate genetic dance,[1] sometimes with the ant genome in control and sometimes the bacteria, eventually depositing the bacteria inside the cells of the midgut and the ovaries. 2022-08-27 Bethesda, MD [1] How Two Became One: Origins of a Mysterious Symbiosis Found | Quanta Magazine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662093938782-3M01ORV8KSQWRILIOMD3/RBD+%23417+Eastern+carpenter+bee+220412_DSC04483.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #417 Eastern carpenter bee Visiting our garden rocket for a pick-me-up before boring more holes in our fence. They don't actually digest cellulose, but instead leave little piles of sawdust on the ground. I feel a little bad that they are raising babies in treated wood, but the population seems to be doing well. Females do the boring while males fly around patrolling territory. That's a little weird since only the females have stingers. 2022-04-12 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661997600579-2HNBAPEJIZC8B0YDDMPF/RBD+%23416+Painted+turtle+220827_IMG_3667.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #416 Painted turtle Flight of fancy: With a bit of a boost maybe I can soar through the clouds if I flap fast enough. More likely it's just a traffic jam on the log (a log jam?) with the painted turtle trying to get past the red-bellied cooter only to find itself high-centred. 2022-08-27 Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661913430875-O415BPXG5HZVK4INMFGA/RBD+%23415+Milkweed+sp+IMG_20200402_114420725.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #415 Milkweed sp. This is perhaps a seed from a milkweed variety that was being carried along on a gentle spring breeze. It must have overwintered in a pod to be in such good shape in April. 2020-04-02 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661912115488-R8DRAODCNWL46QOV9Q3L/RBD+%23414+Fragile+forktail+220424_DSC05380.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #414 Fragile forktail (mature female) A lady damselfly, but nothing to indicate fragility. She is a carnivore who can take down insects her own size. 2022-04-22 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661741573404-VWNIJKFLEEMFRN384VR1/RBD+%23413+Blue-gray+gnatcatcher+220424_DSC05378+copy.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #413 Blue-gray gnatcatcher (Female) Site supervisor checking out the build quality. 2022-04-24 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661741212520-8O21N1SD0SUGHV1M5CQX/RBD+%23412+Blue-gray+gnatcatcher+220424_DSC05367.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #412 Blue-gray gnatcatcher (Male) This guy was taking a bit of a break from nest building, checking that it was comfy. This is another species which builds its nests out of lichen, plant fiber and spider webs, though placing them on top of the branch rather than forming a hanging basket like the white-eyed vireos. Just because you build a nice home that doesn't mean it is safe. One study found a 2/3 nest failure rate, with cowbird parasitism in more than half the nests. 2022-04-24 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661666095061-TXU6YH29IXHYAY1FQGD7/RBD+%23411+White-eyed+vireo+220424_DSC05246.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #411 White-eyed vireo (Male) In spring the guys hang out in the brush and trees at the edge of the field maintaining their territory, dueling with song. They share in the labour of constructing the nest, starting with spider silk and filling in with grass, leaves, twigs and moss. Although they build them off the ground between 5' and 25' they still lose a third of their nests to predation, mostly snakes and cowbirds.[1] 2022-04-24 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD [1] Conkling, Tara J. Analysis of the black-capped vireo and white-eyed vireo nest predator assemblages. Diss. Texas A & M University, 2011. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661554896173-V4TQMY2DK8EMIHEI8NYV/RBD+%23410+Red+deadnettle+220422_DSC05060.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #410 Red deadnettle Lamium purpureum only looks like a nettle but it has no sting, hence the name "deadnettle". It is a traditional Eurasian medicinal herb, with significant activity against induced paw swelling and pain (poor rats!)[1] It's also good for spring salads. 2022-04-22 C&O Canal Lock 7, Potomac MD [1] DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2008.04.001 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661391480154-HGKNISPFEG2KOH5GH2KL/RBD+%23409+Non-biting+midge+220422_DSC04975.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #409 Non-biting midge (Male) Probably Tribe Chironomini, but it's difficult to tell from photos. Male midges have feathered antennae which act as "ears" specifically tuned to the frequency of female wings. Hit a tuning fork at that frequency and the guys swarm in. 2022-04-22 C&O Canal Lock 7, Potomac, MD [1] https://asknature.org/strategy/antennae-sense-vibrations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661307543292-FPN8MEEKIT70T01RNLWD/RBD+%23408+American+toad+220413_DSC04782.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #408 American toad On the topic of sex differences, the female American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) is much bigger than the male. 2022-04-13 NIH Pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661227061066-IU50J4TGOLZR2QY9VRZG/RBD+%23407+Howells+pussytoes+220413_DSC04740.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #407 Howell's pussytoes (Male) Sex is complicated. Antennaria howellii is said to be a hybrid of up to four parent species, keeping multiple sets of chromosomes so it can interbreed with all of them. Such a "polyploid complex" allows genetic exchange between species that are otherwise unable to interbreed. They are usually found as large groups of females that reproduce asexually but this one is male (he has the "antennae" sticking out of his flowers which gives the genus its name). I do hope we have some females so they can spread but I'll have to wait until next spring to find out. 2022-04-13 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661227030416-15FKR9YJ82R8SY2DJRFB/RBD+%23406+Virginia+spring+beauty+220409_DSC04371.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #406 Virginia spring beauty Claytonia virginica shows a lot of colour variation despite a strong pollinator preference for lighter colours.[1] The defensive flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol protect the plant from slugs and rust, but also give it colours from mauve to crimson. More pollinators means more seeds but more predators means fewer seeds, and on balance colour is free to vary. 2022-04-09 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [1] Frey, Frank M. "Opposing natural selection from herbivores and pathogens may maintain floral‐color variation in Claytonia virginica (Portulacaceae)." Evolution 58.11 (2004): 2426-2437. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1659326664458-62BBPGILVTAZAZ59JTMJ/RBD+%23405+Aphid+eater+220321_DSC03822.jpg RBD 2022 08 - RBD #405 Aphid eater An aphid eater (Complex Eupeodes americanus) visiting an autumn cherry in full flower this spring. Each larva can consume ~2000 aphids in a week, then 3-4 weeks as an adult before the cycle begins again. You need to have flowers on hand with nectar to power the egg production. C$75/tray from a Quebec supplier. 2022-03-21 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [DSC03822] https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/garden-aug-2022 daily 0.75 2022-09-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661273834358-D1CFBI05T7GH19VWLU3L/20220822-20220822-IMG_4952.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661273834358-D1CFBI05T7GH19VWLU3L/20220822-20220822-IMG_4952.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1661273835009-MV11CJB0Y6CAGFR0W1CD/20220822-20220822-IMG_4953.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662414827069-DPCN1LU7ZXIY1WM9FHUT/IMG_4916.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662414826905-A0W9F8WGXJS00B158SHP/IMG_4926.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662414827877-H364E9OA18QQFTLY31H0/IMG_4932.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662414828171-XFXV4RKV88HZ0G4L5ZHR/IMG_4939.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662414829301-OA2TZ0SWIF1PF2UX3IT2/IMG_4952.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662415286668-O2NZUSQNUO8NW2PHECX9/IMG_5004.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662414829690-DYE33KC08E440P5K4XXK/IMG_4953.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662415287781-QYF13UP9GAN03O9SQV5O/IMG_5006.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662415288902-8TGRA5YMUL1ULRUW98ST/IMG_5007.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662415289901-WX3RU5BQF04M6NAY5TJC/IMG_5008.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662417226157-C3E6Y05F20PQ36FFO08G/IMG_5002.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662415291042-N9L4GR7AS0657CPFEQAK/IMG_5022.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662415292105-X43M0M6B7704RUTJM6II/IMG_5025.jpg Garden Aug 2022 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/garden-spring-2022 daily 0.75 2022-09-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416583751-6D572Z89OZOG2HZ0WPKF/IMG_4211.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416583751-6D572Z89OZOG2HZ0WPKF/IMG_4211.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416949973-MQ5WCNMWJKWIIB8TUIYQ/IMG_4221.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416584749-G2X4SSRBV96H22PDGFAE/IMG_4222.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416585712-56YZ3KGMDLM3258L9X73/IMG_4225.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416586708-ESSQ4WLH8NJ249NDH660/IMG_4310.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416587699-TGU0SZ1W2UZIJG20XRY0/IMG_4311.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416588758-VE8ZB2AFPBVBV1R2ZEIE/IMG_4314.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416589883-61P43WL66TTKOD9YMHJQ/IMG_4316.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416590820-PNIGXMUQNI0MJESDF2VP/IMG_4317.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416592250-H43PMSYEP3QI5O56Y04C/IMG_4319.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416593286-URIE0SA9S9XTO1YDYFQA/IMG_4322.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416594132-JO6S86QNIT9VSXJDLWFA/IMG_4326.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1662416595149-CR6HDV2GM8C9P4HDMQPG/IMG_4330.jpg Garden Spring 2022 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2022-09 daily 0.75 2022-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666074006765-NNM6XQNUKOCTIDY3SNAP/RBD+%23465+Carolina+satyr+220911_DSC03628.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #465 Carolina satyr Another brown butterfly with eyes, this one in a different tribe in the brush-footed family (think fox-like Vulupini versus wolf-like Canini in the dog family). 2022-09-11 Darien, GA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666074006765-NNM6XQNUKOCTIDY3SNAP/RBD+%23465+Carolina+satyr+220911_DSC03628.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #465 Carolina satyr Another brown butterfly with eyes, this one in a different tribe in the brush-footed family (think fox-like Vulupini versus wolf-like Canini in the dog family). 2022-09-11 Darien, GA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665979631460-VJYCT1A2ETQZBWX1F2EX/RBD+%23464+Appalachian+brown+220910_DSC03329.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #464 Appalachian brown Very much like the pearly-eye (#447) but the spots are slightly different. It is even closer to the eyed brown but the "wet woodland" setting suggests L. appalachia instead. They are becoming more common in Massachusetts while the eyed brown populations are declining, presumably as the temperature warms. 2022-09-10 Occoquan Bay NWR, Woodbridge, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665859733216-SY6M8JU0VPJ5M9J882NJ/RBD+%23463+Zebra+longwing+220911_DSC03654.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #463 Zebra longwing ... because of the stripes and the long wings? This is a warm weather butterfly ranging from Peru to the Gulf states. Given a cold frost it can take years for the them to work their way back up to Georgia.[1] It is sitting on white beggartick (Bidens alba). From Florida native plant society: "Once you have this plant you will always have this plant. It is quite weedy."[2] Which is good because the butterflies love it and it is everywhere. 2022-09-11 Darien, GA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665804613405-COA1MJZIBUKZ2DA5ED0K/RBD+%23462+Ceraunus+blue+220911_DSC03564.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #462 Ceraunus blue (Male) Sampling from a trailing fuzzy-bean flower, Strophostyles helvola. You can see a hint of colour on this guy's upperside wing. Like the eastern tailed-blue (#93) and others, the male sports a blue top while the females wear dark brown or black. 2022-09-11 Tybee Island, Savannah, GA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665719465033-32R0IOEL16KAGZLRJHBR/RBD+%23461+American+lady+220911_DSC03453.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #461 American lady The eye spots are good for detering/deflecting predators and for attracting mates. They appeared once in the family Nymphalidae about 90 MYA and evolved into myriad forms. Various moth families have evolved eyespots independently so they must provide a significant survival advantage. DOI:10.1146/annurev-ento-010814-020942 2022-09-11 Hutchinson Is, Savannah, GA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665636853327-V0J5CS7GDQAXQEJJDOPC/RBD+%23460+Gulf+fritillary+220911_DSC03594.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #460 Gulf fritillary Another brush-footed butterfly (1 in 3 species), this one with all four legs visible. Its bright colours tell us its packing, in this case a chemical cocktail that it sprays when birds get too near. 2022-09-11 Darien, GA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665543416089-SE5IBI3Z7B2VWN5QO3V0/RBD+%23459+Question+mark+220910_DSC03313.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #459 Question mark Unlike the dead-leaf look when its wings are closed, the open wing shows much brighter colours with a lovely white outline. This butterfly was slowly opening and closing its wings, perhaps for thermoregulation or perhaps for signalling. 2022-09-10 Occoquan Bay NWR, Woodbridge, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665541115054-1N0F00H9P4KXH0A3PBCY/RBD+%23458+Question+mark+220910_DSC03306.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #458 Question mark Butterflies in the genus Polygonia (many-angled) are called "angle-wings" for their jaggy wings; they are also called "commas" for the white crescent mark on the wing. This butterfly has an additional white dot, so by extension it is called a question mark. Like the white peacock, the question mark is a member of the brush-footed butterflies, who have their front pair of legs modified into small brushes, leaving only four legs for perching and walking. 2022-09-10 Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Woodbridge, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665456572477-8LKDQPBRZ7FWT0I053DH/RBD+%23457+White+peacock+220913_DSC04647.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #457 White peacock Common year around in Florida and south to Argentina, they have been spotted as far north as Michigan in the summer. 2022-09-13 Palm Hammock Trail, Merritt Is, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665409973206-QE17IUCXAGXW38YHYSW8/RBD+%23456+Street+view+220912_DSC03685.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #456 Street view Classic beach town architecture with surf shops and ice cream vendors in the distance, as seen from shih tzu eye level. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665376943180-S2HFXG7K29VURAYJ71WF/RBD+%23455+Common+raccoon+220913_DSC04521.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #455 Common raccoon Wandering along the road without a care in the world, this critter looked much bigger than I expected. I suppose that comes from only seeing them crouching or flattened before. A native of North America, they are invasive in Japan. This is a case of anime gone wild. The popular "Rascal the Raccoon" anime series from 1977 featured a pet raccoon and soon thousands were imported into Japan. But raccoons are not good pets, and many were released into the wild, establishing a population covering most of Japan. They are also invasive in Europe, where raccoons imported for the fur trade or for pets but were released. [1] E. Grundhauser (2017). It's the 40th anniversary of the raccoon that ate Japan. Atlas obscura. [2] JE Hausheer (2019). Seven US Species Invading Other Countries. Nature Conservancy blog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665284566931-QCQX605IR8YQKGKELOI6/RBD+%23454+American+alligator+220917_DSC05751.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #454 American alligator Broad snout, so it's an alligator. South Florida also has native crocodiles which are bigger, lighter coloured and have a narrow snout. 2022-09-17 Big Cypress National Preserve, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665251892155-D8NDWN06AM95TF4HU4H0/RBD+%23453+Norther+curly-tailed+lizard+220917_DSC05874.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #453 Northern curly-tailed lizard Another non-native species, this one an invited guest of the cane farmers who brought them in from the Bahamas to control insects. They do help to control the non-native brown anole population so their impact is neutral (the browns have already chased the greens into the trees). I'm surprised they weren't already native. The lizards are tiny and the distances are small (~150 km); you would think that some "pregnant" female would hitch a ride on a tree limb during a storm. Instead it appears that island hopping is rare. Instead, convergent evolution has led to similar looking species on the different islands of the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Jamaica).[1] A number of species occur on Cuba and Bahamas, but these were only separated by the Old Bahamas Strait, which was 20 km wide during the depth of the last ice age. [1] DOI:10.1126/science.1232392 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665200221067-7YTTR8KAMN5ZII94MF6K/RBD+%23452+Gopher+tortoise+220913_DSC04358.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #452 Gopher tortoise So called because they dig big burrows in sandy soil. They are considered a keystone species, with their abandoned burrows providing homes for hundreds of species. 2022-09-13 Scrub Ridge Trail, Merritt Island, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665116168860-FMAU4A9890KDUFSRZ12X/RBD+%23451+Brown+anole+220916_DSC05566.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #451 Brown anole (Female) Polymorphic? This is a red-headed female with minimal patterning on her back. When present, the patterns can vary between diamonds and chevrons, depending on pigment cell diffusion rates during prenatal development (perhaps controlled by estrogen, or at least activated when estrogen is active due to proximity on the genome).[1] They are even polymorphic within individuals, who can change from light tan to dark brown due to stress or cold. [1] https://www.anoleannals.org/2022/04/18/dorsal-pattern-formation-in-anolis-lizards/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665106909270-YJGQ3VRXP3OL09259JWR/RBD+%23450+Brown+anole+220916_DSC05592.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #450 Brown anole (Male) Dimorphic! Unlike the female with her white dorsal stripe in #449 this guy has a bright orange dewlap, which he's extended to let me know that I'm in his space. Males are a bit bigger as well, but you don't see that in photos of individuals. 2022-09-16 Indian River Lagoon Park, New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1665027005028-4T904PUTIWIQM516TKUM/RBD+%23449+Brown+anole+220912_DSC03698.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #449 Brown anole (Female) First introduced from Cuba in the late 1800's these little guys are now everywhere! Or at least it seems so. They don't mind disturbed habitats infested by humans so we see them more than the shy native green anole. 2022-09-12 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1664935890676-0WOF19VO2PZNYR1XLRG4/RBD+%23448+Sunrise+220913_DSC04039.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #448 Sunrise A jogger getting some exercise before the heat of the day; morning thunderheads in the distance feeding on the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. 2022-09-13 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1664863026469-LQPF7YVBM6K6BV8P4K7E/RBD+%23447+Northern+pearly+eye+220806_IMG_2729.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #447 Northern pearly eye Forest dwellers living in the shadows, they are in fact party animals. The males hang out on trees feeding on a yeasty froth of tree sap, waiting for females to come by to feed, then they retreat to the grass where the female lays her eggs.[1,2] Species Lethe anthedon, meaning a nymph of the river of forgetfulness, where I presume beer flows like water. 2022-08-06 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [1] HS Horn (2021). "Social Butterflies". DOI:10.2307/j.ctv1g13jwt.11 [2] https://education.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/northern-pearly-eye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1664769004477-VWCQPB9Z3XPL9MVZOKLU/RBD+%23446+American+green+tree+frog+220806_IMG_2785.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #446 American green tree frog A pair of small frogs on a very big leaf but I don't know if they are a couple. Females are on average a little larger but there is a lot of overlap (32-54 mm vs 25-50 mm respectively). Pet stores can only guess at the sex. Although they are more look than touch, they can provide up to six years of companionship. 2022-08-06 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1664516311702-TJQYSBCQHOY856TXFD3K/RBD+%23445+Butterfly+weed+220605_IMG_2141.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #445 Butterfly weed Asclepias tuberosa is a member of the milkweed family, and as such it produces cardenolide steroids. These are toxic to most vertebrates (they mess with the enzymes the sodium/potassium gradient in cell membranes, interfering with nerve transmission and causing heart attacks), so caterpillars feed on the leaves, accumulating poison in their bodies. As butterflies, birds quickly learn they don't like the taste. The steroid levels are low in A. tuberosa so it is not as popular with the monarchs as other milkweed species, but it'll do in a pinch. 2022-06-05 Kingsman and Heritage Islands Park, DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1664424635856-ZFMC3XHYT22R8GEO0YZ0/RBD+%23444+Red-banded+leafhopper+220902_DSC03049.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #444 Red-banded leafhopper A third sharpshooter, this one basking in the glow of my "light trap" (the frosted glass on our outdoor light fixture). There are a couple of dozen sharpshooters in our area, so called because they spit the excess water they suck from the plants out their behinds (video here). 2022-09-02 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1664424635832-4SCAICO9N5DMUVBVGQW5/RBD+%23443+versute+sharpshooter+220730_DSC01531.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #443 Versute sharpshooter Another sharpshooter, this one half the size (6 mm). Like the broad-headed sharpshooter, it is a vector for Xylella fastidiosa bacteria which causes Pierce's disease in grapes (shrivelled fruit, scorching and dropped leaves). 2022-07-30 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1664411752029-3OBGPTT88A3DXUGH5MAT/RBD+%23442+Broad-headed+sharpshooter+220528_DSC08108.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #442 Broad-headed sharpshooter A large beastie (1.2 cm) this guy grazes on leaves, sucking out their juices. It's quite different from the nymph (#261). 2022-05-28 NIH Pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1664411750352-6ULPU6Y17ZG5MGI70NSD/RBD+%23441+Ebony+jewelwing+220730_DSC01348.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #441 Ebony jewelwing Another mosquito eater (yay!), this one serving in Cabin John Creek. With a bit of glittery thread and peacock feather you can tie your own ebony jewelwing fly. 2022-07-30 Locust Grove Nature Center, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1664411752490-ZRHQRCGFTSKFI3RNV7U9/RBD+%23440+Exquisite+white+miller+220730_DSC01453.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #440 Exquisite white miller A "white miller" is a kind of trout fly which mimics adult Nectopsyche caddisflies (usually the all-white N. albida, not the N. exquisita shown here). Like mayflies and mosquitoes, caddisfly larva grow up in water. Fish like to eat the adults when they are laying their egg, so in the breeding season they may be tricked by the lure. As they are growing, the larva build themselves a protective tube out of bit of stone and shell. The artist Hubert Duprat uses this to make jewelry by raising larva in tanks with flakes of gold and bits of precious stone. 2022-07-30 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1664411753505-SHPQH48X469I4R6KDXS9/RBD+%23439+Water+strider+220730_DSC01363.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #439 Water strider Floating on the creek surface searching for mosquito larva, or maybe an insect that falls in the water. Water striders can float for days even with significant weight on their backs. Females carry the males around for up to 12 hours during mating. That does make them more visible and less maneuverable, which is good for the frogs. 2022-07-30 Locust Grove Nature Center, Bethesda, MD Fairbairn (2009) Costs of loading associated with mate carrying in the water strider, Aquarius remigis. DOI:10.1093/beheco/4.3.224 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1664411754050-S4BUFDUBGQL8YM8R3CYU/RBD+%23438+Eastern+bluebird+220710_DSC01168.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #438 Eastern bluebird (Female) A female preparing her nest. Although nominally monogamous, checking genetics showed 15% of females raising chicks from other mothers. This may be because there are not enough nesting sites to go around, so sometimes a female will lay in another nest. DOI:10.1007/BF00299374 2022-07-10 John James Audubon Center, Audubon PA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1664411755844-MAYMVCSQEUY0HA7KO8XB/RBD+%23437+Eastern+bluebird+220619_IMG_2408.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #437 Eastern bluebird (Male) A bluebird near (but not on) a golf course, where reproductive success is slightly lower, perhaps directly from the chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizer, or perhaps indirectly due to fewer arthropods in the impoverished environment. 2022-06-19 Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling, VA DOI: 10.2193/0091-7648(2005)33[471:ACOEBR]2.0.CO;2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1664411756261-BPHZEJ3ZZ0VF7YMLZPIW/RBD+%23436+Catalpa+sp+220528_DSC08117.jpg RBD 2022 09 - RBD #436 Catalpa sp Planted as an ornamental tree for its flowers, it is an underrated hardwood with resistance to decay and little shrinkage. I'm not sure if this is the northern or southern variety. 2022-05-28 NIH Pond, Bethesda, MD https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2022-10 daily 0.75 2025-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668162852381-1TK2HOX0T9QYIL75BMB2/RBD+%23495+Laughing+gull+220915_DSC05093.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #495 Laughing gull Leucophaeus atricilla, or dusky-white black-tail. Wearing eclipse plumage for winter, by next March most adults will be sporting a sleek black hood and red beak. Gotta look sharp for the breeding season! By September they are back to winter feathers. 2022-09-15 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668162852381-1TK2HOX0T9QYIL75BMB2/RBD+%23495+Laughing+gull+220915_DSC05093.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #495 Laughing gull Leucophaeus atricilla, or dusky-white black-tail. Wearing eclipse plumage for winter, by next March most adults will be sporting a sleek black hood and red beak. Gotta look sharp for the breeding season! By September they are back to winter feathers. 2022-09-15 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668064384662-DG90LULPJWM7LHG7TJRA/RBD+%23494++Black-bellied+whistling+duck+220914_DSC05039.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #494 Black-bellied whistling duck Dendrocygna autumnalis, from Greek for autumn tree swan. Not your usual sort of duck: tropical, arboreal, nocturnal, monogamous. They look like geese and sound like songbirds. I saw a number of them hanging out in swampy grasslands during the day so not strongly arboreal or nocturnal. I'm sad I didn't hear them singing. 2022-09-14 Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667972905576-O75VS0TPJT30U5K1PNI3/RBD+%23493+Willet+220916_DSC05409.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #493 Willet Eying a tiny crab in the morning sun. Equally adept at foraging by eye or by touch, brooding females will forage during the night while the males tend to the nest. Street lights can be an attractive nuisance, bringing foraging night birds into urban areas where the food is lower quality and predators more numerous. 2022-09-16 Smyrna Dunes Park, New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667886032444-ZKS2YM8JW5XC9YSO1WAN/RBD+%23492+Anhinga+220914_DSC05051.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #492 Anhinga (Male) Unlike the female his head is mostly black, though in spring he will don bright blue-green eye-liner to impress the ladies. He will stay mostly submerged while he is in the water so you can't see the white on his wings. The neutral buoyancy allows for very slow swimming so that he can stalk prey, avoiding the rapid burst-and-glide motion of the cormorant.[1] DOI:10.1242/jeb.01856 2022-09-14 Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667790095723-R9DNG498FPQ25M9XVG1U/RBD+%23491+Anhinga+220914_DSC05059.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #491 Anhinga (Female) … or juvenile. Playing "airplane", she was striking various poses in the breeze. Unlike most birds her feathers don't interlock to trap air, which allows her to float with only her head above water; her cousins the cormorants need to actively paddle to stay submerged. This trick has a cost, though. With the water right next to her skin she cannot maintain her body heat and must bask in the sun after a swim. The pied-billed grebe does one better, using a swim bladder for buoyancy, emptying air sacs to sink effortlessly. 2022-09-14 Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667779013594-8A79QFGVBE79Y7ID1GS3/RBD+%23490+Tricolored+heron+220913_DSC04494.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #490 Tricolored heron (Adult) Looks bicolored to me. During breeding season they add some buff highlights to earn the moniker "tricolored", along with a blue beak and pink legs. Juveniles (#488) have a lot of brown, looking more like a green heron (#44). 2022-09-13 Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR, Titusville, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667713949330-2W41G4PAQO2XGG197HUU/RBD+%23489+Roseate+spoonbill+220917_DSC05904.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #489 Roseate spoonbill Stretching its wings while watching raindrops splash into the ocean, it is taking a bit of a break from foraging. Like other members of the ibis family, it swirls its beak in the mud and snaps up anything that moves. This includes crustaceans, whose antioxidant beta-carotenoid astaxanthin protects the feathers and gives them a lovely pink hue. DOI:10.1038/175942a0 2022-09-17 Chokoloskee, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667632692979-C0GA122GKBIIPTCI55F5/RBD+%23488+Tricolored+heron+220917_DSC06011.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #488 Tricolored heron (Juvenile) Perching for the evening with the mixed flock of ibises, herons, cormorants and gulls. They are active feeders, with more running and flapping and less standing and waiting than most of the heron family. Lots of strikes makes them pretty successful even though they miss often. Snowy egrets are more successful (#478) DOI:10.2307/1520962 2022-09-17 Chokoloskee Bay, Everglade City, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667531359329-FPW385ZC5M756IQDZR8K/RBD+%23487+Glossy+ibis+220914_DSC05012.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #487 Glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus (literally "sickle sickle" from Greek+Latin). This is a cosmopolitan species which arrived in the new world in the 1800s and expanded its range in waves ever since. The recent expansion into the southwest may be driven by the creation of "wetland habitats", which is to say, sewage ponds and golf courses. Given that they can fly across the Atlantic it's surprising that colonization didn't happen sooner (birds banded in Spain have been found in the Caribbean---things you can learn when you band 15000 chicks). Meanwhile, populations have declined in its traditional breeding range in eastern Europe and winter range in the Sahal. 2022-09-14 Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL [1] Patten, M. A., and G. W. Lasley. "Range expansion of the Glossy ibis in North America." North American birds 54.3 (2000): 241-247. [2] DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082983 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667457216827-SSE8WJAXR9ZBAM8PRZIJ/RBD+%23486+White+ibis+220917_DSC06015.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #486 White ibis ... brown pelicans and a half-dozen cormorants roosting for the night. Clearly they are social birds, with up to 100,000 pairs in a colony. Even during the day large groups will forage together, wading through the wetlands. Along with their adaptation to urban environments, this makes them an excellent reservoir for the flu and other diseases. [DOI:10.7589/2019-05-136] 2022-09-17 Chokoloskee Bay, Chokoloskee, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667372220062-OKHLEJCVSYS2GNIHRHWG/RBD+%23485+White+ibis+220916_DSC05510.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #485 White ibis (Juvenile) A pair of white ibises eating bugs in the grass. Not that you can tell from their colour. Like many species young ibises are mottley brown. They've adapted to urban living, surviving off garbage when water levels are too low to support fishing ("urban foraging"). DOI:10.1111/j.1474-919X.2011.01101.x 2022-09-16 Indian River Lagoon Park, New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667277153259-98CCEM2EJYKJX07I5OID/RBD+%23484+Red-femured+spotted+orbweaver+220912_DSC03938.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #484 Red-femured spotted orbweaver One more spider to close out Halloween. The decorative silk is interesting. Called stabilimenta since it was originally thought to strengthen the web, but it may also serve as a warning to prevent web destruction, as camouflage, as a "sun shield" for cooling, or as a UV reflection signal to attract insects.[1] The evidence is mixed, but I can attest to the warning function: the web stayed intact because I didn't walk into it. 2022-09-12 St. Francis Trail, Ocala National Forest, DeLand, FL [1] Phangurha, Josh. Construction of the orb web in constant and changing abiotic conditions. Diss. University of Bristol, 2019. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667227924492-FKKFNM3WJ3SQZ3HYNR7P/RBD+%23483+Golden+silk+spider+220912_DSC03878.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #483 Golden silk spider A large (body 24-40mm female; 6mm male)[1] and colourful spider for Halloween. Their webs are a couple of meters across with a tough sticky silk that is hard to get off (sorry!). They have been known to trap the occasional song bird[2] but that's not their intended prey. 2022-09-12 St. Francis Trail, Ocala National Forest, DeLand, FL [1] https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/golden_silk_spider.html [2] Zenzal Jr, Theodore J., et al. "A Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) captured in the web of a golden silk orb-weaver (Trichonephila clavipes)." The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 132.2 (2020): 456-459. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667188571771-CBHHDNMYLC3JY5FOK8SD/RBD+%23482+Spiny-backed+orbweaver+220915_DSC05241.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #482 Spiny-backed orbweaver (Female) Often called a crab spider but I prefer the name jewel spider. Her shell comes in bright white, yellow and red (males are dull brown and have no spikes; they also don't live very long, dying within 6 days of sex). She's a tiny thing with an enormous web marked with patterns of white tufts. Between the bright markings and the web highlights she clearly wants to be seen, but the literature is inconsistent about why. 2022-09-15 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667149078805-8W95Z62JMO7DU3TN1YQ3/RBD+%23481+Halloween+pennant+220827_IMG_3773.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #481 Halloween pennant (Male?) "Halloween" because of the orange/black theme. "Pennant" because he likes to sit on a high perch to survey the domain. Although not territorial, the bigger guys do seem to get the "better" perches (higher, closer to the water, more visible to birds). DOI:10.1155/2016/9028105 2022-08-27 Gunner's Lake Local Park, Gaithersburg, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667107079436-00NT70NT9QJT8900FM9O/RBD+%23480+Red-shouldered+hawk+220914_DSC04852.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #480 Red-shouldered hawk Standing in the grass and looking stuck I thought maybe it was caught in a trap. Instead it was the trap, holding down a frog and calling out to its mate.(?) It later flew to a nearby perch so I could see its prey. The identification AI got very confused, thinking that a frog hanging from a branch was some strange kind of bird. In the current generation of programs context is everything 2022-09-14 Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667067862096-PKNQA9SQCXLQAA5UEBOX/RBD+%23479+Belted+kingfisher+220914_DSC04877.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #479 Belted kingfisher Returning home from a successful fishing trip. [Zoom in to see the fish.] 2022-09-14 Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667019306494-ETE9SPM2GHCAJGJ2U0OO/RBD+%23478+Snowy+egret+220915_DSC05328.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #478 Snowy egret Playing in the surf on a warm Florida evening. It is an active hunter, running and jumping through the waves. In still waters it will dip its beak in and vibrate, making ripples like a trapped insect, to catch any curious mosquito fish hoping to score its own meal. 2022-09-15 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666929217654-1N38NRJPHY4QCAD3VMJD/RBD+%23477+Common+gallinule+220913_DSC04462.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #477 Common gallinule (Chick) Back in black, it's curious how the chicks look more like the parents than the juveniles. They can't fly but according to wikipedia they will piggy-back on a parent if they need to make an escape. No idea how you get a half dozen chicks to safety like this. 2022-09-13 Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR, Titusville, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1667227781444-LO2EUS02EFNWX86QZREG/RBD+%23483+Golden+silk+spider+220912_DSC03878.jpg RBD 2022 10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666928334566-9B6COKW1WDWHQUMY8773/RBD+%23476+Common+gallinule+220913_DSC04587.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #476 Common gallinule (Juvenile) With brown feathers and no frontal shield you might think this is a new species, but no, it's a juvenile. Genetic evidence indicates that the shield evolved four separate times[1] so it must be beneficial (protecting the face while walking through the reeds?) but then why don't the juveniles have it? Of course once a trait is there it is used for mate selection. The biggest and the reddest have the most testosterone.[2] 2022-09-13 Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR, Titusville, FL [1] DOI:10.1016/j.ympev.2014.09.008 [2] DOI:10.1006/hbeh.1999.1569 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666842020357-MXCYJDO1WPFG5RM24YNO/RBD+%23475+Common+gallinule+220913_DSC04441.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #475 Common gallinule Emphasis on the "common" at least in Florida in September. There are some stragglers coming down from Minnesota and New Brunswick as late as November. 0.06% of all observations on eBird are from Maine. Next April they head back north, as shown by "migrant tower kills": On cloudy nights with no stars to guide them birds fly toward the warm, steady, glow of the lights on communication towers, circling them like moths until they get tangled in the guy wires. 6.8 M deaths per year across all birds by one estimate. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0034025 2022-09-13 Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR, Titusville, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666760978205-HDHDJTWN6QR3X0L5RG4W/RBD+%23474+Osprey+220917_DSC05943.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #474 Osprey A convenient perch for monitoring the sea. Too bad it can't hand out speeding tickets. Boat strikes are the leading cause of death for Florida manatees. They are sitting low in the water so they can't see, and the Lloyd mirror effect attenuates low frequency sounds so much that they can't hear. The result is that 96% of adults show propeller scars, with 25% showing 10+ hits. Outfitting boats with high pitched underwater directional beacons might help. DOI:10.3354/esr01075 2022-09-17 Chokoloskee Bay, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666675136585-P4M5NRS4ZPFGP9J1BEEO/RBD+%23473+Florida+manatee+220913_DSC04137.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #473 Florida manatee At 400 kg you need a lot of lettuce to keep one of these fed. 45 kg per day of romaine, plus monkey chow biscuits, carrots and assorted aquatic plants as treats. With time and training you can do a complete hearing sensitivity test showing about 20 dB above shallow water background between 400 Hz and 16 kHz. Below 400 Hz sounds are more "felt" than "heard". DOI:10.1121/1.424681 2022-09-13 Manatee Observation Deck, Mims, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666566473777-KVO6PXT24KF9BFANKCGI/RBD+%23472+Ornate+bella+moth+220913_DSC04298.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #472 Ornate bella moth No, not a simple black-white colour substitution from #471. This is an unrelated moth native to eastern North America (MN to ME) and south to Columbia and Venezuela. Bright colours, so poisonous, in this case using alkaloids from rattlebox plants (Crotalaria spp) collected as caterpillars. Males will transfer some to females during mating along with a nutrient packet as a nuptial gift, supplementing the females own alkaloids for self defense and for adding to the egg: Sexually transmitted chemical defense. DOI:10.1073/pnas.96.10.5570 2022-09-13 Scrub Ridge Trail, Merritt Is NWR, Titusville, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666561259933-Q7VEZ1MWB0YY360U2A00/RBD+%23471+Ailanthus+webworm+moth+220910_DSC03355.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #471 Ailanthus webworm moth A south Florida species where it uses paradise trees (Simarouba spp) as its host, it has spread north with the introduction of the tree of heaven from northern China (Ailanthus altissima; same family, different genus). Tree of heaven conducts chemical warfare, killing nearby native trees and many native insects that might limit it. There are options for biocontrol (for example, the spotted lanternfly) but many of these are known invasives in their own right. DOI:10.1080/09583150500531909 2022-09-10 Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Woodbridge, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666507856708-A02MZHPGOR4GNHTTOE7U/RBD+%23470+Tawny-edged+skipper+220913_DSC04364.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #470 Tawny-edged skipper (Male) Unlike the brush-footed butterflies you can see all six legs on this skipper. You also get a clear view of his proboscis sipping nectar from a yellow milkwort flower (from Middle English milk+plant when they believed milkwort improved dairy production). 2022-09-13 Scrub Ridge Trail, Merritt Is NWR, Titusville, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666421343375-DXFWHGV6FUR4SKWJ51JW/RBD+%23469+Long-tailed+skipper+220911_DSC03620.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #469 Long-tailed skipper An early season migrant stopping at the DQ for a snack. This tiny plot of wild land too small for a house had a half dozen butterfly species fluttering about along with numerous other insects (my legs can attest that mosquitos were present). At butterfly speeds it takes a couple of weeks to fly from Massachusetts or Missouri to south Florida where they can safely overwinter. This is not a random walk to somewhere warm; it is the purposeful flight of hundreds of millions maintaining a straight course despite obstacles while compensating for crosswinds, likely using the sun as a compass. 2022-09-11 DQ parking lot, Darien, GA [1] Walker, Thomas J. "Butterfly migration in the boundary layer." Migration: Mechanisms and adaptive significance (1985): 704-723. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666317871439-VJ4SXYR5M332SJMBVUQV/RBD+%23468+Spicebush+swallowtail+220911_DSC03641.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #468 Spicebush swallowtail You can tell it is not a black swallowtail by the "blue comet" replacing one of the orange spots. Also its final orange spot is solid with no black center. The recent black (#466) doesn't show this either, having lost the bottom of its wing. Maybe it caught it on a thorn while dining on a thistle. Hate it when that happens… 2022-09-11 DQ parking lot, Darien, GA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666237938004-KDVXVVWQFQDM37S7QNCE/RBD+%23467+Palamedes+swallowtail+220914_DSC05053.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #467 Palamedes swallowtail A lucky butterfly sipping from one of its favourite nectar plants, the bristle thistle (Cirsium horridulum). Over 80% of butterflies have some sort of damage to the wing. In this case it is symmetric, so presumably a bird took a chunk out of it while it was perching with wings closed. It'll still be able to fly (one was reported to be flying with 80% of its wing surface missing), but it'll have to burn a few more calories to flap a little faster. The paper is a tour de force, with 16,901 butterflies captured, measured, and released and recorded. DOI:10.1111/1365-2656.13139 2022-09-14 Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1666156184158-ENJ5BU2ZBRBTQKCV03CG/RBD+%23466+Black+swallowtail+220914_DSC05026.jpg RBD 2022 10 - RBD #466 Black swallowtail Butterflies have different behaviour depending on body temperature. Rawlins[1] measured this using itty-bitty thermocouples implanted in each butterfly. After cooling a group of males over ice (butterflies can survive -5C without ill effects) he let them warm naturally, gently tossing them into the air by their wing tips and recording their behaviour. At 14C to 21C they could start to crawl and move their wings. At 24C they could glide around. By 28C full flight was restored. As it gets hotter they need increasing humidity to keep their wings from drying out. They don't have active cooling, so their thorax stays about 10C above ambient temperature as it gets hotter. They do, however, practice active heating, and can maintain a body temperature that allows flight (about 29C) using perch location, posture and movement even as the air temperature drops to 14C. 2022-09-14 Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL [1] Rawlins, J.E., 1980. Thermoregulation by the black swallowtail butterfly, Papilio polyxenes. Ecology, 61(2), pp.345-357. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2022-11 daily 0.75 2023-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672328390843-QYB3NXMR2RFM8W933YL5/RBD+%23528+Seaside+dragonlet+220913_DSC04532+copy.jpg RBD 2022 11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672328390843-QYB3NXMR2RFM8W933YL5/RBD+%23528+Seaside+dragonlet+220913_DSC04532+copy.jpg RBD 2022 11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672543352092-5DFHUU4G0PCLCZ9RP465/RBD+%23530+Domestic+duck+221029_DSC07358.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #530 Domestic duck A duck for new years eve! Most domestic ducks are a subspecies of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), but they haven't lost their ability to live in the wilds of suburbia. Mostly they are hybrids showing bits of the usual mallard colours (mallards will breed with anything duck-like, even in a different genus) but a pure white one is not unusual. This one seems very happy with its life on the lake. 2022-10-29 Burke Lake, Fairfax Station, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672378943197-RWNAARPQXQ8ZTF6YYVH4/RBD+%23529+Eastern+pondhawk+220913_DSC04306.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #529 Eastern pondhawk An aggressive predator, she captures prey in flight and brings it back to her perch to eat (a seaside dragonlet in this case). Mate selection is done visually, with a powder blue male (RBD #127) staking out territory and attempting to mate with any female that flies through. It doesn't matter if she is alive: tying a dead female to a pole and floating her through his territory is good enough. A male painted like a female will also do fine, but a female with wings painted black will be ignored (though another species, the widow skimmer, may make a pass).[1] 2022-09-13 Scrub Ridge Trail, Merritt Island NWR, Titusville, FL [1] C.G. Andrew (1966). The Ohio Journal of Science. v66 n6, 613-617. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672328480354-I0657QHKW9LNJTU4KYM5/RBD+%23528+Seaside+dragonlet+220913_DSC04532.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #528 Seaside dragonlet (Female) Taking a break from mosquito control. Optimal flight requires muscle temperature of around 39 °C, where the biochemistry of sugar breakdown is most efficient. This can involve several minutes of pre-flight warmup by shivering the wings, though you can decrease this to around a minute by embedding little battery powered heaters in the thorax (insect-cyborg microdrones DOI:10.1109/IEMBS.2008.4650529). 2022-09-13 Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR, Titusville, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672202065194-Y69HZQR4Z42MTAVVN7F1/RBD+%23527+Seaside+dragonlet+220913_DSC04256.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #527 Seaside dragonlet (Male) Along the coasts from Nova Scotia to Colombia lives a dark and dusky blue dragonfly, the seaside dragonlet. A true marine dragonfly, its nymphs can grow up in the ocean, hiding under rocks in the intertidal zone. Something more to look for when playing in tide pools. DOI:10.1086/physzool.53.4.30157882 2022-09-13 Scrub Ridge Trail, Merritt Is. NWR, Titusville, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672123334174-FQP3THQNL5DLKT1M7MR5/RBD+%23526+Broad-fronted+fiddler+crab+220916_DSC05610.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #526 Broad-fronted fiddler crab (Male) Tribe Minucini; perhaps Leptuca pugilator. It is hard to tell when they have built-in mood rings, changing colour from dark to light depending on time of day, illumination and temperature. Hormones control the dispersal of black and white pigments, with overall levels increasing with illumination (sun block) and pigment balance controlling colour (camouflage). They can even tell whether they are on white sand or dark soil from the amount of light hitting the top vs the bottom of the retina. DOI:10.1086/physzool.21.4.30152015 2022-09-16 Indian River Lagoon Park, New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672028733653-PRAJ1UXLZGM9XXR1USJM/RBD+%23525+Atlantic+blue+crab+220913_DSC04114.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #525 Atlantic blue crab Say cheese! Adapted for brackish waters such as the Chesapeake, their gills have ion pumps to control salt intake. They can even survive fresh water but they need time to grow more pump cells. DOI:10.1007/BF00339398 2022-09-13 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1671951202023-S0JK2H7EICW99AP9AXBV/RBD+%23524+Jagged+ambush+bug+220913_DSC04341.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #524 Jagged ambush bug Hanging out on a flower waiting for dinner to arrive. It helps if you are invisible, choosing a flower that matches your colour; even better if you can adapt your colour a bit to the flowers available.[1] The visiting bees won't even see you,[2] though they may not stay long when they discover you are there.[3] 2022-09-13 Scrub Ridge Trail, Merritt Is NWR, Titusville, FL [1] DOI:10.1111/1365-2435.13528 [2] DOI:10.1007/s10905-018-9706-9 [3] DOI: 10.2307/2426266 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1671830624516-0N87J9ETEYDT8GEOL2JM/RBD+%23523+Poey%27s+furrow+bee+220917_DSC05862.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #523 Poey's furrow bee One of the 300 bee species in Florida. Bee sex is determined by the number of chromosome sets per cell (ploidy): one set for males (haploid), two sets for females (diploid). However, if you have a diploid individual with a pair of identical sex chromosomes you get a sterile male. With upwards of 50% diploid males, Halictus poeyi appear to be pretty inbred despite being common. Perhaps warm, damp Florida is not the best environment for ground-dwelling bees. DOI:10.1046/j.1365-2540.2001.00952.x 2022-09-17 Gator Hook Trail, Big Cypress National Preserve, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1671702190132-1HSNN6C82SM47U67QBWW/RBD+%23522+Lovebug+220914_DSC04728-1.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #522 Lovebug Recent arrivals from Central American (1940s) these flies are now well established in Florida. The larvae are natural composters, feeding on dead plants. Every spring and fall they explode from the ground for a multi-day flying orgy, males and females sticking together for days at a time. After parting, the female may find a different partner for a second round, or she may lay her eggs in the soil and die.[0] To find a good spot for her eggs, the female scans the environment for the formaldehyde given off by decaying plants. When excited by UV from the sun this emits a specific frequency of IR to which her antennae are tuned, allowing her to "see" dead plants from far away. Unfortunately car exhaust gives off formaldehyde in spades, swamping any signal from the natural environment, and attracting lovebugs to the highways like moths to a flame.[1] Same mechanism for moths: directional thermal sensor on the antennae for picking up IR.[2]† This is swamped by the signal from a candle. And a similar result: many dead bugs coating the grill and windshield. Sadly, this means the lack of bugs outside of Florida is not due to some technical improvements in airstream efficiency that protects them from traffic fatalities, but instead suggests there are no longer enough bugs around to become fatalities. † No follow-up work by other authors. Non-replicable? 2022-09-14 Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL [0] DOI:10.1093/aesa/69.5.843 [1] DOI:10.1364/AO.24.001088 [2] Callahan, Philip S. "THE ANTENNA OF INSECTS AS AN ELECTROMAGNETIC SENSORY ORGAN." Studies on the Shootborer Hypsipyla Grandella (zeller): 31. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1671603855680-QM1XTWUKTOHG9KD2QLBJ/RBD+%23521+Laphystia+sp+220915_DSC05112.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #521 Laphystia sp (Female) Probably Laphystia litoralis but need to look under the wings to be sure. Unlike the gentle (as adult) bristle flies, robber flies are armed with venom that lets them instantly paralyze larger prey. A complex injection system complete with needle, valves and pumps delivers a dozen unique neurotoxins along with chemicals to dissolve their victims from the inside. Good camouflage and high agility lets them ambush passers-by mid-flight. DOI:10.3390/toxins10010029 2022-09-15 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1671504315702-15J4CDUC1515GULFPNC4/RBD+%23520+Bristle+fly+220911_DSC03614.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #520 Bristle fly Parasitoid: Only a parasite for part of its lifecycle. In this case the larval stage feeds inside the host bursting forth as an adult. Think "Alien", but for caterpillars. The creature that emerges is more like a cow, browsing on pollen rather than marauding and killing people. Depending on the species, adults may lay lots of little eggs where the host will eat them, they may inject an egg into the host, or they may glue one big egg to the host, giving the newly hatched larva enough energy to burrow in. A half dozen species are used for biological pest control. 2022-09-11 DQ parking lot, Darien, GA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1670316898310-YUQKPF93MN8G4W1ZUJB9/RBD+%23519+Leather-colored+bird+grasshopper+220912_DSC03857.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #519 Leather-colored bird grasshopper (Male) Sitting quietly under a leaf, believing himself invisible. When you are this small you either hide or you flee. If you flee but are still followed you can either flee further, flee sooner, or try hiding. Different species use different strategies. Without intergenerational storytelling there is no way to figure out the best strategy before being eaten, so I'm not surprised it is baked into the genome. DOI:10.1007/s00265-013-1660-0 2022-09-12 St. Francis Trail, DeLand, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1670162833087-XKJLH0DN3J1C51C89PXA/RBD+%23518+Handsome+meadow+katydid+220910_DSC03345.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #518 Handsome meadow katydid (Female) Waiting for the siren song of ol' blue eyes. In katydids the females are the seekers. The males sit on a branch and sing at the top of their voice, "Pick me! Pick me!" Okay, more violin than voice; called stridulation, they rub their wings together to vibrate. Females want the loudest male, but the closer ones seem louder. So how to choose? Well, air attenuates higher frequencies more than lower, so the spectrum will be tilted more for a male that is further away. Females will head toward a quieter "bassy" male even if a louder treble is close at hand. DOI:10.1080/09524622.2021.1879681 2022-09-10 Occoquan Bay NWR, Woodbridge, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1669873042585-X4ULWXQNZUE06X9ZLDCC/RBD+%23517+Perennial+glasswort+220916_DSC05606.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #517 Perennial glasswort Despite the look Salicoria ambigua is more closely related to spinach than it is to asparagus, bamboo or horsetails. As an edible coastal saltmarsh plant, it is adapted to take in and store trace elements dissolved in seawater, making it an excellent source of nutrients. When it burns it leaves behind an ash rich in sodium carbonate, which is used in glass-making because it lowers the melting temperature. Hence the name "glasswort". DOI:10.1016/j.jfca.2015.12.009 2022-09-16 Indian River Lagoon Park, New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1669782277012-CNTT1J1NX0RWU944G5WU/RBD+%23516+Carpentaria+palm+220917-DSC05876.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #516 Carpentaria palm Carpentaria acuminata showing its fruit. Despite copious seeds which readily germinate in the warm wet weather in south Florida these northern Australian palms do not appear to be invasive. Maybe the rare frost in Miami is enough to keep them in check. Though even in their native range they aren't particularly common, being #7 on the list of palms recorded there on iNat. 2022-09-17 Everglades city, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1669699866228-RNWR8THGY5C60A1XYN7U/RBD+%23515+Cabbage+palmetto+220916_DSC05604.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #515 Cabbage palmetto Charming 2 bedroom condo in quiet neighbourhood near the beach. The perfect hide-away for raising your family in comfort and security—83% nest survival rates! Our professionals prefer aged palm with its tough exterior for quality construction. Soft interiors keep our costs down, and provide good drainage through the worst of storms. Contact Dryocopus pileatus for details. DOI:10.1007/s11252-019-00899-x DOI:10.5735/086.046.0503 2022-09-16 Indian River Lagoon Park, New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1669605259451-Y61568T1FZV8K6XTQOIB/RBD+%23514+Pickerelweed+220914_DSC04819.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #514 Pickerelweed Pontederia cordata are hermaphrodites with three different "sexes". Called tristyly, there are two male anthers and one female stigma at different heights, with the pollen from each height compatible only with the stigma at the same height. With an equal mix of sexes, there will be a 2/3 chance that the next visited flower will be compatible rather than 1/2 if there were only two sexes. "A most complex marriage arrangement," says Darwin. Pickerelweed is an aggressive near shore plant with a root system that reduces erosion and cleans excess nutrients from the water. This is great as a native plant, but in South Africa it is invasive. Fortunately only one sex came across so it is limited to spreading via root. They may even be clones. 2022-09-14 Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL DOI:10.1080/15226514.2015.1045121 DOI:10.1111/nph.16026 DOI:10.1002/ece3.9366 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1669579104376-TDXY9B1YIH2GJI7VPR33/RBD+%23513+Paintedleaf+220915_DSC05282-2.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #513 Paintedleaf Close-up of the Euphorbia cyathophora flowerhead showing details of the flower clusters. Each cluster has a circle of yellow male flowers with tiny grains of pollen attached. Above these are a pair of "lips" holding a little nectar for the bees to eat. The dangling pumpkins hold the ovaries of the female flowers, one per cluster. Below are the red-painted leaves that give the plant its name. If you look closely at your poinsettia this christmas you should see something very similar, including the female flower at the top of the ovaries. 2022-09-15 An empty lot in New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1669474166355-Q1SQF9A2JGOZFATQ18DH/RBD+%23512+White+moneywort+220917_DSC05853.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #512 White moneywort Alysicarpus vaginalis, an Asian legume used for tropical forage, pasture and hay. Spread some on your hunting plot to attract deer, turkey and quail. Seeds are about $4/lb in bulk. [It is weedy and non-native so please don’t do this.] No idea where the name comes from---’tis neither "white" nor "moneywort". 2022-09-17 Gator Hook Trail, Big Cypress National Preserve, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1669438058559-V2MC8B9HZ6IK78RJAYH7/RBD+%23511+Paintedleaf+220913_DSC04238.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #511 Paintedleaf Euphorbia cyathophora, like the related poinsettia (E. pulcherrima) has clusters of teeny flowers surrounded by colourful leaves. The leaves are highly variable, from grass-like leaves shown here to "leaf-shaped" leaves, to toothy leaves like an oak. This variation can occur within the same plant! All parts of the plants are poisonous, so not surprising there are potential medical applications, in this case using an alcohol extract to treat parkinsons in rats. DOI:10.22270/ajprd.v7i3.517 2022-09-13 Haulover Canal, Merritt Island NWR, Titusville, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1669389556586-D9EG3IRLOO3NVOIFAOL6/RBD+%23510+Shaggy+portucala+220915_DSC05286.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #510 Shaggy portulaca Portulaca pilosa, aka “kiss-me-quick” and “hairy pigweed”. This tropical purslane takes two months to go from seed to seed producing up to 300,000 seeds per year. It likes dry disturbed soils common in urban environments such as roadsides and abandoned lots so it has happily followed us around the world. And as a lovely drought-tolerant ornamental, it is even planted on purpose! It probably comes from South America but its rapid life cycle produced lots of variants so it's hard to know for sure. DOI:10.1079/cabicompendium.116493 2022-09-15 An empty lot in New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1669263404817-21FHJIQT5ZGV8GXD677A/RBD+%23509+Butterfly+pea+220912_DSC03694.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #509 Butterfly pea A Centrosema virginianum flower peeking through its leaves. This is not the unrelated butterfly pea, Clitoria ternatea, used in Ayurvedic medicine as an antidepressant. Instead it is a high protein tropical forage crop which, like other legumes, can fix nitrogen into the soil. 2022-09-12 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668541005325-7CQCKZ6YDLB8CNYTS96D/RBD+%23500+Indiangrass+220910_DSC03288.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #500 Indiangrass *Sorghastrum nutans* showing its flowers. One of the mainstay grasses of the tallgrass prairie, along with big bluestem, little bluestem, and switchgrass, this plant does best in full sun. Following the Mutch Hypothesis,[1] it got its air rights by evolving high flammability, with frequent burns destroying nascent trees and leaving light for other prairie grasses and forbs.* NCSU states, "This plant has an extreme flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home."[2] *forb: Any non-woody flowering plant that is not grass-like. From ancient Greek for "food". [1] DOI:10.1007/s12080-018-0366-3 [2] NCSU Plant Toolbox: [*Sorghum nutans*](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sorghastrum-nutans/) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1669136888306-Q0S6AIS180XIFAMGBTOU/RBD+%23508+Oriental+false+hawksbeard+220915_DSC05259.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #508 Oriental false hawksbeard Youngia japonica, a traditional Chinese herb used for fever and allergies. It is also a cadmium hyperaccumulator, so useful in contaminated soil remission. Cd acts somewhat like Zn, so it gets taken up but doesn't quite work right so plants and people that consume it are less healthy. Or just use it in salads to add some variety to your diet. 2022-09-15 New Smyrna Beach, FL 10.1248/cpb.57.719 10.1007/s11356-020-10853-6 10.1016/j.phytol.2021.02.004 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1669060856861-YYD997HY4S937KOX2BHK/RBD+%23507+American+beautyberry+220912_DSC03688.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #507 American beautyberry folklore [noun]: knowledge of the people. If your grandfather tells you that they used to put the leaves of Callicarpa americana under the harnesses of the draft animals in Mississippi to keep down the mosquitos then maybe you ought to test it. The result was several plant extracts shown to be effective mosquito repellents. That's not enough to take it to market: To compete with DEET you also need to make it cheaply and show that it is safe. People in Georgia still use it against gnats when hiking. [personal comm.] 2022-09-12 New Smyrna Beach, FL DOI:10.1021/jf0509308 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668990803734-7W24NU5L0YTLB1ZZQJMJ/RBD+%23506+Cloudless+sulphur+220913_DSC04384.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #506 Cloudless sulphur (Female) She is in the “mate refusal“ posture, having told a nearby male to flutter off. This gives a good view of the black spots and fringes on her forewing that identify her as female. Usually sulphurs perch with wings closed so I can't tell if they are male or female unless I catch them on video (see #119B). 2022-09-13 Scrub Ridge Trail, Merritt Island NWR, Titusville, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668927292843-WI1WI51VAZUSF8XLHBT6/RBD+%23505+Fire+bush+220913_DSC04212-1.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #505 Firebush Hamelia patens is a good food source for hummingbirds and butterflies, including this cloudless sulphur. Use it as an ornamental bush or as a hedge in south Florida. Further north it'll act as a perennial if the ground doesn't freeze. As both an antibiotic and a pain killer it is used throughout Central and South America to relieve pain and treat wounds. 2022-09-13 Haulover Canal, Titusville, FL DOI:10.1016/j.bjp.2015.03.007 DOI:10.1016/j.bjm.2017.03.018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668839054649-BJFCTUD0LDN44YDDRI7M/RBD+%23504+Pink-sorrel+220911_DSC03479.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #504 Pink-sorrel Another woodsorrel (see #369 and #328), this time in pink! I'm not sure of the species but it is likely Oxalis articulata or O. debilis. Both are from South America but are now cosmopolitan. 2022-09-11 Hutchinson Island, Savannah, GA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668781389078-PTUW1Q266IHHCD7IZD5J/RBD+%23503+Indian+blanket+220913_DSC04530.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #503 Indian blanket Gaillardia pulchella is native to Texas and northern Mexico,[1] but it is pretty and easy to grow so garden centers have spread it around the world. It is so common in Taiwan that it is considered a native suitable for biological control of nematodes (the roots exude a toxic substance that kills adults and inhibits egg hatch).[2] It has also been tested as a biological control of invasive plants.[3] Overseeding an infested area with an aggressive native in the same niche can suppress the invasive without damaging other species. In contrast, tilling or herbicides destroy everything, leaving disturbed soil that is easily reinfested. [1] DOI:10.17348/jbrit.v14.i2.1004 [2] TT Tsay, ST Wu, YY Lin (2004). Journal of nematology. [3] Simmons MT (2005) Bullying the bullies. Restorative Ecology 13:609–615 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668665105789-B2LMQMDP3BZZVWY26D57/RBD+%23502+Bluejacket+220911_DSC03432.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #502 Bluejacket Tradescantia ohiensis, one of the dozens of species of spiderwort in North America. The trough shaped leaves with non-wetting surfaces redirect water from a large area down to its roots. However, as much as 50% of this "stemflow" is lost, redirected to other plants when their leaves touch. DOI:10.1002/eco.2239 I have no idea how this plays out in evolution. As colony plants, an over-aggressive strategy may serve only to kill off the entire colony while an under-aggressive strategy may leave room for other plants to sneak in. Both strategies appear in the wild, with some species more prone and others more upright. There's also variation in leaf surface, from smooth to hairy. 2022-09-11 Hutchinson Is, Savannah, GA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668573810447-L4Q1KIJS06X61V4I1JP0/RBD+%23501+Common+sneezeweed+220910_DSC03357.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #501 Common sneezeweed Helenium autumnale, named for Helen of Troy, the first plants having sprung from her tears as she was carried away by Paris. Which makes no sense since Helenium is an American genus, unless the ancient Greeks crossed the Atlantic on their way to Troy. The common name "sneezeweed" is more reasonable. It derives from its use as an herbal snuff, ground and snorted to induce sneezing. "It may be used in diseases of the head, [...]. The shocks of sneezing are often useful in these cases when other remedies hardly avail." (Bigelow, 1872) 2022-09-10 Occoquan Bay NWR, Woodbridge, VA [1] Bigelow, J. M. (1872) AMERICAN HELENICAE, (SNEEZE WEEDS). Am. J. of Pharmacy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668541093844-JNQ4JBI7OP9FMV5QH7H9/RBD+%23500+Indiangrass+220910_DSC03288.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #500 Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans showing its flowers. One of the mainstay grasses of the tallgrass prairie, along with big bluestem, little bluestem, and switchgrass, this plant does best in full sun. Following the Mutch Hypothesis,[1] it got its air rights by evolving high flammability, with frequent burns destroying nascent trees and leaving light for other prairie grasses and forbs.* NCSU states, "This plant has an extreme flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home."[2] 2022-10-09 Occoquan Bay NWR, Woodbridge, VA *forb: Any non-woody flowering plant that is not grass-like. From ancient Greek for "food". [1] DOI:10.1007/s12080-018-0366-3 [2] NCSU Plant Toolbox: Sorghum nutans https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668447399738-SNLY5OZ5KB8SCQ9HGYXS/RBD+%23499+Lake+220913_DSC04575.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #499 Lake Prepping for the daily deluge.[1] Clouds are building up for the afternoon rainstorm, a fixture in Florida's summer weather (Jun-Sep) powered by off-shore sea temperatures above 28 C. This was the "mild" rainy season, without the wind, hail and waterspouts of spring. Just lots and lots of rain in a very short time, making driving impossible. Not that anyone actually stopped, but some did slow down a bit. 2022-09-13 Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR, Titusville, FL [1] https://www.weather.gov/tbw/RainySeason https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668405581400-2E3TI2IEQ8006KF64I3L/RBD+%23498+Ruddy+turnstone+220913_DSC04074.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #498 Ruddy turnstone Back and forth. 2022-09-13 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668319453172-9U20KTOUFIOCVOEROMP5/RBD+%23497+Boat-tailed+grackle+220917_DSC05726.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #497 Boat-tailed grackle (Female) Hanging out at the gas station, where food is plentiful and doesn't scuttle away. Amongst grackles, female feathers are distinct and males require subtle features like beak shape and tail length. With only one moult per year (Jul-Nov) they don't have breeding and "eclipse" feathers, but they still have an annual cycle with male testes swelling by 100x for the breeding season (Apr-Jun); ovaries diameter also increases. Throw in a steady supply of urban forage and these cycles get messed up, with pairs forming in fall leading to fledglings as late as Dec. 2022-09-17 Pilot Travel Center #874 - Dade Corners, Miami, FL [1] Selander, RK; Nicholson , DJ (1962). "Autumnal breeding of Boat-tailed Grackles in Florida." The Condor 64(2) 81-91. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1668241361157-S9GN6ZDA3R07LOGTFA6V/RBD+%23496+Boat-tailed+grackle+220911_DSC03589.jpg RBD 2022 11 - RBD #496 Boat-tailed grackle (Male) Wandering the DQ parking lot in search of a morsel. Not uncommon. Although they are native to coastal salt marshes it seems that urban foraging (dumpsters, bins and parking lots) have allowed them to expand to coastal towns. 2022-09-11 DQ parking lot, Darien, GA https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2023-01 daily 0.75 2023-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672885023988-GTRNU078SINN2F4TA1ZN/RBD+%23533+Widow+skimmer+220827_IMG_3414.jpg RBD 2023 01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672885023988-GTRNU078SINN2F4TA1ZN/RBD+%23533+Widow+skimmer+220827_IMG_3414.jpg RBD 2023 01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675230753025-5HN6QB91A2D3KSOQP20W/RBD+%23556+Eastern+phoebe+221009_IMG_4722.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #556 Eastern phoebe Snack time! Here is a case of negative results reported in the literature: eating curcubitacins does not offer protection from birds [though human subjects agree that such beetles only taste bitter after they've eaten cucumber seeds (n=20)]. DOI:10.1111/j.1570-7458.1984.tb03439.x 2022-10-09 Lake Lily, Cape May, NJ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675053449960-EX7BYKN9GZJKH2PHNPWF/RBD+%23553+Common+jewelweed+220827_IMG_3598+copy.jpg RBD 2023 01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675178193912-256YPMJ1ZKH0MZALZT4C/RBD+%23555+Potato+aphid+221015_DSC06704.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #555 Potato aphid (Female) A lone Macrosiphum euphorbiae on our bearded iris. Given her reproduction rate (10 generations at 70 aphids per generation equals a billion squared aphids by the end of summer) it's a good thing she has many predators, parasites and pathogens. She achieves this great fecundity via cloning, giving birth to live young who are born pregnant, shortening the time between generations. Later generations may include winged males and females so sex can work its evolutionary magic. 2022-10-15 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675060411880-11L5FSHA0S9PFUZ7GJUM/RBD+%23554+Blue+mistflower+220827_IMG_3687.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #554 Blue mistflower Conoclinium coelestinum, an eastern native that is popular with parasitoid wasps.[DOI:10.1016/j.biocontrol.2011.05.002] It is also an arms supplier to monarch butterflies, who harvest pyrrolizidine alkaloids from its nectar.[DOI:10.1111/een.13051] 2022-08-27 Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675053473770-QONF6DS3TSD2C4KZK2HC/RBD+%23553+Common+jewelweed+220827_IMG_3598.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #553 Common jewelweed A pretty plant that packs a punch. AKA touch-me-not, Impatiens capensis seeds disperse explosively when you touch the seed pod, flying up to two meters. Interior struts are pumped with water and kept in check by the skin (turgor pressure: the same mechanism that stiffens plant stems and other things). The struts curl when the pod is popped, slinging the seeds with the force of spring steel. Surprisingly, most seeds don't fly very far since they don't start in the right position, with only 0.5% of the potential energy being transferred on average. Evolution is clearly not optimizing for dispersal distance.[DOI:10.1093/jxb/erp070] Note that jewelweed soap is sold as a traditional remedy for poison ivy rash, but it works no better than soap without jewelweed.[DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2014.12.024] Many thanks to those who volunteered for a two week bout of poison ivy to answer this question! 2022-08-27 Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1674797108843-7RDFFO7EHPR8Q6S215SZ/RBD+%23552+Micromus+subanticus+220902_DSC03016.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #552 Micromus subanticus Mmmmm, aphids... These brown lacewings lay their eggs near an aphid colony and four days later a new aphid cleanup crew is born. After a week of gorging the larva will spin a cocoon, emerging as an adult after another week (or maybe next spring if the weather turns). Five weeks eating aphids as an adult and that generation is over. Note that M. subanticus are themselves controlled by a parasitic wasp (Anacharis sp) so different brown lacewings are used for biological control.[DOI:10.1093/aesa/61.5.1212] Twenty cents a piece at bugsforgrowers.com (sold out). 2022-09-02 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1674711411093-YEYN67WQ7XPHKM4X3XEJ/RBD+%23551+Oedemopsis+davisi+220902_DSC03024.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #551 Oedemopsis davisi (Male) What big eyes you have! They are very distinctive; why are there so few of you on iNat (8) or BugGuide (5)? Sure, you are a parasitic wasp whose children eat live caterpillars for breakfast, but this should make you a celebrated member of the agroecological biological control force. A sibling species (O. scabricula) is listed as a beneficial invasive accidentally introduced to BC from Europe. DOI:10.4039/n07-011 2022-09-02 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1674702948214-P7369FKI5YX6P12KOL42/RBD+%23550+Long-necked+seed+bug+220902_DSC03066.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #550 Long-necked seed bug Though it may look like a fierce predator, no need to worry unless you are a strawberry (and even then it will only take a few seeds). Like many insect species, Myodocha serripes plays host to symbiotic bacteria, sectioning off a part of the gut so they can survive. In return the bacteria clean up waste and act as small vitamin factories. First noted in 1809, these details are available because it is somebody's job to dissect and image the guts of insects, nowadays with nanometer resolution! [DOI:10.1002/jmor.21000] 2022-09-02 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1674545016096-NVR73BBJEZCPK8SR4O7K/RBD+%23549+Fence+220903_IMG_3912.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #549 Fence An ecosystem is a complex web with (chain) links between different species. Consider grassland restoration inside the ring at Fermilab,[1] with staged planting, controlled burns and even some bison to disturb and fertilize the soil. Given that aggressive species will colonize newly disturbed soil, the question is why they give way to specialized plants. There appear to be feedback loops between soil organisms and the plants, with the first succession succumbing to soil pathogens, giving room for the next succession. It eventually reaches a steady state where soil and plants are mutually supportive and no species is overcrowded.[2] 2022-09-03 Bethesda, MD [1] Betz, et al. (1996). Two decades of prairie restoration at Fermilab. No. FNAL/C-96/440; CONF-9610263-1. [2] DOI:10.1890/ES14-00480.1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1674457115144-85HFO962POEAA6V9R9XQ/RBD+%23548+Grass++220903_IMG_3882.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #548 Grass This could be Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie dropseed), one of a dozen grasses found in the tall grass prairie. As well as looking pretty against the purple backdrop it is a drought resistant native that provides seeds for birds in the fall. 2022-09-03 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1674368164045-1C4KOVNE3O8A4KHYLKQI/RBD+%23547+Building+220903_IMG_3867.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #547 Building Despite the Hollywood portrayal of bug vision as a multifaceted mess there are neural layers that process the raw inputs and put together a consistent image of the world. The simplest compound eyes absorb off-axis light, giving the equivalent of a retinal image with one pixel per lens. Others have non-overlapping fields of view for each lens, which are combined to a single view in the insect brain. For dim light fliers the fields of view can overlap between neighbours, with secondary neurons combining the overlapping pixels into one bright pixel. 2022-09-03 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1674277710572-112E17UTVIGYS1RJZ6M7/RBD+%23546+Eclectus+220903_IMG_3947-1.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #546 Eclectus (Male) A fixture in the clock repair shop, he likes to sit by the window and watch the passers-by. Apparently parrots can be trained to go potty, which is easier than washing guano off of old clocks. If you get a breeding pair you probably won't see the female much. She will find some hidden cubby to call home. In the wild she would spend up to 11 months a year in the nest, raising three sets of chicks. Her mate would do the foraging, bringing back food for her and her young. Or mates — nesting spots are limited so they are sometimes polyandrous with cooperating males. 2022-09-03 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1674196690562-HSX9PT6F1R8EKX80WPZ1/RBD+%23545+Building+220903_IMG_3900.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #545 Building Reflections on Bethesda. With each window pointing in a different direction this provides a view of downtown reminiscent of cubism. Bug eyesare also a series of “panes” on a convex surface, though with many more panes and many fewer pixels per pane. The glass has some flex, adding a bit of warp to the scene. This despite being poured flat on a bed of molten tin giving an even thickness and a smooth finish to each pane (Wikipedia). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1674050723948-6N3B30WXSWEW72F01YKD/RBD+%23544+Six+spotted+tiger+beetle+220424_DSC05436.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #544 Six spotted tiger beetle Like a solar-powered roomba, Cicindela sexguttata wanders its patch of sunlight vacuuming up any insects flying overhead and digging springtails out of the leaves. Being an ectotherm it is dependent on the sun to raise its body temperature to 32C for foraging. Too hot and it "stilts", lifting its body off the ground to get airflow underneath. (I use a pair of pencils under my laptop to keep the fan from turning on.) Above 35 C and it runs for the shade. Adults live four years, using their deep larval burrows to survive Minnesota winters. DOI:10.1046/j.1365-2311.1998.00154.x 2022-04-24 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1673761895904-TI6BU12W1R60BOP9E2OM/RBD+%23543+Willet+220913_DSC04058.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #543 Willet (?) The early bird gets the (sand) worm. Snails, insects or crustaceans are also on the menu when available. 2022-09-13 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1673673185262-3NUAYRH5WLB7T0RNY3IJ/RBD+%23542+Rainbow+220911_IMG_7785.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #542 Rainbow A proper double rainbow welcomed us to Florida, a bright inner arc formed by reflection from the back of the raindrop and another and a dimmer outer arc formed by a second reflection [Wikipedia]. We found neither gold nor pot. 2022-09-11 I95 south of Jacksonville, FL (Photo by Jay) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1673619628535-XWI1ZCXCRPKZIR1OWEBV/RBD+%23541+Atlantic+needlefish+220913_DSC04601.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #541 Atlantic needlefish* What a lot of teeth! Long and thin like an eel, it sneaks up from the side and lunges at high speed to complete its attack. To escape predators it has been known to leap out of the water and skitter over the water. Surf boards, for example, look dark and dangerous floating on the surface, which is how a Brazilian surfer wound up at the doctor's office with a needlefish jaw embedded in his ear (10.1016/j.wem.2020.03.009). 2022-09-13 Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, Merritt Is NWR, Titusville, FL * Or maybe a redfin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1673586794207-FOB26YY9FZJLNVJIY9UV/RBD+%23540+Margined+leatherwinged+beetle+220911_DSC03617.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #540 Margined leatherwing beetle A pollinator whose larva feeds on crop pests. What's not to love? It does require some changes to current farming practices. You need refugia where the predators can live when there are no pests to eat (10.32530/jaast.v4i2.165). Kind of like a capacitor to filter the dynamic predator-prey oscillator, damping pest numbers toward zero. You need to be selective with whatever pesticides you do use. Many will indiscriminately kill beneficial insects along with pests leaving you unprotected when the residue disappears (10.1093/amt/tsz094) New buzzword: agroecology. Together with soil management and other techniques you can actually reduce costs and increase yield (10.1007/978-3-319-90309-5_8). 2022-09-11 DQ parking lot, Darien, GA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1673411460127-7CQ7TZYKEFIS58KBXIZH/RBD+%23539+Trailing+fuzzybean+220915_DSC05127.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #539 Trailing fuzzybean Strophostyles helvola on the beach. Not normally a salt-loving plant (halophyte), it gets increased salt tolerance from a symbiotic fungus infecting its roots (DOI:10.1023/A:1009844125905). In exchange for substantial amounts of sugar the fungus provides soil nutrients such as phosphorus and defends against pathogens. This relationship goes back to the earliest plants to venture onto land.[Wikipedia] 2022-09-15 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1673320354304-F2RWWEGMJ2VYHQ7XWYT0/RBD+%23538+Beach+morning+glory+220915_DSC05155.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #538 Beach morning glory Ipomoea pes-caprae (worm-like goat's foot) showing its glorious flowers in the morning light. In addition to its numerous medicinal applications (DOI:10.3390/md20050329), it is an important beach stabilizer, appearing early on new dunes with deep roots and long trailing vines. Seeds sprout more readily after "scarification", with their coats ripped off by the action of wind and waves grinding them into the sand. Much better than sprouting in the middle of the ocean! 2022-09-15 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1673235455379-L5Y4O7K5T2BHQND22SU4/RBD+%23537+Megacerus+coryphae+220915_DSC05170.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #537 Megacerus coryphae (Female) A bean weevil on beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae). She will lay her eggs on the seed pods and her larvae will bore into the seeds. Although a portion of the seeds are sacrificed in the process, bean weevils are efficient pollinators and likely coevolved (other insects cannot tolerate the alkaloids in the seeds). Seeds can travel up to six months in the ocean, spreading to tropical beaches around the world, but the beetles are restricted to the americas. DOI:10.1002/j.1537-2197.1989.tb15171.x 2022-09-15 New Smyrna Beach, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1673214683285-M7BFSQFFLC7ELJH49D3W/RBD+%23536+Domestic+cat+220911_DSC03393.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #536 Domestic cat Catching the morning sun, one of a dozen Felis catus were hanging out near our hotel. Despite their reputation as aloof, gathering in a colony of this size is typical. Outdoor cats are pretty hard on the environment, being directly responsible for a number of extinctions. Cute but deadly. DOI:10.1002/fee.1633 2022-09-11 Manning, SC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1673014279716-J4HJ7TSCSKPYS18OQJCV/RBD+%23535+Eastern+amberwing+220827_IMG_3538.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #535 Eastern amberwing (Male) Staking out territory on an algal mat, a prime spot for laying eggs. Like other dragonflies, his wings are made from a pair of membranes over a network of stiff veins. The membranes are primarily chitin (a sugar polymer similar to cellulose) with a waxy coating to keep them dry. Nanopillars act as antimicrobials, tearing apart the cell walls of bacteria and fungi. Corrugations provide additional strength. Pigments between the membranes give him his uniform amber-coloured wings. 2022-08-27 Gunner's Lake, Gaithersburg, MD Insect Wings (wikipedia) DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2021.06.093 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672888802586-968MNPPV43FP2I5LKUWM/RBD+%23534+Eastern+amberwing+220912_DSC03894.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RD #534 Eastern amberwing (Female) They may be able to see in colour but they don't necessarily see well. Males will chase anything vaguely like an amberwing out of their territory, including horse flies and butterflies. DOI:10.1023/A:1012223217250 2022-09-12 St. Francis Trail, DeLand, FL https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672885153858-1DM5XVUI3JF4S4GK5EXW/RBD+%23533+Needhams+skimmer+220913_DSC04397.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #533 Needham's skimmer (Male) Don't get into a staring contest with a dragonfly: it won't blink. Instead it sheathes its receptor cones with pigment grains to protect against bright light. Most dragonflies have three color sensors, centered on UV, blue and yellow. The UV is concentrated in the eyes pointing upward, giving sharp silhouettes to anything flying overhead (it may be missing in Libellula needhami). The retinal cells from all the eyes feed into a "target tracking" neuron, with active suppression of distractors in the visual field leading to attention blindness. 2022-09-13 Scrub Ridge Trail, Merritt Is NWR, Titusville, FL DOI:10.1007/BF00298040 DOI:10.1007/s13127-012-0090-6 DOI:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1431-19.2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672715626300-BK2O4EL0IW1399SXX5GD/RBD+%23532+Widow+skimmer+220827_IMG_3414.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #532 Widow skimmer Wearing a black mourning cloak while zipping along the water: widow skimmer. Alas, skimming did not evolve with modern conveyance in mind. Along with the low-flying common whitetail and green darner they are over-represented on the grills of cars by a factor of two to four. DOI:10.1016/j.biocon.2011.02.015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1672635178825-A34WVBOU2BBZP2OFVV9R/RBD+%23531+Southern+cassowary+220813_IMG_3093.jpg RBD 2023 01 - RBD #531 Southern cassowary Happy New Year! 2022-08-13 National Zoo, Washington, DC https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2023-02 daily 0.75 2023-04-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675825545581-XVUIUVRFOX4NMDAEYE3G/RBD+%23562+Common+hibiscus+220827_IMG_3710.jpg RBD 2023 02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675825545581-XVUIUVRFOX4NMDAEYE3G/RBD+%23562+Common+hibiscus+220827_IMG_3710.jpg RBD 2023 02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1678773499623-99XEX1HC8KDFKUE7LFCS/RBD+%23584+Ruby-throated+hummingbird+220820_IMG_3331.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #584 Ruby-throated hummingbird (Female) When you weigh 4 g you need to go light on the bling. A necklace of 3.2 g (80% of body weight) is the most you can carry, and only for short distances.[1] For comparison a teaspoon of sugar weighs 5 g. 2022-08-20 North Tract, Putuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD [1] DOI:10.1242/jeb.200.5.921 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1676349567897-XYXZTOC6ONEF8HH358WL/RBD+%23568+Woodhouse+scrub+jay+221212_DSC01441.jpg RBD 2023 02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1678663639916-7320G4CBJZNFKI87NQP1/RBD+%23583+Caspian+tern+220806_IMG_2870.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #583 Caspian tern More bird-brained behaviour: First year terns learn migration routes by accompanying a parent (see movie). Usually this is Dad, who is following the same route taught to him by his father. Those that stray too far get lost and eaten (beware the big bad eagle). DOI:10.1038/s41467-022-29300-w 2022-08-06 Belle Haven Park, Alexandria, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1678598439234-OS1MAT4MNC6ESX9PP4TN/RBD+%23582+Yellow-billed+cuckoo+220806_IMG_2839.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #582 Yellow-billed cuckoo Cuckoos have a reputation for brood parasitism, which is when a bird sneaks her egg in the nest of another bird and leaves it to raise her young (hence the word "cuckold"). This is mostly practiced by Old World species, but YBCU will also do so on occasion.[1] In some cuckoo species this has led to an interesting adaptation: Their chicks can learn the begging call of their host in order to get more food.[2] 2022-08-06 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [1] DOI:10.2307/1366235 [2] DOI:10.1098/rstb.2020.0249 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1678521446920-9JZVS928526EKGCV7MVK/RBD+%23581+Northern+cardinal+220325_DSC03892.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #581 Northern cardinal (Male) Songbirds not surprisingly have several innovations regarding song. Extra muscles for vocal control and brain structures for learning provides for extreme variability with rapid evolution. Rather than vocal folds, birds have membranes on the walls of their throat which vibrate when air moves past. In songbirds this "syrinx" sits at the top of each lung, giving them independent control of airflow and tension for instant pitch shifts or even two notes together.[1] New songs are learned each season, with some brain regions doubling in size in spring and shrinking back in the fall.[2] 2022-03-25 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [1] Lateralization of birdsong. Wikipedia [2] DOI:10.1016/j.neulet.2008.07.085 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1678433846075-HBCRCHOJHKLXCQMOKB5X/RBD+%23580+Eastern+kingbird+220820_IMG_3234.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #580 Eastern kingbird Tyrranus tyrranus, the type species for the tyrant flycatcher branch of perching birds. After splitting from the parrots, perching birds developed in what is now South America, spreading to India, Madagascar, Australia and New Zealand while they were still connected (help reunite Gondawana!) One African species (Sapayoa aenigma) migrated back to South America over the Atlantic land bridge about 28 MYA. How it managed to survive without diversifying for so long is an enigma. Song birds developed in Australia during millions of isolation as it moved from Antarctica to Asia. They have since spread across most of the world and now account for half of all bird species, with tyrant flycatchers adding another 10%. 2022-08-20 Putuxent Research Refuge (North Tract), Laurel, MD DOI:10.1126/sciadv.1501005 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1678256074941-6PU4FV5D7VIDO4V1NYS6/RBD+%23579+House+sparrow+210325_DSC08502-1.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #579 House sparrow A domestic dispute between Passer domesticus. Presumably an unsuccessful attempt at forced copulation (6% occurrence).[1] This is the type species for all perching birds (Passerines), with a particular Swedish specimen as the "holotype" (Linnaeus was Swedish). One adaptation that defines the order is a tendon at the back of the leg which tightens the claws when the leg is bent. Very handy for not falling off the branch while you are asleep.[2] 2021-03-22 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD [1] DOI:10.1007/BF0018330 [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passerine#Anatomy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1677474747351-X2P58EMBWGSI9QY69KH8/RBD+%23578+Partridge+pea+220820_IMG_3210.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #578 Partridge pea ... because it provides food and cover for partridges. As an annual competing for space in the tall grass prairie, Chamaecrista fasciculata uses biowarfare, nurturing fungi that inhibits root growth in big bluestem, even though its own growth is severely reduced. DOI:10.1046/j.1365-2745.1999.00383.x 2022-08-20 Putuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1677133693073-IKYQW8PNQ63APVAI34UV/RBD+%23577+Pricklyleaf+dogweed+221212_DSC01196.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #577 Prickly dogweed A late season flower (Thymophylla acerosa) provides a splash of colour. As you might guess from the name, it is not popular with the foragers. Also, its leaves are mildly toxic, and can be ground to powder and sprinkled on beans to keep down weevil infestations, though other plants work much better for this. DOI:10.5897/AJAR12.1757 2022-12-12 Bosque del Apache NWR, San Antonio, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1676985828761-KQHWWH6T63WN4601XO63/RBD+%23576+Rubber+rabbitbrush+221130_DSC08028.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #576 Rubber rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseosa has sap with a high concentration of latex, hence the "rubber" in the name. Its roots go deep, sucking up calcium, and its biomimic, strontium-90. Not good when you have buried nuclear waste on site: one plant in particular contained 100,000x background level,[1] but 2-3x is more usual.[2] 2022-11-30 Los Alamos, NM [1] Fresquez, P R, Foxx, T S, and Naranjo, L Jr. (1996). Uptake of strontium by chamisa (Chrysothamnus nauseosus) shrub plants growing over a former liquid waste disposal site at Los Alamos National Laboratory. [2] Gonzales, G. J., Fresquez, P. R., Mullen, M. A., & Naranjo Jr, L. (2000). Radionuclide concentrations in vegetation at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1998 (No. LA--13704-PR). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1676950514888-LL7XYTINF7QB8OA9UVIN/RBD+%23575+Clouds+221211_DSC00141.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #575 Clouds Flying into the sunset leaving a trail of icy dew. Water vapour from burnt fuel coalesces around soot particles to form dew drops which freeze in the cold upper atmosphere. These spread out to form human generated cirrus clouds which persist until the ice evaporates or a downdraft carries them to warmer air. Cirrus clouds let sunlight through but trap infrared, giving a net warming effect. 2022-12-11 Los Alamos, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1676826528638-D1RNVM0I501C9QKV9W30/RBD+%23574+Building+221210_DSC00059.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #574 Building La Fonda on the Plaza, a hotel built in 1920 in the Pueblo Revival style: terraced with adobe coloured walls and projected wooden beams. The roof of the hotel is lined with farolitos: brown paper bags filled with sand and a candle to light the path for the Holy Family on Christmas Eve. 2022-12-10 Santa Fe, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1676769758507-GP2VXA10JBNG028HUUZ5/RBD+%23573+Sandstone+221203_DSC08346+copy.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #573 Sandstone Over hundreds of millions of years layer upon layer of sand, silt and mud were laid atop what is now Utah, building up thousands of meters of sedimentary rock. Sometimes seabed, sometimes shoreline, sometimes desert, the layers continued to settle. About 20 MYA uplift started raising the land thousands of meters above sea level and now erosion is dominant. Rivers, wind and ice turned rocks back into sediment, leaving canyon lands and isolated mesas such as this 60 m Entrada sandstone formation.[1,2] 2022-12-03 Church Rock, Monticello, UT [1] https://www.usgs.gov/geology-and-ecology-of-national-parks/geology-canyonlands-national-park [2] https://geology.utah.gov/apps/intgeomap/?view=scene&scale=10600&zoom=15.77&lat=38.07015&lng=-109.339&layers=500k%2C100k&tilt=1&heading=1&elev=4846&exag=2.5&base=ustopo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1676686579235-F1UAJUVZGX328F4GIN84/RBD+%23572+Northern+pintail+221212_DSC00999.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #572 Northern pintail Squeezing hundreds of thousands of birds onto a small winter refuge requires some compromises. For northern pintails this involves a nightly commute of 30-50km, leaving shortly after sunset to the grain fields for a night of foraging, then back to the wetlands at dawn for a safe place to rest. This costs about 20% of daily calories. DOI:10.2307/1369861 2022-12-12 Bosque del Apache, San Antonio, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1676606582863-HTFLQLWUZCYPSDT4N4Q3/RBD+%23571+Pygmy+nuthatch+221210_DSC09903.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #571 Pygmy nuthatch It gets cold in the mountains. What's a little bird to do? Huddle for warmth in a cozy nest and let your body drop into hypothermia apparently. This cooperation extends throughout the year, with young birds assisting breeding pairs with food and alerting for predators. There are benefits to grown children living at home. DOI:10.2307/1368158 2022-12-10 Valles Caldera National Preserve, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1676534470768-PF4IIDAD427L8J04WSAN/RBD+%23570+American+kestrel+221212_DSC01313.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #570 American kestrel (Female) Spotting an insect at 35 m requires good visual acuity. In her case, about 45 c/deg, compared to 30 c/deg for 20/20 vision. This is far from the best in the bird world. A wedge-tailed eagle from Australia does 3x better with 140 c/deg.* [DOI:10.1016/S0042-6989(03)00304-3] 2022-12-12 Bosque del Apache, San Antonio, NM * Cycles per degree is an awkward unit. With 20/20 vision you should be able to resolve the mm markings on a ruler at 1.7 m (30 markers spanning 1 degree). For 45 c/deg move the ruler to 2.6 m and for 140 c/deg move it to 8 m. As angular resolution these are 60, 40 and 13 seconds of arc respectively. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1676440074283-T7TAKL56EK1ELZPU0E2X/RBD+%23569+Sandhill+crane+221212_DSC00940.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #569 Sandhill crane Taking a break from foraging, an all-day every-day winter activity. Come spring hundreds of thousands will fly back to Canada for breeding. A leading cause of death on this journey is power line collisions. These heavy birds are not evolved to spot cables hanging over unfamiliar waterways in the dark. By adding UV lights the collisions were almost completely eliminated and last second dodges much reduced. [DOI:10.1093/condor/duz008] 2022-12-12 Bosque del Apache, San Antonio, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1676349634132-1M6TTOHI7SOZKE2WV3SS/RBD+%23568+Woodhouse+scrub+jay+221212_DSC01441.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #568 Woodhouse's scrub jay Clever birds. After caching food, they will sneak back and move the cache if another bird saw them doing it. For a protein supplement they will ride on the back of mule deer, picking off ticks and deer flies. The deer is happy to oblige, lifting its ears so the bird can reach more of them, and even tolerating the rather hard pecks needed to dislodge the ticks (they use soft pecks for the flies). DOI:10.2307/1367147 2022-12-12 Bosque del Apache NWR, San Antonio, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1676185647135-3EOV16398IMKX6SPG2XV/RBD+%23567+Pyrrhuloxia+221212_DSC01544.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #567 Pyrrhuloxia (Male) A desert cardinal on a cold winter's day. In summer he keeps his cool by panting, allowing him to survive in temperatures up to 50 C. This is not very efficient, costing 5-9% of body mass per hour. Doves use sweat to cool, costing only 2%. Quail have a "super-pant", fluttering their throats up to 10 times per second without burning extra calories. [DOI:10.1242/jeb.161141] 2022-12-12 Bosque del Apache NWR, San Antonio, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1676098535031-GITDCIIKC51XAM2O1QMI/RBD+%23566+Slaty+skimmer+220827_IMG_3525.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #566 Slaty skimmer (Male) Relaxing in the summer sun, arms crossed behind his head, watching the world go by. I can understand: it is enough for me to coordinate four limbs, never mind six. Females have an additional throwing arm. Using a body segment near the end of her tail, she can dip her eggs in water then toss them into the grass by the shore.[1] 2022-08-27 Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD [1] https://uwm.edu/field-station/slaty-skimmer-dragonfly/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1676016176689-LWNZCHH1A52G9F97UZCL/RBD+%23565+Floating+primrose-willow+220827_IMG_3536.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #565 Floating primrose-willow Another aquatic invasive, Ludwigia peploides is native to both South America and Australia.* Left unchecked it will completely cover shallow waterways. It is an efficient accumulator of lead and zinc [DOI:10.1007/s12665-018-7566-4] so you get decontamination for free as you try to control its spread. 2022-08-27 Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD * Although rare, it is not unprecedented for plants to traverse the Pacific.[DOI:10.1111/geb.12713] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675920357963-B1X4MAYNMIJ89YFZMG9E/RBD+%23564+Purple+loosestrife+220827_IMG_3500.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #564 Purple loosestrife If you have Lythrum salicaria on your property in Minnesota* you are required to control it. Good luck with that: 2+ million seeds per plant per year which can survive for 20 years in the soil. At least it provides late-season nectar for honeybees, and you can feed it to piglets to reduce post-weaning diarrhea while maintaining a healthy microbiome.[DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113073] 2022-08-27 Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD * Also banned in CA, MA, MD, BC and many others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675825648756-QPJLJ37VN8Q792NS3CSL/RBD+%23563+Swamp+rose+mallow+220806_IMG_2761.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #563 Swamp rose mallow Like marshmallow (Althaea officianalis) whose roots were boiled then whipped into a foam, the native Hibiscus moscheutos stems were similarly boiled and whipped. These were used as medicines, applied externally to wounds and skin conditions or taken internally to treat throat and bladder infections.[1] There are numerous modern studies showing the efficacy of marshmallow for various conditions, but I found nothing for swamp rose mallow. 2022-08-06 Huntley Meadows, Hybla Valley, VA [1] King, J., and Newton, R.S. (1852) The eclectic dispensatory of the United States of America. HW Derby & Company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675743518704-BFXTOU5X9NUAONNJOU1I/RBD+%23562+Common+hibiscus+220827_IMG_3710.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #562 Common hibiscus A summer banquet Hibiscus syriacus the Korean rose 2022-08-27 Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675661834270-4ZXTO4JPOPBBN4R2R9F3/RBD+%23561+Scarlet+mallow+220827_IMG_3394.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #561 Scarlet mallow Hibiscus coccineus. This is a wide-ranging genus with several hundred species including annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. There are 20+ native to the US among the hundreds worldwide. This is not the hibiscus commonly used in tea (H. sabdariffa), nor that used as herbal medicine (H. rosa-sinensis). 2022-08-27 Gunner’s Lake, Germantown, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675493464228-NDLTMURFEMBUR0ELKV8Y/RBD+%23559+Pond+slider+220827_IMG_3560-1.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #559 Pond slider Another top 100 invasive, this time due to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (see also #455 Common raccoon). With a 30-50 year lifespan it's not surprising that a few Trachemys scripta managed to escape or otherwise be released into the wild. [Wikipedia] 2022-08-27 Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675575988274-TWSJUFKSDLFD865XYPSD/RBD+%23560+Fiery+skipper+220827_IMG_3730.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #560 Fiery skipper (Male) Sitting on an invasive butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) sipping nectar and waiting for a passing female (with an adult lifespan of 6-11 days every second is precious). They thrive in urban environments where Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) provides food and shelter for their caterpillars. Kind of ironic that a native species is so dependent on an altered ecosystem.[DOI:10.1641/0006-3568(2004)054[0182:cbahwa]2.0.co;2] I looked around for the origin of the name "fiery skipper" hoping to find details about spiciness of edible butterflies (the flaming hots of the insect world?), but it's probably something boring like the orange on the topside of its wings. There is the related white maguey worm (same family), which is available in a spicy sauce from Mexican markets.[Wikipedia] 2022-08-27 Gunner's Lake, Germantown, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675398394400-EQRW0IR8L9GVT7AX3DYN/RBD+%23558+Algae+220827_IMG_3457.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #558 Algae Not the healthiest of lakes (a few too many phosphates and nitrates for the ecosystem to process), but the resulting algal mats are pretty. Algae can be useful for bioremediation, adsorbing metal ions from the water. Pull it out and store it compactly in a landfill, or carefully burn it for energy. Tweak the genomes a bit and reform into convenient pellets with lots of surface area for even better performance.[DOI:10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.04.007] 2022-08-27 Gunners Lake, Germantown, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1675311808786-LHOBH9WWYCD0IJYL220Q/RBD+%23557+Black+skimmer+221009_IMG_4458.jpg RBD 2023 02 - RBD #557 Black skimmer ... because it is black and skims, speeding along the water with its lower beak trawling for fish. Using the same trick as shark skin, small surface grooves reduce drag by about 4%.[DOI:10.1098/rsta.2016.0134] The same beak is used as a murder weapon, grabbing a wayward chick and shaking vigorously until dead (42 attempts over 3223 observing hours). Sometimes their own chick is the victim, if it wanders too far before returning to the nest.[Forys, 2022] 2022-10-09 Cape May Beach, NJ Forys, E.A., et al. (2022) Marine Ornithology 5, 43-47. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2023-03 daily 0.75 2023-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1680373597386-5Z79MFY5QFIVZIBR1XUI/RBD+%23599+Common+milkweed+221022_DSC06746.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #599 Common milkweed Even if you are sessile (latin "to sit") rather than motile (latin "to move") you can still be vagile (latin "wandering") by having mobile (latin "moveable") seeds blowing in the wind. Curiously, Asclepias syriaca is both sessile and not: plants can't walk so botany uses "sessile" to refer to leaves that grow directly from the stalk without a stem. 2022-10-22 I-270 Frederick Overlook, Frederick County, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1680373597386-5Z79MFY5QFIVZIBR1XUI/RBD+%23599+Common+milkweed+221022_DSC06746.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #599 Common milkweed Even if you are sessile (latin "to sit") rather than motile (latin "to move") you can still be vagile (latin "wandering") by having mobile (latin "moveable") seeds blowing in the wind. Curiously, Asclepias syriaca is both sessile and not: plants can't walk so botany uses "sessile" to refer to leaves that grow directly from the stalk without a stem. 2022-10-22 I-270 Frederick Overlook, Frederick County, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1680314462918-W87NU5HBQC3VVGPYKLI4/RBD+%23598+Painted+lady+221022_DSC06723.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #598 Painted lady New word: vagile. Free to move about. Being world travellers V. cardui mix it up a bit, so they have diverse genetics.[1] North American and Eurasian populations are separated by 5 M generations but are still considered the same species.[2] The Australian population is separated by 30 M generations and is now considered its own species (V. kershawi). Unlike V. cardui its wing spots have blue centers (though if you stress V. cardui during metamorphosis they too will develop spots with blue centers).[3] 2022-10-22 I-270 Frederick Overlook, Frederick County, MD [1] DOI:10.1111/j.1365-3113.2010.00566.x [2] DOI:10.1111/mec.16770 [3] DOI:10.2108/zsj.24.811 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1680148341367-HHXK6MQK9L8CVSEWAMVX/RBD+%23597+Painted+lady+221022_DSC06722.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #597 Painted lady Frequent flier miles rack up. Vanessa cardui are continuously migrating, from the tropics in the winter to the arctic in the summer, in a multigenerational travel epic spanning many thousands of kilometers. They even cross oceans, appearing on islands such as Iceland and Madagascar. They can fly fast and high (25 kph) or close to the ground. Apparently insect radar is a thing, allowing them to observe flocks at an altitude of 2000 m. DOI:10.1111/j.1600-0587.2012.07738.x 2022-10-22 I-270 Frederick Overlook, Frederick County, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1679980204870-SVEZWG52PICJPUSFW9FY/RBD+%23596+Pale-banded+dart+221015_DSC06700.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #596 Pale-banded dart Agnorisma badinodis, also known as the spotted-sided cutworm. The caterpillars emerge from the egg in late fall and hibernate throughout the winter. By spring they are ready to feast on the tender young seedlings (mostly chickweed and docks), coming out at night to chomp through the stems at ground level. Kind of wasteful, but it keeps them safe from predators. By mid-April they cocoon themselves underground for the hot summer, emerging as moths in the fall.[1,2] 2022-10-15 Bethesda, MD [1] Walkden, H. H. (1937). Life-history notes on the Spotted-Sided Cutworm (Agrotis badinodis Grote). Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society, 10(1), 20-26. [2] Crumb, S. E. (1929). Tobacco cutworms (No. 88). US Department of Agriculture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1679882110109-4GR1GW5D868CC47XN2SH/RBD+%23595+Blue+dasher+%28Female%29+220820_IMG_3284.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #595 Blue dasher (Female) Despite the name she isn't blue because she is a she. A "free love" species (multiple partners in the same day) the latest beau scoops out the previous sperm and injects his own, then hovers nearby as she dip-dip-dip lays eggs one at a time in the pond scum (see video from Wikipedia). 2022-08-20 Patuxent Research Refuge - North Tract, Laurel, MD [1] Sherman, K. J. "The adaptive significance of postcopulatory mate guarding in a dragonfly, Pachydiplax longipennis." Animal Behaviour 31.4 (1983): 1107-1115. DOI:10.1016/S0003-3472(83)80018-9 [2] Artiss, T. "Structure and function of male genitalia in Libellula, Ladona and Plathemis (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)." Odonatologica 30.1 (2001): 13-27. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1679636561507-HXHRHVUVCW2CTMJ9RY5U/RBD+%23594+Bull+thistle+220815_DSC02484.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #594 Bull thistle Cirsium vulgare, another Eurasian native that not even the deer will eat. Fortunately they are susceptible to many of the insects that feed on native thistles so they are not completely out of control.[1] They also feeds many pollinators.[2] Not a good thing if this interferes with native plant reproduction, but in this study area they flower a month later so not a problem. 2022-08-15 Bethesda, MD [1] DOI:10.1007/s00442-013-2876-4 [2] DOI:10.1007/s00442-013-2876-4 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1679550135062-44XRADWR6EJ7GCH9L915/RBD+%23593+Purple+crownvetch+220820_IMG_3299.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #593 Purple crownvetch Securigera varia (latin: multicoloured axe-bearer), a European invasive banned in several states. It is used for erosion control and for ruminant forage (cattle growth: 1 kg/day vs. 2/3 kg for alfalfa).[1] Not so good for other animals: Without fermentation in the rumen its neurotoxins are poisonous. 2022-08-20 North Tract, Putuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD [1] DOI:10.2134/agronj1972.00021962006400020020x https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1679458506650-51CWRAHZONWWMVSRKNIC/RBD+%23592+Sleepy+orange+220820_IMG_3249.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #592 Sleepy orange Abaeis nicippe. The long brown smudge on the wing is characteristic. 2022-08-20 North tract, Putuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1679377960848-RUO2WU9Y4QVUQTSVOLL3/RBD+%23591+Sleepy+orange+220820_IMG_3272.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #591 Sleepy orange ... because their eye spots are closed? They certainly weren't sleepy while we were watching. The male has glands on his forewings, so he will hover near a female and buffet her with his seductive perfume. Abdomen "up" says she is not interested. The glands are hidden between the wings (in the "friction" area) so we can't identify sex from photographs. [DOI:10.1155/1978/78397] The paper includes SEM images of the scales. To protect them from vacuum and provide a conductive surface they first coat the wings in gold. Somewhat disturbing, they used either "freshly-killed males, live males, or males killed and stored at −5°C." 2022-08-20 North Tract, Putuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1679283816020-GGQI63U49JFACTFQMG26/RBD+%23590+Elegant+grass-veneer+220812_DSC02209.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #590 Elegant grass-veneer A fancy cloak to wear to the ball. Mostly it is the males that fly, with females staying put and emitting pheromones in the breeze. It is not clear why they fly toward the light, but it creates a statistical challenge when you are surveying populations: The number of individuals in your light trap varies with temperature, cloud cover and the phase of the moon. [DOI:10.1093/ee/26.6.1283 DOI:10.48550/arXiv.2101.00074] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1679203439881-B17XW9CKPCDMTMO23WPE/RBD+%23589+Carolina+grasshopper+210828_DSC08730.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #589 Carolina grasshopper Throwing camouflage to the winds, Carolina grasshoppers are highly visible when flying. Their escape strategy follows an economic model, balancing the cost of escape against the risk of staying. They have a tendency to escape sideways, which allows them to ignore risks that are not directly targeting them with a single flight.[DOI:10.1163/156853906778691595] During hours of pursuit I inadvertently fell into a good strategy: Approach slowly and they won't fly as far on escape. Not enough for a good photo, but at least I captured something. 2021-08-22 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1679121094089-EYVVHZ1GTRNT8EHJE8K2/RBD+%23588+Carolina+grasshopper+220820_IMG_3283.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #588 Carolina grasshopper Hiding in plain sight, breathing quietly. Breathing? Yes! Sort of... No lungs, and no oxygen exchange to hemoglobin carried by a circulatory system to every organ. Instead, they have complex ductwork connected directly to the environment through 10 pairs of tracheal tubes,[1] carrying oxygen throughout the body where it can diffuse through the walls and into the muscles. Rhythmic abdominal contractions and pulsing from the heart pump the bellows, forcing old air out and letting new air in.[2] 2022-08-20 North tract, Putuxent Wildlife Refuge, Laurel, MD [1] https://www.jstor.org/stable/25003832 [2] DOI:10.1146/annurev-ento-011019-025003 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1679061744479-1L01EMLSQTQS4I99YVZE/RBD+%23587+Rugosana+querci+220902_DSC03058.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #587 Rugosana querci A typical leafhopper in a not-so-typical location. Its camouflage doesn't work so well when it is not on a leaf. 2022-09-02 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1678936943026-3JG91CVYPOARV2UZK9OL/RBD+%23586+River+221119_IMG_5428.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #586 River The Potomac River forms a constantly evolving series of swirls and fractals, made visible by surface scum. The Great Falls rapids beat air into the water and surfactants turn it into a foam. Contaminants such as dust, salts and metals can stabilize it so that it lasts for hours. The components are natural (soil, decaying plants, bacteria) but foaming can increase with industrial runoff (fertilizer, treated wastewater, pesticides). The foam leaves the remaining water a little cleaner and provides cover for fish while providing concentrated nutrients for the aquatic food web. DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2011.06.004 2022-11-19 C&O Canal near Great Falls, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1678858413984-URFWXRTKYZQ2MYJDLNP8/RBD+%23585+Large+milkweed+bug+220820_IMG_3350.jpg RBD 2023 03 - RBD #585 Large milkweed bug These bugs are kind of fun. Despite advertising how awful they taste (milkweed is a poison), they will still crawl behind the stem if they see you coming. To get a picture you need to move one hand behind the plant so they scoot to the near-side. Adults are good fliers, migrating from the northern states down to the gulf. [DOI:10.1126/science.175.4028.1327] They can only sustain flight for a couple of hours at a time,* so it takes them a while. 2022-08-20 North Tract, Putuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD * Bug treadmills: tie a tether to them and see how long they fly. No IRB required for invertebrate studies (or anything before 1974). https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2023-04 daily 0.75 2023-05-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1680490808146-6LLRMZTF8U56JC029035/RBD+%23601+Blue+vervain+220806_IMG_2876.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #601 Blue vervain A native plant for moist to wet soils. Used as a sleep aid and anti-anxiety treatment, Verbena hastata acts similarly to valium in rats. DOI:10.1046/j.1440-1819.2002.01009.x 2022-08-06 Belle Haven Park, Alexandria, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1680490808146-6LLRMZTF8U56JC029035/RBD+%23601+Blue+vervain+220806_IMG_2876.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #601 Blue vervain A native plant for moist to wet soils. Used as a sleep aid and anti-anxiety treatment, Verbena hastata acts similarly to valium in rats. DOI:10.1046/j.1440-1819.2002.01009.x 2022-08-06 Belle Haven Park, Alexandria, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1685068892537-ZXHDBAHRQFK7A984VEBY/RBD+%23629+Dwarf+mistletoe+221212_DSC00706.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #629 Dwarf mistletoe Faster, further, stickier! Dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium sp on salt cedar) coat their seeds with glue and spit them at 80+ km/h in hopes that they will stick to the right sort of tree. Their roots grow into the bark and suck the xylem (water) and phloem (food) directly from the host. In BC alone this leads to a loss of more than 3.7 million m³ of coniferous forest per year. [DOI:10.1038/ncomms7262] 2022-12-12 Bosque del Apache NWR, San Antonio, NM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1685011928967-Q8MA2N0U4PPUACOGE43D/RBD+%23628+Wild+geranium+20230522_DSC09773.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #628 Wild geranium The final stage of fruiting: seed dispersal. In this case a spring catapult which hurls the seed three meters from the plant (±25%). Plants in the Geranium family have a modified seed pod with one chamber sterile and elongated to form the spring and the other holding a single seed. G. maculatum is optimized for distance, with a streamlined heavy seed released at 45°, leaving the seed pod attached to the plant looking like a fishhook. Others, such as Redstem stork's-bill (#292), carry the pod with them, using the spring as a humidity-driven drill to bury itself in the dirt. [DOI:10.1111/j.1095-8339.1984.tb00998.x] 2023-05-22 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1684000994371-Y76X7WIW3LDJ17TWDTCA/RBD+%23627+Large+bark+aphid+230429_DSC05452.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #627 Large bark aphid Large and cute, but Longistigma caryae is still an aphid. In late summer when the sap is flowing from the leaves a clone army emerges, drilling through the bark like rigs on an oil field. They are responsible for the sticky dew that rains down from the trees, coating cars and lawn furniture and nourishing a sooty mould that can damage the paint.[1] 2023-04-29 Carter Barron Amphitheater, Washington, DC [1] https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Longistigma_caryae_giant_bark_aphid.htm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1683995797036-V7REC3G5CXLVMYHKX4W4/RBD+%23626+Fish+crow+230511_DSC07095.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #626 Fish crow A song bird singing in a tree, giving an occasional "naw" rather than the continuous "caw, caw" of the American crow (it's the anatomy, not the melody). Not as efficient fliers as gulls. They know this because they managed to convince two crows to fly 15-20 min in a wind tunnel at 30 km/hr while wearing an oxygen mask. The other three candidates were having none of it. [DOI:10.1242/jeb.58.2.401] 2023-05-11 Whetstone Lake, Gaithersburg, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1683995797011-PODII7Y518827UOG2U6M/RBD+%23625+Black-crowned+night+heron+230511_DSC07117.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #625 Black-crowned night heron Watching the watcher, hoping for a handout? They don't eat bread but instead will take some if it is handy. They carry it to their favourite fishing spot and drop it on the water to see what shows up. When the bread is waterlogged and starts to sink they will reposition it and continue waiting. Green herons are also known to fish with bait.[DOI:10.2307/1522044] 2023-05-11 Whetstone Lake, Gaithersburg, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1683995798632-N1CKB0NQQR2P6MG9HDUS/RBD+%23624+Great+horned+owl+230501_IMG_7103-1.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #624 Great horned owl (Juvenile) Living plush: The babies are even fluffier than the mommies. With silent wings and acoustic dishes around the eyes to concentrate the sound they can hear a mouse rustling in the leaves when gliding through the forest. 2023-05-01 Dyke Marsh, Alexandria, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1683995798570-HC44NGC3C47ELPKPMFPF/RBD+%23623+Horned+owl+230501_IMG_7105.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #623 Great horned owl Bubo virginianus napping on a branch. What a grip! At 30 lbs it is enough force to hold 10 owls. This is a lower limit: they measured by sitting the owls on a perch and pushing until they couldn't hold on,[DOI:10.1093/auk/119.4.1052] which seems as much a measure of stubbornness as it is of mechanics. 2023-05-01 Dyke Marsh, Alexandria, VA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1683995799410-4IV8F0E2LMG6K8CTP0RY/RBD+%23622+Common+dewberry+230415_DSC04793.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #622 Common dewberry Rubus flagellaris, one of dozens of species of bramble in the area. A biennial perennial: canes emerge from the perennial root, grow for a year, bear fruit the next year, then die off. The berries are tasty, but one also eats shoots (peeled—they are brambles after all!) and leaves (in tea).[1] 2023-04-15 Billy Goat C, Potomac, MD [1] https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rubus-flagellaris/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1683034517525-7ZADYI8NUVYM6HIZK0CU/RBD+%23621+Wild+geranium+230429_DSC05632.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #621 Wild geranium Hooks on seed pods of Geranium maculatum. 2023-04-29 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1682735594942-WZZEHAJVTQWJ2JLIKPR0/RBD+%23620+Wild+geranium+230416_DSC04966.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #620 Wild geranium A Cherokee medicinal herb used for diarrhea, wounds and mouth sores, and to counteract love potions. Having seed pods with "hook-like features", Geranium maculatum was one of the medicinal plants that prevented "escape", such as from the bowels, from the blood stream, or from the home. If you believe your partner is going out flirting, sneak some geranium into their tea. Maybe drop some in the water to hook some fish or sprinkle it near your snares to hook a rabbit. The plant is high in tannins so it happens to be effective in the first few. [10.1002/9781118930717.ch3] 2023-04-16 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1682651814571-NO7MRMW89QM8X7ITTIXS/RBD+%23619+Orbweaver+210828_DSC08597.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #619 Orbweaver Spider silk is designed to attract water, softening the strands and making them stickier.[10.1242/jeb.084236] In the early morning when the humidity is peak, an orbweaver will rebuild the capture area of her* web, eating the old web beforehand. Not only does she recover nutrients such as choline which she cannot produce herself, but she also gets a bit of a drink to help make up for water she loses to evaporation.[10.1636/JoA-S-19-066] 2021-08-22 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD * Probably "her". Young males do build webs but as they get older they are too busy searching for mates to bother much with food.[10.1093/icb/12.3.445] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1682574497748-PAM95HKB9UN1X78NSF4V/RBD+%23618+Slender+wood+sorrel+230416_DSC04977.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #618 Slender wood sorrel Oxalis dillenii adds lemony bite to your native garden salad, but use sparingly: Oxalis species have a long history in herbal medicine.[1] The original illustrations may help you find the right one.[2] 2022-04-16 Bethesda, MD [1] The Native American Ethnobotany Database. http://naeb.brit.org [2] von Jacquin, Nikolaus Joseph Freiherr. Oxalis: Monographia, iconibus illustrata. Apud Christianum F. Wappler, 1794. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1682517635334-0KPJ2INA4PU484NPR0LE/RBD+%23617+Bulbous+buttercup+230415_DSC04886.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #617 Bulbous buttercup Ranunculus bulbosus, introduced from Europe. You may want to wear gloves to control it: "Cunning beggers do use to stampe the leaves, and lay it unto their legs and armes, which causeth such filthy ulcers as we daily see (among such wicked vagabondes), to moove the people the more to pittie." DOI:10.1016/S0007-0785(64)80042-9 I remember smearing buttercup flowers on our faces as kids, saying something like, "Do you like butter?" Probably a different species (there are more than 1700), but many of them are toxic. 2023-04-15 Billy Goat Trail C, Potomac, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1682399680375-SRWHHRH3JLK519A6GS02/RBD+%23616+Orchard+orbweaver+230415_DSC04870.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #616 Orchard orbweaver Leucauge venusta: white dawn beauty. You can catch more flies with a smile, but it helps if you put drops of glue on your capture threads so they don't bounce off your web. Even better, make it stickier the harder they pull so you capture the fast insects. DOI:10.1038/ncomms101 2023-04-15 Billy Goat Trail C, Potomac, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1682306274764-X5V7LXOQYWF4JPVNX2X5/RBD+%23615+Eastern+calligrapher+230415_DSC04828.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #615 Eastern calligrapher Dragonfly fishing. Let's dangle Toxomerus geminatus from a pole and see how dragonflies react. Do the wasp-like yellow stripes give them pause? Not so much. But given the choice of an actual wasp and a hover fly they will take the hover fly every time (even when the wasp is painted black). DOI:10.1016/j.anbehav.2005.03.009 2023-04-15 Billy Goat Trail C, Potomac, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1681963577716-ANUX9F75K7S46ZXJ2839/RBD+%23614+Philodromus+cespitus+230415_DSC04909.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #614 Philodromus cespitus? (Female) This cutie stuck to the front windshield on the drive home from the river, with speeds of up to 50 mph. Hairy feet have good traction, providing 10 to 14 mN of force on smooth surfaces. Procedure: Put the spider to sleep with CO₂. Attach a human hair to its back with a dab of wax, and attach the other end to a force sensor. Wait 15 min then give it a push. Repeat for various surface roughness. DOI:10.1242/jeb.061507 2023-04-15 Billy Goat Trail C, Potomac, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1681911550322-50H28GAR7C0P1792R1OJ/RBD+%23613+Emertons+funnelweb+spider+221001_DSC06283+copy.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #613 Emerton's funnelweb spider? (Female) Not definitive. The colour variation within each species makes it impossible to identify them from photographs. Instead Agelenopsis species are defined by the sex organs,[DOI:10.1636/k14-35.1] a spiral ending in a hook for A. emertoni males and the corresponding epigyne (entrance to the ovary) for females. Such complicated structures have to be stable within the species: if the parts don't match then the genes don't transfer. 2022-10-01 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1681576267627-5K8SOVTESHA3Y0TPVB9D/RBD+%23612+Tall+goldenrod+211013_IMG_8685.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #612 Tall goldenrod Modern junk food. As atmospheric CO₂ increases the protein content in pollen decreases, leaving these carpenter bees ill-equipped to survive the winter. Protein concentration in Solidago altissima has fallen from 18% to 12% over the past 150 years as CO₂ approaches 400 ppm. DOI:10.1098/rspb.2016.0414 2021-10-13 NIH pond, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1681439469913-R2T9F7FJK4BEE40P4AKJ/RBD+%23611+Eastern+cicada-killer+wasp+220731_IMG_2647.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #611 Eastern cicada-killer wasp Glide ratios get messed up when you carry twice your bodyweight. With 43% of her body mass in the flight muscles, the female Sphecius speciosus is an excellent flier that can intercept cicadas mid-air and paralyze them. Then comes the challenge of hauling them home. They are too big to loft from the ground so she drags them up a tree and "falls with style" toward her burrow. Repeat. The cicadas are stored in deep underground larders, one cicada per male egg and two per female egg. A girl's gotta eat to put on the milligrams (females grow to 2.5 times the size of males so they can carry home the prey). DOI:10.2307/3546021 2022-07-31 McKee-Beshers WMA, Poolesville, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1681390281011-9DNZHG0M9LI9P3FIM072/RBD+%23610+European+paper+wasp+210723_DSC05809.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #610 European paper wasp (Female) Polistes dominula, a European invasive identified by her orange antennae (males have seven visible tail segments). They are more successful than native Polistes because they have a broader diet, they hide their nests better, and they start foraging a week earlier. Unlike honey bees, colonies are started each year by groups of unrelated females after they emerge from hibernation. 2021-07-23 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1681307690250-PR0U2N6VFC600HLM3O91/RBD+%23609+Common+reed+221009_IMG_4651.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #609 Common reed Phragmites australis, used for construction and crafts around the world since forever (walls, floor mats, thatch). Also used as fuel and fodder. It is a fast growing wetlands plant so it doesn't compete with other agriculture (up to 4 m below the surface if the water is clear enough!) The European variety spreads by root fragments and has larger salt tolerance, so it is considered invasive elsewhere. 2022-10-09 South Cape May Meadows, Cape May, NJ Köbbing, JF; Thevs, N; Zerbe, S (2013). "The utilisation of reed (Phragmites australis): a review." Mires and Peat 13(1) 1-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1681178208786-WEBIDR6SGLZ9PQPO92XX/RBD+%23608+Black+duck+230211_IMG_6563.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #608 Black duck (Female) Looks like a mallard, quacks like a mallard, but not a mallard (olive coloured bill and no white outline for the purple "speculum"). Also breeds like a mallard: 1/3 of Atlantic and 1/4 of central populations are hybrid. Historically eastern North America was primarily woodlands, which favours black ducks. DOI:10.1002/ece3.4981 2023-02-11 Lake Bernard Frank, Derwood, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1681102832839-64WD3N0IISPBYZUZVNTY/RBD+%23607+Ducks+221022_DSC07242.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #607 Ducks? No "Beware of Birds" sign needed: Rigid PVC appears to be inert. Flexible PVCs such as PET are another story since many softeners have been shown to disrupt fertility. DOI:10.3390/suschem2020020 2022-10-22 Frederick, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1681019744203-PV649OTRQI87IMT27A2K/RBD+%23606+Gadwall+221227_IMG_6177-0.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #606 Gadwall (Female) Less showy than the guys, her mottled features let her blend with the tall grasses where she nests. She will lay up to a dozen eggs, which is good. You need large families when you lose a third of your population each year to predators (and that's only counting humans). 2022-12-27 Lake Lily, Cape May, NJ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1680969731173-C5JPBRXQTZQ4J9GQUDQH/RBD+%23605+Gadwall+221227_IMG_6177-1.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #605 Gadwall Also called a "gray", this is one of the more popular ducks. Decoys $10-$20 each. Call whistles $12. 2022-12-27 Lake Lily, Cape May, NJ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1680844850425-FJWLEJXL0SVYNN0ET188/RBD+%23604+Falcate+orangetip+230406_DSC04505.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #604 Falcate orangetip (Male) Anthocarsis midea, an east coast butterfly emerging in spring. Though that chrysalis is really comfy, so maybe they will skip a season and emerge the next year. This is not uncommon: many Pierids require a cold snap to trigger emergence. 2023-04-06 Blue Mash Nature Trail, Laytonsville, MD [1] Shapiro, A. S. (1981). "Egg-load assessment and carryover diapause in Anthocharis (Pieridae)". J. Lepid. Soc. 34 (3): 307–315. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1680668525642-E3NAJNP96TS4QQC2HGEK/RBD+%23603+Tundra+swan+230219_IMG_6666.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #603 Tundra swan Enjoying the winter retreat on the balmy Chesapeake Bay. It's a long way back to the summer breeding grounds on the Arctic Ocean. Flight plans are registered with the USGS (satellite tracking data). The different populations move together across the continent, with only one in a thousand crossing over to another group. [DOI:10.5066/P9KBR79C] 2022-02-19 Thomas Point Park, Annapolis, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1680580801999-AWQFCF1QAGSMR0IKKK6P/RBD+%23602+Mute+swan+221227_IMG_6123.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #602 Mute swan Even in the off-season a little posturing helps to remind each other who is who. After all, a pair still wants to keep its spot when breeding season comes. They mate for life, but if a partner should die, the survivor will pick up a younger spouse to share their territory. The good spots will have plenty of grass for food (8 pounds per day!) and nesting.[1] 2022-12-27 Lake Lily, Cape May, NJ [1] Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 2019. All About Birds. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mute_Swan. Accessed on 2023-04-03. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1680494666147-GVEMZPTJJQCVPS4S1895/RBD+%23601+Purple+loosestrife+220806_IMG_2876.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #601 Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, a noxious weed imported from Europe via ships ballast (see #564). It is an ancient medicinal plant used to treat gastro-intestinal conditions. DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2015.05.017 2022-08-06 Belle Haven Park, Annapolis, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1680402057824-NSKGZ6AO020M2PQ5F1W8/RBD+%23600+Mourning+dove+221015_IMG_4837.jpg RBD 2023 04 - RBD #600 Mourning dove A mourning dove sits amongst autumn leaves and rocks. A high coo echoes. Or for those more inclined toward factoids, Crop-milk: cottage cheese pigeons, flamingos and penguins make for their hatchlings. 2022-10-15 Bethesda, MD https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2023-06 daily 0.75 2023-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754463177-M51BWUSVGH9KI5NA9EKL/RBD+%23653+White-tailed+bumblebee+230517_DSC09113.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #653 White-tailed bumblebee Bombus lucorum will burn a third of their body weight during three hours of flight, but they more than compensate with nectar collection.[DOI:10.1007/BF00384264] 2023-05-17 Svínafell, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754463177-M51BWUSVGH9KI5NA9EKL/RBD+%23653+White-tailed+bumblebee+230517_DSC09113.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #653 White-tailed bumblebee Bombus lucorum will burn a third of their body weight during three hours of flight, but they more than compensate with nectar collection.[DOI:10.1007/BF00384264] 2023-05-17 Svínafell, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754463200-MNJZDVXKV8D4CXL0CWXN/RBD+%23652+Common+redshank+230515_DSC08090.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #652 Common redshank With his feathers styled and waxed* he shows off his silly walk. 2023-05-15 Nesvöllin golf course, Seljararnes, Iceland * Most birds have a gland in their rump which they rub with their beak during preening. It secretes a waxy substance which helps keep their feathers in tip-top shape. The composition may change during breeding season, either to a high volatility composition to advertise sexiness (perching birds) or low volatility to evade predators (ground nesting birds). [DOI:10.1111/brv.12837] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754463932-WBAFC6MTNK69RK9GYZWZ/RBD+%23651+Mountain+230515_DSC08214.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #651 Mountain The Esja mountains dominate the Reykjavik skyline. Laid down between 3.2 and 1.8 MYA in a series of lava flows, they show layering reminiscent of sedimentary rocks. Some sequences are olivine theoleiite, indicating recently melted mantle, while others are silica rich, the magnesium having precipitated out as olivine crystals before the eruption. Interspersed with the lava flows are thick layers of hyaloclastite, a mash of volcanic glass formed by rapid quenching when the eruptions could not penetrate the multi-kilometers thick ice sheets during the periodic ice ages.[1] 2023-05-15 Grotta Lighthouse, Reykjavik, Iceland [1] Kristjansson, L., Fridleifsson, I., & Watkins, N. (1980). Stratigraphy and paleomagnetism of the Esja, Eyrarfjall and Akrafjall Mountains, SW-Iceland. Journal of Geophysics, 47(1), 31-42. https://journal.geophysicsjournal.com/JofG/article/view/184 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754464066-JYCOJHMONLINOMTPT0B2/RBD+%23650+Sand+lance+230515_DSC08113-0.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #650 Sand lance When not on offer as a prenuptial gift, the sand lance spends much of its life buried in the sand. Some live in the intertidal zone, relying on the trickle of water flowing through the wet sand above the low tide line. They come out to graze on "marine snow", the detritus and plankton drifting down from the ocean surface. They stay buried all winter, dropping oxygen consumption to 1/4 summer levels.[DOI:10.1007/s00227-011-1774-8] 2023-05-15 Nesvöllin golf course, Seljararnes, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754464770-JGBANOV3VRKQZC8BI8HY/RBD+%23649+Arctic+tern+230517_DSC09561.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #649 Arctic tern Ice sculpture. Arctic terns are world travellers. Breeding in the far north they follow the sun to the Antarctic for winter then back again next spring. Some birds log 80000+ km per year. [DOI:10.1073/pnas.0909493107] 2023-05-17 Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754464864-A3KFMYG97XO6OQ0RUS7L/RBD+%23648+Great+skua+230517_DSC09581.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #648 Great skua A relatively monogamous species, showing an average "divorce rate" of 6.4% per year. With 1 in 5 pairs differing in age by 10+ years, the death of a partner is more common. It is the female that leaves for another partner, sometimes usurping an existing female in the process. These fights are violent and sometimes deadly but the male watches without getting involved. [DOI:10.1006/anbe.1997.0552] As an apex predator, great skuas not only bully other birds to give up their catch (for example, grabbing a gannet's wings mid-flight to force it into a stall), but also catch their own, to the point of attacking lambs [DOI:10.1080/00063656409476077] and foals[wikipedia] (which seems a tad ambitious for a 3 lb bird with a 4' wingspan). 2023-05-17 Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754465448-H0ITS2MLUD6SVWV1JKO6/RBD+%23647+Parasitic+jaeger+230515_DSC08491.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #647 Parasitic jaeger Who needs to catch fish when you can catch birds with fish? Another kleptoparasite, these jaegers patrol the cliffs waiting for puffins to return then chase them until they release their catch (60% success, or 75% success if two or three go after the same bird). This costs the puffins about one trip per week. Gulls and terns, the other sister families to the skuas and jaegers, are similarly afflicted. [DOI:10.1093/auk/95.2.377] 2023-05-15 Vik, Iceland [11 PM and still a bit of light.] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754465632-5IR5IET4DCBA2BSPSR18/RBD+%23646+Brant+230515_DSC08140.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #646 Brant Predator-prey cycles get complicated. For example, the peak of the infamous lemming cycle is tied to a collapse of first year brants the following year. In a good year for lemmings, lots of stoat and fox kits are born. The next winter the ermine (stoat with a winter coat) follow the lemmings under the snow and crash the population (the mass suicide in the Disney documentary was faked). All those hungry foxes then go after the geese nesting on the tundra. Not quite that simple since there are several other rodents (voles, shrews), predators (snowy owls who love to eat stoat), birds (red knots, curlew sandpipers, white fronted geese), and climate effects (warm weather brings rain on snow which leads to an ice layer which makes it harder for lemmings to burrow and stresses their winter breeding). Not to mention parasites and overgrazing. Strong cycles don't persist in more complex webs.[2] For example, the brant population collapsed in the 1930's due to a crash in eel grass, but they were able to switch to sea lettuce for winter food, so only a single dip and not a cyclic pattern. 2023-05-15 Nesvöllin golf course, Seljararnes, Iceland [1] https://macleans.ca/society/lemming-population-cycle-explanation/ [2] DOI:10.1111/oik.09443 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754466144-Q7J9HSRJB0LBXUHKOZ7J/RBD+%23645+Barnacle+goose+230517_DSC09406-1.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #645 Barnacle goose Consider the story of barnacle goose, said to emerge from goose barnacles growing on bits of driftwood, whose long stalks resemble the necks of geese. Since barnacle goose breeding grounds are so far north, it wasn't until the late 1800's that their migration and breeding were understood. There were skeptics, such as the Holy Roman Emperor Fredrick II (1241) who sent envoys to collect supposed driftwood precursors and dismissed the claim that they gave rise to geese. However, it is convenient that the geese be born of barnacles, for then they are seafood that can be eaten on Fridays during lent, at least until Pope Innocent III (1213) declared that if it acts like a duck then it is meat.[1] Like kittiwakes, murres and razorbills, barnacle geese nest on high cliffs. As grazing birds their parents don't bring food to the nest. Instead, day-old chicks leap into the void, falling a hundred meters onto the rocks below (the BBC video on YouTube is astounding[2]). Those that survive follow their parents to the local rivers and ponds. The murres bring in food for the chicks for a week (900+ doordash deliveries[3]) and the razorbills for two to three weeks, but then those chicks must also make the plunge without flight feathers. Kittiwakes supply food for about 5 weeks until the chicks are ready to fly. 2023-05-17 Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, Iceland [1] Barnacle goose myth. Wikipedia. [2] Baby Chick Jumps Off Cliff, Life Story, BBC Earth (Youtube) [3] DOI:10.1034/j.1600-048X.2003.03008.x https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754466518-M2YNRMZLQVWAQZOOYMVM/RBD+%23644+Razorbill+230514_DSC07598-1.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #644 Razorbill Another auk, razorbills are often found in mixed flocks with murres. They nest on the same cliffs but razorbills use wide ledges so their eggs don't roll off (even though they are less pointy) and they don't nest so close together, which perhaps explains why there are ten times as many murres. The razorbill is the closest relative to the now extinct great auk. Though they used to number in the millions, food for fishermen and feathers for pillows drove them to extinction. An expedition in 1844 harvested the last pair to sell to collectors.[DOI:10.3390/genes8060164] 2023-05-14 Hafnarberg Seacliffs, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754466978-RTAQOGUI20Y0YMD5NW3Q/RBD+%23643+Common+murre+230514_DSC07596-1.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #643 Common murre 230514_DSC07596-1.jpg Another member of the auk family, they look very much like penguins when they are on shore, dapper in their tux and monocle (see Common murre at All About Birds). Evolution loves to provide little challenges. If you lay eggs on ledges without nests it helps if they are pointy so that they roll in a circle rather than rolling into the sea. And if you brood beak-to-beak it helps if you brand your eggs with your own colour and pattern so you can separate them from your neighbours.[1] 2023-05-14 Hafnarberg Seacliffs, Iceland [1] https://americanornithology.org/distinctive-egg-color-variations-in-common-murres/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754467450-UEO50YTC2VYMVYL2HVLM/RBD+%23642+Atlantic+puffin+230516_DSC08875.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #642 Atlantic puffin Form follows function. Puffins are in the auk family, which are much more closely related to seagulls than to penguins. Like penguins they are diving specialists, with short wings carving out a figure eight to provide power throughout the stroke.[DOI:10.1242/jeb.205.3.371] Speeds of 7.7 km/h edge out the world record for the 100 m freestyle, but more importantly this is about 4 times the speed of the capelin that they are chasing. Unlike the great auk which lost all ability to fly, puffins can also power through the air, flapping up to 400 beats per minute for sustained 70 km/hr flight during migration. All in an amazingly cute package! 2023-05-16 Reynisfjara, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754467994-4H6RI5QQJ1ZO88860GRG/RBD+%23641+Northern+fulmar+230515_DSC08354.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #641 Northern fulmar Evolves from petrel. Evolution: albatross. Fulmar 35 HP+ The beak monster. Length 45 cm. Weight 750 g. ** Salt bomb. 10 Spits brine out its nostrils concentrated from sea water. [Common to all seabirds via osmosis filtration in a nasal gland. One study pumped 1/10th the body weight of a great black-backed gull into its stomach and found that the excess salt was ejected within 3 hours.] ** Vomit comet. 50 Stores a waxy substance in its stomach which it can spit up to several meters. This can coat the wings of an attacking bird causing it to plummet to its death. Weakness: electric++ Resistance: flying+++ With its prodigious wings it sometimes travels up to 1000 km (round trip) to fetch food for its young. During particularly long flights it digests its defensive wax and can no longer perform its primary defensive move. 2023-05-15 Seljalandsfoss, Iceland + A long lived bird, some surviving into their 50s. They don't start breeding until they are 10-20 years old. ++ Some whooping cranes drown after being stunned by lightning in Florida. I found no specific reports of lightning strikes on birds at sea. [Spalding, M. G., Terrell, S., & Brooks, W. B. (2010). Pathology associated with lightning strike and drowning mortality of whooping cranes in Florida.] +++ Petrels and other seabirds fly toward the center of a storm, following the eye wall to avoid being blown on land. [DOI:10.1073/pnas.2212925119] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754468343-FINCJH7XLY57UT5IKHV9/RBD+%23640+Black-legged+kittiwake+230514_DSC07535-2.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #640 Black-legged kittiwake (2nd year) Even though they were not breeding, a number of one-year-old gulls were hanging out around the cliffs (black beak, "M" pattern on wings). Toward the end of the season they will start to occupy nesting spots to establish status for future breeding years. Chicks genuflect when strangers come calling (Appeasement behaviour) instead of begging for food like they do with their parents.[DOI:10.1016/S0003-3472(87)80213-0] 2023-05-14 Hafnarberg Seacliffs, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754469248-ND98CTS91JMAQLZZDJFN/RBD+%23639+Black-legged+kittiwake+230514_DSC07578.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #639 Black-legged kittiwake Spending most of their life on the sea, Rissa tridactyla come to the Icelandic cliffs in vast numbers to breed every spring. Raising two chicks is an enormous investment, requiring 1/3rd of the entire food budget for the parents.[1] Fortunately(?) half of them die, including siblicide with the elder dispensing with the younger soon after hatching. After to 5 months of building, laying, incubating and feeding the chicks have fledged and parents are free to return to the sea. 2023-05-14 Hafnarberg Seacliffs, Iceland [1] Gabrielsen, G. W., Klaassen, M., & Mehlum, F. (1992). Energetics of black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla chicks. Ardea, 80(2), 29-40. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754469376-4NPY6Q96WQYD0GT4Z65J/RBD+%23638+Black-headed+gull+230515_DSC08024-1.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #638 Black-headed gull A smaller gull, it finds itself low in the pecking order when it is feeding time at the dump. Even though they outnumber the larger herring gulls, they still yield when the bulldozers stop and the newly revealed buffet is open. But the black-headed gull is more maneuverable, so risking life and limb it weaves amongst the dozers grabbing what food it can.[1] 2023-05-15 Nesvöllin golf course, Seljararnes, Iceland [1] Bellebaum, J. (2005). Brief report Between the Herring Gull Larus argentatus and the bulldozer: Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus feeding sites on a refuse dump. Ornis Fennica, 82, 166-171. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754470147-F78L3M0UHO8PNSIFB45W/RBD+%23637+Lesser+black-backed+gull+230515_DSC08028-1.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #637 Lesser black-backed gull Despite the name, the lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus) is not that closely related to the great black-backed gull (L. marinus), though both lie in the very confusing "herring gull complex". Recovering from the latest glacial "squeeze" populations have radiated from the one or two refuges in the past 10000 years to form a dozen circumpolar species. Although they can hybridize, they prefer partners who look and sound right, so maintain separate species even if they live in the same area.[1] 2023-05-15 Nesvöllin golf course, Seljararnes, Iceland [1] Collinson, J. M., Parkin, D. T., Knox, A. G., Sangster, G., & Svensson, L. (2008). Species boundaries in the Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gull complex. British Birds, 101(7), 340. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754470438-OMXNMVPMIOBROALPZVWK/RBD+%23636+Great+black-backed+gull+230515_DSC08056-3.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #636 Great black-backed gull Largest of the gulls, this is a prime predator of eider eggs and ducklings. When the ducklings are too tired to dive anymore the gulls will scoop them up and drop them from a height of 30 to 40 rods (200 m). With a lot of practice on molluscs and small mammals they are pretty good at targeting a rock on the ground, moving windward to compensate when the winds are strong.[1] Nesvöllin golf course, Seljararnes, Iceland [1] Beetz, J., Bay, P., Labrador, C., & Townsend, C. W. (1916). Notes on the eider. The Auk, 286-292. https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/4072326.pdf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754471007-8I6120HQVJ0RYYKAR7Y1/RBD+%23635+Common+eider+230514_DSC07426.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #635 Common eider (Female) Why did the duck cross the road? To get to the eider side. In this case, the female eider. More motherly sacrifice: she plucks down from her own breast to keep her eggs warm in the cold northerly summers. She will guard them assiduously until hatching, covering them with down, moss and leaves if a predator should come stalking (arctic foxes, gulls, ravens and introduced American mink). If she is surprised she will spray them with a noxious chemical deterrent before flying off. This dries to a harmless powder after 15 min.[1] Icelandic farmers will encourage the ducks, providing nest boxes and helping with the guard duty. After fledging (50 days) they will collect the down, wash it, and sell it to makers of jackets and duvets. 2023-05-14 Blue Lagoon, Iceland [1] Beetz, J., Bay, P., Labrador, C., & Townsend, C. W. (1916). Notes on the eider. The Auk, 286-292. https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/4072326.pdf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754471409-DE1N9K96BYZ1CZJ474R0/RBD+%23634+Common+eider+230514_DSC07418.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #634 Common eider (Male) One of the lazier birds, why fly when you can walk from pond to pond? Lifting 2 kg of bird into the air on stubby little wings is an undertaking, raising power consumption from 20 W for normal activity 120+ W for flying. They can maintain a good clip once they are aloft (55 km/h on average, 120 km/h with a tail wind) but outside of migration they only spend 10 min/day in the air. Otherwise they are diving for mussels or lazing around in the spa. [DOI:10.1098/rspb.2008.0422] 2023-05-14 Blue Lagoon, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754471816-2P4JRALMF0U34XEYR7EK/RBD+%23633+Graylag+goose+230514_DSC07372-0.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #633 Graylag goose The birds are also happy to partake in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon. In this case, Anser anser, the wild ancestor of the domestic goose. The term "lag" refers to their late departure from England to their wintering grounds (OED Vol 5, 1933 "grey lag goose") or perhaps comes from a British dialect term for a flock of geese (OED Vol 6, 1933 "lag[sb. 6]"). 2023-05-14 Blue Lagoon, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754472411-H8X7EOJ83U0QLN02ST0U/RBD+%23632+RBD+Power+station+230514_DSC07464.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #632 RBD Power station One man's industrial sludge is another man's miracle cure. Hot spring treatment (balneotherapy) has been a thing since Heracles bathed in the springs at Thermopylae. Between the heat, the water, the minerals, the sun, and blue-green algae (Cyanobacterium aponinum), the Blue Lagoon is a "health destination" for travellers from around the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754472904-6Q3NA0SP08CTILD1ONLM/RBD+%23631+Power+station+230514_DSC07341.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #631 Power station Okay, they've pumped the water and exacted the heat, now what do they do with it? Given that they are sitting in the middle of an old lava field with jumbled porous rock as far as the eye can see, they simply dumped it so it could drain away. No luck. Excess silicates from the reservoir formed a thick white sludge, plugging the holes and forming a lagoon full of electric blue water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1699754473385-P78JWVS1NIDYJNQPD3SD/RBD+%23630+Power+station+230514_DSC07302.jpg RBD 2023 06 - RBD #630 Power station If you are sitting on a mantle hotspot, why not use the heat? Drilling 1-2 km down to an underground reservoir they found brackish water at 240 °C. Since this is too hot and salty for home heating, they instead run a turbine to extract some of the energy then use a heat exchanger to warm fresh water to a more comfortable 125 °C. And still there is enough heat to make these awesome steam clouds. 2023-05-14 Blue Lagoon, Iceland https://oregontechsfstatic.azureedge.net/sitefinity-production/docs/default-source/geoheat-center-documents/quarterly-bulletin/vol-17/art3.pdf https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2023-08 daily 0.75 2023-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700176255885-72L1PIV0EYLXEQ0NDR83/image-asset.jpeg RBD 2023-08 Alchemilla alpina, a fish without a bicycle, forms clones via seed (apomixis). This allows it to spread through Arctic and alpine areas with few pollinators. Normally there are risks to a monoculture such as rapid spread of disease, but Alchemilla cheats by having many copies of the same gene within each plant (8-fold polyploidy resulting in over 100 chromosomes). In addition, slow mutation gave rise to 300 microspecies of Alchemilla across Europe and 2000 worldwide. [DOI:10.12705/665.3] 2023-05-18 Svinafellsjökull glacier, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700176255885-72L1PIV0EYLXEQ0NDR83/image-asset.jpeg RBD 2023-08 Alchemilla alpina, a fish without a bicycle, forms clones via seed (apomixis). This allows it to spread through Arctic and alpine areas with few pollinators. Normally there are risks to a monoculture such as rapid spread of disease, but Alchemilla cheats by having many copies of the same gene within each plant (8-fold polyploidy resulting in over 100 chromosomes). In addition, slow mutation gave rise to 300 microspecies of Alchemilla across Europe and 2000 worldwide. [DOI:10.12705/665.3] 2023-05-18 Svinafellsjökull glacier, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700191900899-O061C35RMHT8CRXXCVJ4/RBD+%23668+Alpine+ladys+mantle+230518_DSC09857+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #668 Alpine lady's mantle Alchemilla alpina, a fish without a bicycle, forms clones via seed (apomixis). This allows it to spread through Arctic and alpine areas with few pollinators. Normally there are risks to a monoculture such as rapid spread of disease, but Alchemilla cheats by having many copies of the same gene within each plant (8-fold polyploidy resulting in over 100 chromosomes). In addition, slow mutation gave rise to 300 microspecies of Alchemilla across Europe and 2000 worldwide. [DOI:10.12705/665.3] 2023-05-18 Svinafellsjökull glacier, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700191978673-593PQLFR1DLVEP5P67O9/RBD+%23667+Tufted+duck+230515_DSC08280+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #667 Tufted duck (Female) Still need to be vigilant, even when asleep. Females will pop their eyes open every 4 s to check up on the ducklings. Males also need constant vigilance (every 5 s): drifting into another duck gets you into a fight even when you are asleep. [DOI:10.1080/00063650209461279]* 2023-05-15 Reykjavik, Iceland * Note: this data is from a study on common pochard (Aythya ferina) not tufted ducks (Aythya fuligula). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700191962482-YNTSLV9LVB2CRHMB1Z5I/RBD+%23666+Tufted+duck+230515_DSC08266+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #666 Tufted duck (Male) Today's evolutionary trick: dynamic dilation for diving ducks. By selective constriction and relaxation of artery walls you can control blood flow throughout the body, getting more blood to the legs (diving is hard work!) while shutting down the wings and the gut. This lets you spend more time underwater munching on mussels.[DOI:10.1242/jeb.168.1.199] 2023-05-15 Reykjavik, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700191993978-4L3BTRM3HOEVUVSEOE84/RBD+%23665+Snow+bunting+230514_DSC07266+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #665 Snow bunting (Female) Still wearing her winter cloak, she is already gathering materials for her nest. Her black and white breeding plumage will be revealed as the brown feather tips break off. Rather than trading off during brooding, the male acts as courier, bringing her seeds every 15 min. After hatching both parents provide for the chicks. Alone the chicks would be malnourished in bad years. [DOI:10.1007/BF00300684] 2023-05-14 Blue Lagoon, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192009796-QETBIRNH0EQ7OCK473EJ/RBD+%23664+Purple+sandpiper+230514_DSC07717+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #664 Purple sandpiper 2:1 male-female so more likely a male, but difficult to tell if they are not side-by-side (females are 5-10% larger).[1] An unequal sex ratio is rare, and usually associated with polyandry. But DNA evidence says these birds are highly monogamous, keeping the same partner year after year. Parents put equal effort into brooding, but females are chased off as soon as the chicks hatch.[2] This male care bias is enough to lead to a male sex bias.[3] 2023-05-14 Hafnarberg Seacliffs, Iceland [1] DOI:10.1111/j.1557-9263.2008.00148.x [2] DOI:10.1093/beheco/arp187 [3] DOI:10.1038/ncomms2600 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192024628-GTBHRB8SR27TEMW5R8K6/RBD+%23663+Purple+saxifrage+230517_DSC09708+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #663 Purple saxifrage Saxifraga oppositifolia eking out a living in arctic gravel. It is a hardy plant found high in the Alps (4500 m) and far to the north (83°). When the flower opens the stigma develops first, allowing cross-fertilization. In case it is too cold for insect pollinators, the anthers will grow after a few days and bend toward the stigma, allowing self-fertilization.[1] 2023-05-17 Fjallsárlón, Iceland [1] Purple Saxifrage Alberta Plant Watch. https://plantwatch.naturealberta.ca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192036286-O71TGV6PKC33R6X4GUJE/RBD+%23662+Glacial+ice+230517_DSC09638-1+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #662 Glacial ice Glacial icebergs calved from the Vatnajökull icecap in the background. Normally ice forms with tiny air bubbles, so the light bounces around a bit and comes out as muddled opaque white. Trapped in a glacier for a hundred+ years, the weight of the ice above squeezes out these bubbles, allowing the light to pass freely. The O-H bonds in the water absorb the red end of the spectrum, leaving a bright blue glow. 2023-05-17 Jökulsárlón, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192051008-1YQZTP6QLO922WH2YMWT/RBD+%23661+Whooper+swan+230520_DSC00273+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #661 Whooper swan A heavy bird, but once it takes flight it can stay up for a long time: 13 hours non-stop from Britain to Iceland, burning a couple of kilos of fat in the process (25% of lean body mass).[1] Putting on all that weight requires a lot of yummy barley. Perhaps that's why 1 in 7 show up with lead shot despite being a protected species.[2] 2023-05-20 Flói Nature Reserve, Selfoss, Iceland [1] DOI:10.2307/3677141 [2] DOI:10.1016/j.biocon.2011.02.014 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192106634-4PHNSMW8CA4305NIDVK7/RBD+%23660+European+golden+plover+230514_DSC07830-0+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #660 European golden plover Out on the moor foraging for insects, with a redwing for company. Brooding requires constant attention, with one or the other parent sitting on the nest. For golden plovers the male gets the day shift, feeding at night.[1] Seems a little unfair, especially when you get into the far north... 2023-05-14 Reykjanes Lighthouse, Iceland [1] DOI:10.1046/j.1365-2664.2000.00519.x https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192119667-V6GQ7HEDA4SFC9U1Q3US/RBD+%23659+Redwing+230516_DSC08809+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #659 Redwing A sister species to the American robin, they breed in the north and fly to southern Europe for the winter. Occasional individuals will stray to the North American coast, west from Iceland or east from Siberia but these are very rare. One exhausted bird even found itself in the south Atlantic, landing on a ship off the coast of Brazil.[1] 2023-05-16 Vik, Iceland [1] Brito, G. R., Nacinovic, J. B., & Teixeira, D. M. (2013). First record of Redwing Turdus iliacus in South America. Bulletin of the British Ornithologist’s Club, 133(4), 316-317. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192138159-2OT85KF85L1G2VKZY9BQ/RBD+%23658+Harbour+seal+230517_DSC09288+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #658 Harbour seal An ode to blubber: its thickness insulates against ice cold water without shivering. Dilate some blood vessels and now it is a conductor, pumping heat into the air. A food store in times of need. Shapely, too, the water slides by its smooth curves. And padding gives comfort on the cold hard ice: no mat needed for the banana pose. 2023-05-17 Jökulsárlón, Iceland [1] DOI:10.1080/23328940.2021.1988817 [2] DOI:10.1086/physzool.68.2.30166505 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192151151-767CHNIQBDFJ7VRFXEQK/RBD+%23657+Icelandic+sheep+230517_DSC08923+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #657 Icelandic sheep Woolly sheep, recently shorn. The breed has a dual layer coat, with long thick hairs to keep out wind and rain, and short fine hairs to keep them warm (like merino wool). A rare variant sports four horns, caused by a mutation in HoxD1.[1] This is a fundamental signaling gene related to many aspects of development in vertebrates, co-opted to form horns in bovines. No idea why messing with it doesn't break everything. 2023-05-17 Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland [1] DOI:10.1093/molbev/msab021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192168897-LD9NZE0Q1PXU917YU4ND/RBD+%23656+Woolly+fring-moss+230518_IMG_9681+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #656 Woolly fringe-moss Left alone on acidic rocks Racomitrium lanuginosum forms thick mats of fluffiness.[1] Like pillow lava but soft and woolly. This is part of the Eldahraun lava flow, stretching 60 km along the Laki fissure to the sea. Along with lava fountains over 1 km high, its eruption in 1783 blanketed the earth with sulphur dioxide disrupting weather and causing years of failed crops.[2] The increased poverty and famine may have contributed to the French Revolution. 2023-05-18 Skaftáreldahraun, Iceland [photo by Jay] [1] Racomitrium lanuginosum (Wikipedia) [2] Laki (Wikipedia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192188067-QQK9T8A0A67VRKB1TDAV/RBD+%23655+Black+crowberry+230514_DSC07499+copy.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #655 Black crowberry Black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) anchored by mosses give colour to an otherwise barren landscape. Even with 1+ m of rain per year it looks like a desert for miles around. Near shore there is a strip of green watered continuously by ocean spray but out here the rain runs through the loose sand and the high winds blow away new seedlings before they put down roots. 2023-05-14 Hafnarberg Sea-Cliffs, Suðurnes, IS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192199375-X1LVXLRTLZZDP4Z155N6/RBD+%23654+Nootka+lupine+230516_DSC08742.jpg RBD 2023-08 - RBD #654 Nootka lupine The Alaskan native, Lupinus nootkatensis, thrives in Iceland's climate, painting the hillsides with vibrant hues every summer. Post-colonial deforestation and overgrazing left much of the land barren, so lupines were widely planted for erosion control. They were a bit too successful, displacing native plants on the neighbouring heath, though this may be self correcting as insect populations adapt to this new food source. 2023-05-16 Black Sand Beach, Vik, Iceland https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2023-10 daily 0.75 2023-11-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192698710-T2GYCEQWULT25BIUCOZM/RBD+%23688+Common+ringed+plover+230515_DSC08057.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #688 Common ringed plover Mostly Eurasian but a few strays find themselves in North America each year. They nest on open marshland in the north without much cover, so they have a well developed "broken wing" display to lure predators away from their nests.[doi:10.1098/rspb.2022.0058] You have to wonder how it feels to have your brain wired with a compulsion for silly walks. 2023-05-15 Reykjavik, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192698710-T2GYCEQWULT25BIUCOZM/RBD+%23688+Common+ringed+plover+230515_DSC08057.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #688 Common ringed plover Mostly Eurasian but a few strays find themselves in North America each year. They nest on open marshland in the north without much cover, so they have a well developed "broken wing" display to lure predators away from their nests.[doi:10.1098/rspb.2022.0058] You have to wonder how it feels to have your brain wired with a compulsion for silly walks. 2023-05-15 Reykjavik, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192699687-Y0AZI8C2IR6OOFI2VFUD/RBD+%23687+Cyanobacteria+230519_DSC00102.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #687 Cyanobacteria With a constant flow of superheated water, thermophilic bacteria form streaks of colour on the rocks. A clear demonstration that boiling water doesn't kill everything inside it. Even with the recent rain there were still parts of the river hot enough to scald our toes as we waded up the river. 2023-05-19 Reykjadalur, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192699921-986NIIN50T8NAV94624M/RBD+%23686+Colts+foot+230515_DSC08217.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #686 Colts foot Named for the shape of the leaves, which don't appear until after the flower has withered and died. Used since ancient times, its scientific name is Tussilago farfara, from Latin tussis (cough) + ago (act on). It is part of an herbalist treatment for COVID-19 symptoms. Although it produces toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which can damage the liver, they are only present at low levels. However, the related butterbur (Petasites spp.) has similar shaped leaves with far higher levels of PAs. Mixing them up has been fatal. Over 150 other compounds have been isolated, some of which may act against Alzheimer's, diabetes and cancer. 2023-05-15, Reykjavik, Iceland [1] doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113478 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192700435-JZULQTALVR8ITY8JIY7N/RBD+%23685+Icelandic+horse+230520_DSC00276.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #685 Icelandic horse The small sturdy Icelandic horses arrived with the Vikings in the 9th century. They were selected for gentle demeanor and smooth gaits over the rough Icelandic terrain. In addition to the usual walk and trot, where diagonally opposite legs move together, there are the "tölt" and "flying pace" where legs on the same side move together. Natural selection has played a part, giving them an extra 4 cm of fur for the winter. When it is particularly cold and windy they will huddle for warmth, with the high-ranked individuals sheltered from the worst of the weather.[1] I suppose that is adaptive: Give the advantage to the strongest since they are most likely to survive and breed the next year. 2023-05-20 Eyrarbakki, Iceland [1] Ingólfsdóttir, Hrefna B., and Sigurjónsdóttir, Hrefna (2008). The benefits of high rank in the wintertime—a study of the Icelandic horse. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 114(3-4) 485-491. doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2008.04.014 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192700770-4ZSTPCITTO40LY3EWOJ4/RBD+%23684+European+rabbit+230520_DSC00458.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #684 European rabbit If you don't like reindeer lichen or lady's mantle you are going to have a hard time surviving in Iceland; there's only so many dandelions to go around. Despite several introductions over the last centuries feral rabbits had not established sustainable populations. Recently, though, there are two populations that are thriving, thanks to warmer weather and increased hay production, and in cities, the well-meaning folk who don't want to see the poor little bunnies starve. 2023-05-20 Perlan Museum, Reykjavik, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192701428-A529VPACDF49E89QK9TR/RBD+%23683+Dunlin+230514_DSC07868-1.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #683 Dunlin A shore bird with a beak built for digging in the mud and sand. All sorts of critters to eat: worms, snails, clams, crabs and the occasional fish.[1] They need to stay vigilant so they don't get eaten themselves, glancing around once every few seconds to check for danger. They relax a bit among friends, feeding for 15 s before glancing around.[2] When preening they need extra vigilance because their heads are buried under their feathers. 2023-05-14 Gunnuhver, Iceland [1] doi:10.2307/3677294 [2] doi:10.1111/j.1474-919X.1988.tb02723.x https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192701713-6TGCJB6VTB7RQAADF8AJ/RBD+%23682+Black-tailed+godwit+230515_DSC08136.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #682 Black-tailed godwit Nesting in meadows doesn't work so well when the tractor comes calling. With more intensive agriculture in the Netherlands there is less range land and more mowing. Avoiding nests doesn't help much: Foxes quickly learn that the tasty bits are in the remaining islands. The result is a population in steady decline. Curiously, farming seems to help the Icelandic population,* with hayfields providing sustenance during the nesting season.[1] 2023-05-15 Reykjavik, Iceland [1] Gill, J. A., et al. (2007). Contrasting trends in two Black-tailed Godwit populations: a review of causes and recommendations. Wader Study Group Bulletin, 114, 43-50. * It also helps that they stopped shooting them (except France, where they are still considered a delicacy). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192702332-LFGQ1GP0KURJOARBK6SD/RBD+%23681+Pixie+cup+lichen+230520_DSC00480.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #681 Pixie cup lichen Perhaps trumpet lichen (Cladonia fimbriata), a mushroom playing host to algae and/or cyanobacteria in exchange for sugar. The mushroom offers protection from sun and cold and provides water for the algae. While many plants have ice as an enemy (bacteria nucleate ice crystals on the leaf surface to breach the cell walls and drink from the mush that remains), the lichen fungus encourages ice formation to harvest humidity and help it grow when temperatures rise. [doi:10.25227/linbg.01070] 2023-05-20 Perlan Museum, Reykjavik, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192702718-TJW08GJMXCJGTH80WADY/RBD+%23680+Dog+pelt+lichen+230520_DSC00472.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #680 Dog pelt lichen Named Lichen canina by Linnaeus because its fruiting bodies resemble dogs teeth. On the theory that "like affects like", it is a traditional remedy for the treatment of rabies.[1] It also acts as an antioxidant and is used as a liver tonic. But take care: lichens concentrate heavy metals such as lead and uranium.[2] 2023-05-20 Perlan Museum, Reykjavik, Iceland [1] doi:10.1007/s11101-010-9189-6 [2] Haas, J., Bailey, E. & Purvis, O. (1998). Bioaccumulation of metals by lichens: Uptake of aqueous uranium by Peltigera membranacea as a function of time and pH. American Mineralogist, 83(11), 1494-1502. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192703238-HV5YR9546D523NX0J18G/RBD+%23679+Eurasian+wigeon+230515_DSC08181.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #679 Eurasian wigeon (Male and female) A pair of Mareca penelope. Named by Linnaeus for the duck in Greek myth that saved Penelope from the ocean (her father tried to drown her because he wanted a son). Given Penelope's role as faithful wife while Odysseus was away, the allusion to a duck is ironic; they choose a different partner each year. However, Penelope is also purported to be the mother of Pan, possibly having all 108 suitors as the combined father, so perhaps appropriate after all.[1] 2023-05-15 Reykjavik, Iceland [1] Levaniouk, Olga. 2011. Eve of the Festival: Making Myth in Odyssey 19. Hellenic Studies Series 46. Washington, DC: Center for Hellenic Studies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192703873-VQL4GMNTJEGIPNGLOGVX/RBD+%23678+Eurasian+wigeon+230515_DSC08039.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #678 Eurasian wigeon (Male) As the name suggests, this is mostly a Eurasian species, but some overwinter in the US. The Eurasian wigeon (red-headed males) will occasionally hybridize with the American wigeon (green-headed males), with a gene flow rate of 3.17 individuals/generation across the Bering Strait. Not much for a combined population of 700,000, but enough that genetically they look like subspecies rather than species. [DOI:10.1111/mec.15574] But we already knew that ducks are confusing. Fig 1 of [DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0274059] illustrates this nicely, showing frequent hybridization within each genus, and infrequent hybridization between genera. <Insert obvious pun on the state of taxonomy when you have breeding between groups.> 2023-05-15 Reykjavik, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192704206-AR2F8VFOLON74HIUSWVY/RBD+%23677+Lyreleaf+rockcress+230514_DSC07645.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #677 Lyreleaf rockcress Eking out a living in the harshest of environments, Arabidopsis lyrata provides lovely contrast to the black lava in Iceland. It likes living alone without lots of neighbours stealing its light. It is a member of the cabbage family which native Alaskans used in salads or as a cooked vegetable. 2023-05-14 Hafnarberg Sea-cliffs, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192704762-98GF65TOBF7UM7RP1SL2/RBD+%23676+Waterfall+230515_DSC08432.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #676 Waterfall Seljalandsfoss (Seljalands falls) fed from Eyjafjallajökull (Eylja mountains glacier) 14 km upstream. 2023-05-15 Seljalandsfoss, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192705257-G87YXFD5Z8F8D30R28C6/RBD+%23675+Northern+wheatear+230517_DSC09681.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #675 Northern wheatear A long migration for a little bird: 14,500 km each way from Alaska to the Sudan.[1] Those from the Canadian arctic travel 7500 km to west Africa, crossing 3400 km over the Atlantic ocean in 4 days. All with a 25 g body mass (about the same as 2 tbsp of sugar). Timing the return is tricky. The early bird gets the frost, losing her clutch, but wait too long and she may not get the worm.[2] 2023-05-17 Fjallsárlón, Iceland [1] doi:10.1098/rsbl.2011.1223 [2] doi:10.1111/ibi.13133 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192706259-DIO9M01OAAT873CYNSZ9/RBD+%23674+White+wagtail+230517_DSC09625.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #674 White wagtail (Female?) Because, yes, she does wag her tail, though it's not clear why.[1,2] She is quite acrobatic, able to catch insects as they fly overhead. As an insectivore she is also a target of a variety of European cuckoo (parasitism rate 0.42%, egg match 54%), though less than the meadow pipit (rate 2.66%, match 64%) or the reed warbler (rate 5.54%, match 47%).[3] [1] doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2005.07.026* [2] doi:10.2326/osj.15.1 [3] doi:10.1007/s004420050727 * An example of Betteridge's law of headlines, the article is titled, "Is tail wagging in white wagtails, Motacilla alba, an honest signal of vigilance?" If the data were definitive there would be no need for the question mark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192706260-0G7TSNIEB7DN4A2WOTGZ/RBD+%23673+Meadow+pipit+230514_DSC07662.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #673 Meadow pipit The meadow pipit:cuckoo competition provides a living example of a GAN (generative adversarial network: the technology behind the DALL-E image generation framework), with the cuckoo laying eggs that are indistinguishable from those of the meadow pipit and the meadow pipit removing the eggs that are clearly not her own.[1] The feedback is strong on both sides. If the cuckoo egg is identified then that generation will fail to reproduce. If the cuckoo egg is not identified, the chick will be born a little sooner and a little bigger than the meadow pipit, and will eject pipit chicks from the nest when they are born. A further natural experiment: cuckoos can't tolerate the Icelandic climate, so the selective pressure on egg discrimination has had 10,000 years to weaken. And sure enough, Icelandic meadow pipits have more variation in egg colour (UV brightness), as well as less ability to identify cuckoo eggs in her nest.[2] 2023-05-15 Hafnarberg Sea-cliffs, Iceland [1] doi:10.2307/4995 [2] doi:10.1046/j.1095-8312.2003.00208.x https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192707101-LE5TADOQZ2VB4772BMCQ/RBD+%23672+Harlequin+duck+230516_DSC08728.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #672 Harlequin duck (Female) Less showy than the male, and just as difficult to catch.* The mountain streams are too dangerous to wade through so they put a net downstream after a blind corner and chase the birds with a kayak.[doi:10.1002/wsb.530] The capture is gentle (one foot injury over 961 captures), with a mist net that breaks if the bird is flying fast. Of the 1 in 6 misses most had the bird falling out of the net, but pair bonds are strong so you get a second chance when the escapee comes back looking for its mate :-( 2023-05-16 Vik, Iceland * Mostly for banding so they can do behavioural research (where they winter, whether they return to the same streams, whether they stay with their partners, how the young know where to migrate, how old they live). They can also do health checks such as weighing, searching for parasites, looking at feather health. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192707082-6DXF45520LKSWJ6XAEYN/RBD+%23671+Harlequin+duck+230516_DSC08724.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #671 Harlequin duck (Male) Feeding on blackfly and midge larvae in fast flowing mountain streams,[1] Harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) risk life and limb with every meal. They are said to have more broken bones than any other species[2] I couldn't find numbers, but about 4.5% of all birds in the U. Kansas collection (n=6212) have healed bones.[3] An even bigger study (n=40772) only looked at bone pathology, not fractures. Pity the poor ibis, a quarter of whom stand around all day with arthritic ankles.[4] Ducks not so much. I guess floating is easier on the joints. 2023-05-16 Vik, Iceland [1] doi:10.2307/3676161 [2] Harlequin duck All About Birds. [3] doi:10.2307/4078953 [4] doi:10.1080/03079450500096455 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192707835-KSV42GAN6QK9BXNQWYZ9/RBD+%23670+Ladys+mantle+230709_DSC02626.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #670 Lady's mantle Alchemilla vulgaris (?) like other Alchemilla are technically hermaphrodites, with each flower producing stamens but no viable pollen. Biologically active, it contains vasodilators that reduce blood pressure and menstrual cramps,[1] polyphenols for wound treatment,[2] and cholinesterase to reduce Alzheimer symptoms.[3] 2023-07-09 Les Karellis, Savoie, FR [1] doi:10.4103/0973-1296.149733 [2] doi:10.1002/ptr.2060 [3] doi:10.1016/j.jtice.2015.01.026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192698761-5HGJZ8UDDP5SOOY7TRMM/RBD+%23669+Faeroeic+ladys+mantle+230518_DSC09741.jpg RBD 2023 10 - RBD #669 Faeroeic lady's mantle Self-portrait in dew. Probably Alchemilla faeroënsis with its partly joined leaf lobes, endemic to Iceland and the Faroe Islands. To keep the leaves dry in the constant Icelandic weather, tiny hairs suck up the water from the surface to form large drops. [doi:10.1021/la901557d doi:10.1002/polb.22286] The "super-hydrophobicity" gives rise to the genus name*: medieval alchemists believed this to be the purest source of water and used it when trying to transmute base metals into gold. 2023-05-18 Öræfi, Iceland * Wiktionary says Greek kheimeia (art of alloying metals) through arabic al-kimiya into medieval latin alchemia, with alchemilla being the feminine diminutive for "the little alchemist". https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2023-11 daily 0.75 2024-01-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1705033440767-19UUGZMQAY9GUXSPTFI0/RBD+%23709+Tall+false+hawksbeard+230415_DSC04815.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #709 Tall false hawksbeard A member of the chicory tribe, along with lettuce, dandelions, endives and radicchio, so not surprising you can use it in salads. Youngia thunbergiana is very similar to Y. japonica (RBD #508) but you can tell them apart by looking at the leaves.[doi:10.2179/13-018] Both are native to east Asia. 2023-04-15 C&O Canal, Potomac, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1705033440767-19UUGZMQAY9GUXSPTFI0/RBD+%23709+Tall+false+hawksbeard+230415_DSC04815.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #709 Tall false hawksbeard A member of the chicory tribe, along with lettuce, dandelions, endives and radicchio, so not surprising you can use it in salads. Youngia thunbergiana is very similar to Y. japonica (RBD #508) but you can tell them apart by looking at the leaves.[doi:10.2179/13-018] Both are native to east Asia. 2023-04-15 C&O Canal, Potomac, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1705033440625-E3GEBRVIH1S76K3K0QQM/RBD+%23708+Ocellate+gall+midge+230429_DSC05482.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #708 Ocellate gall midge Arthropod jujitsu: Use plant defence for food and shelter. The technique has been invented many times in mites, flies, wasps, beetles, bugs, thrips and moths, each triggering a defensive response in its own way.[doi:10.3390/d11100180] In this case a gall midge (Acericecis ocellaris) specific to red maple (Acer rubrum) releases a hormone that induces the colour change.* After feeding for a few weeks it'll drop to the soil to pupate and overwinter. 2023-04-29 Rock Creek Park, Washington DC * I was unable to find further details. I wonder if it is triggering the usual fall leaf cycle where nutrients are released from the leaf cells then stolen by the larva? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1705033442956-VC29OH691IB4WWNQVX43/RBD+%23707+Running+crab+spider+230429_DSC05429.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #707 Running crab spider Hanging on, but how? Apparently, using a dry adhesive mechanism similar to geckos.[*doi:10.1242/jeb.061507] Each leg ends in adhesive pads packed with tiny flexible "spatulas". These bend to conform to the surface, maximizing contact area and making them stick (suction? van der Waals forces?). This fails on surfaces with fine grained roughness, reducing contact area to just the surface peaks. 2023-04-29 Rock Creek Park, Washington DC * Lots of pretty images in this paper, though for Philodromus dispar whereas this photo shows P. rufus or similar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700625866049-MFJ2QIUS6R7BEPBJIJ9B/RBD+%23706+Dimorphic+jumping+spider+230429_DSC05457.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #706 Dimorphic jumping spider (Female) "Dimorphic" because males are split into two morphs so distinct they were once thought to belong to different species.[doi:10.1073/pnas.90.24.11954] Females will mate with either form, but only if he shows all the right moves. The brighter tufted morph starts his dance standing tall and far away, with legs waving above his head, but the muted gray morph crouches nearby and sidles side to side. Somehow these distinct body patterns and dance moves are stored and coordinated in the DNA, with the female producing equal numbers of each no matter which male morph she selects. If the guy uses the wrong dance form he will be rejected.* 2023-04-29 Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC * Some grad student spent their research years making computer anime of Maevia inclemens mating dances to test female preference. It's not porn, it's erotica. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700539960288-X8EOUFL0H23URR9JD0DZ/RBD+%23705+Carpet+bugle+230415_DSC04740.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #705 Carpet bugle Ajuga reptans: A low maintenance shade-loving ground-cover from the mint family.[1] But this is a palearctic plant (hailing from the old world), so these wonderful qualities are considered bad. Looking at iNaturist observations, it is equally comfortable in Europe, North America and New Zealand. 2023-04-15 Bethesda, MD [1] North Carolina Plant Toolbox, North Carolina State University Extension. (Website) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700445812028-5D0K23KXS9JM6MH6J9CT/RBD+%23704+Golden+alexander+230416_DSC04982.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #704 Golden alexander Classic carrot family, with its umbrella-like flowerhead (called a compound umbel, after Latin umbella* for parasol). Zizia aurea is a keystone species providing early season nectar for many different bee families.[doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0240354] They should be included in "prairie strips". stretches of flowers and grasses planted beside crop fields as refuge for native insects and plants. Corn and soy, which together consume 170 million acres of crop land, do not provide nectar. 2023-04-16 Bethesda, MD * From a 1st century epigram for parasols entitled Umbella (umbra+-la, or "little shadow"). I wonder if some ancient scribe dropped an "r" when hand-copying text? The word for umbrella, umbraculum (umbra+-culum, also "little shadow"), is much more common in ancient texts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700352985198-P1FJ118JVQQF89BBTDCO/RBD+%23703+Garden+tulip+230415_DSC04744.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #703 Garden tulip The garden tulip (Tulipa gesneriana) is likely derived from the Duc van Thol tulip (T. suaveolens) native to the southern Steppe (Crimea to Kazakhstan).[1] This is a young species with a broad range of colour and shape. The variation is likely due to climate, with the red pigment protecting the plant from drought and heat stress.[2] Colour can be further affected by disease, such as the tulip mosaic virus, which forms stripes on the petals.[3] These variations were highly prized during the 1600s, but they were hard to control. Modern cultivars produce consistent striping without the aid of viruses. 2023-04-15 Bethesda, MD [1] doi:10.1007/s00606-020-01667-7 [2] doi:10.1134/S1062359022100259 [3] doi:10.1094/PDIS.2000.84.10.1052 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700288100984-R8853IOQEF5QWQFKWX92/RBD+%23702+Heartleaf+foamflower+230415_DSC04712.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #702 Heartleaf foamflower A native ground cover for full shade, Tiarella cordifolia has pretty white flowers in spring and interesting leaves that stay green all year. (They had me at "full shade"!) It thrives in the dappled light of east coast forests, using the brief periods in spring and fall when light levels were 10x to 100x higher to gain most of its biomass.[doi:10.1046/j.0269-8463.2001.00584.x] Astringent leaves, so the deer and the rabbits mostly leave it alone. 2023-04-15 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700201890663-POJ9G324JI90L71HKV9F/RBD+%23701+Alpine+pasqueflower+230710_DSC03009.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #701 Alpine pasqueflower Pulsatilla alpina is yet another member of the buttercup family, this from the anemone tribe. It, too, is toxic, yet still has to play host to parasites. For example, Phytomyza pulsatillae, a leaf-miner fly whose larvae leave winding tracks under the surface as they feed. Sheep avoid the plants because they don't like mouth blisters, giving the flies a safe place to grow. 2023-07-10 Les Karellis, Savoie, FR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192874790-GIB997L9PTRTOS3ESFVU/RBD+%23700+Autumn+clematis+231112_DSC05811.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #700 Autumn clematis Another Asian ornamental, Clematis terniflora is much more aggressive, spreading along forest edges and smothering native plants. Still pretty even when it has gone to seed. It has widespread use in Chinese medicine for rheumatoid arthritis and prostatitis. Still, it is disturbing to read animal studies with phrases like "writhing test" and "sensitivity of the scrotum to heat and pressure" (clematis helps, but not as much as aspirin). 2023-11-12 C&O Canal Lock 7, Potomac, MD It is always a challenge to decide what to include in a post. Do I mention the woman who put mashed clematis leaves on a tick bite, then spent several days in hospital dealing with second degree burns? This is probably related to the protoanemonin, which is nasty when fresh, but quickly degrades to the point where farmers have been known to feed dried clematis to cows. What about the report on wild capuchin monkeys from Costa Rica, which rub various medicinal plants into their fur, including a species of clematis (though not C. terniflora)? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192875571-4W6QFXLP984AHUH6DPHE/RBD+%23699+Himalayan+clematis+230415_DSC04693.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #699 Himalayan clematis Another buttercup family member, Clematis montana is an Asian ornamental. Highly toxic but fatalities are rare because of intense bitterness and mouth irritation (I'll trust this daim without verifying ;-) Curiously, the primary toxin acts as an antimutagen: an E. coli strain known to mutate under UV has a tenth the number of mutant cells when grown in agar inoculated with protoanemonin. [DOI:10.1016/0165-1218(83)90069-1] 2023-04-15 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192875647-GJ14HP7WKV0JTSAQ0WTC/RBD+%23698+Red+columbine+230415_DSC04700.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #698 Red columbine Buttercup family(!?), with an evolutionary codependence on hummingbirds and other long-tongued pollinators. At some point Aquilegia added code to make their cells long and skinny, allowing individual species to adapt to different pollinator preferences.[1] This red columbine (A. canadensis) has relatively short spurs (2.6 cm), providing nectar for the ruby-throated hummingbird, whose fast-beating wings blow pollen between the plants while it feeds.[2] By contrast, the longspur columbine (A. longissima) with its 15.9 cm spurs needs the rustic sphinx (Manduca rustica) with its 14 cm tongue. Carpenter bees skip the evolutionary challenge and cut through the tube walls to steal the nectar, so columbines need self-fertilization as a backup.[3] 2023-04-15 Bethesda, MD [1] DOI:10.1098/rspb.2011.1873 [2] DOI:10.2307/2465304 [3] DOI:10.2307/2656717 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192876477-GSV1TGNCUV140OCKAQBK/RBD+%23697+Confederate+violet+230416_DSC05037.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #697 Confederate violet A variety of common blue violet (Viola sororia f. priceana) named for the colour of its flowers. V. sororia flowers in spring, producings seeds by cross-pollination while providing food for various bees and butterflies. The seeds have a tasty coating of proteins and lipids, providing food for ants. The ants carry the seed to their nest, eat the coating, then toss the kernel into their midden where it can germinate. In late summer violets self-pollinate without bothering to flower, then hurl the seed up to 270 cm away for germination. Much cheaper since they don't have to pay for pollination and transport, but without the benefits of sex and targeted delivery to fertile soil. 2023-04-16 Bethesda, MD Note: iNat lists 44 species of violet in Maryland, 10 white, 5 yellow and 29, well, violet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192876557-VX60MOGMWG0P4EH89U1M/RBD+%23696+Garden+pansy+230415_DSC04691.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #696 Garden pansy The history of hybrid ornamentals is surprisingly recent. The first controlled experiment was in 1716 when Thomas Fairchild[1] used a feather to transfer pollen from a Sweet William (Dianthus baratus) to a Carnation (D. caryophyllus) to produce the sterile "Fairchild's Mule". A century later, the garden pansy was born (Viola x wittrockiana).[2] Unlike most violets, the wild pansy (Viola tricolor) branches above ground to produce many blooms. This was crossed with mountain pansy (V. lutea) and a Siberian species (V. altaica?) to produce a large-bloomed flower with blocks of colour. The flowers can be used in salads and desserts, with nutritional value is akin to romaine lettuce and flavour similarly subtle (i.e., bland).[3,4] 2023-04-15 Bethesda, MD [1] Thomas Fairchild (gardener): Wikipedia [2] Pansies: Aggie Horticultural (website), Texas A&M [3] DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.01.102 [4] DOI:10.5539/jas.v8n11pxx https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192877400-HUM9FAYC3H0EX3N9T3VZ/RBD+%23695+Greater+periwinkle+230415_DSC04727.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #695 Greater periwinkle Introduced to the Americas as an ornamental ground cover,* Vinca major readily spreads in a variety of light and soil conditions with zero maintenance, giving a pretty display every spring. Along with the price (75 cents/plant in bulk) this makes it popular with landscapers. Of course, the plant doesn't care about property lines, as you can see when walking through the local forests. 2023-04-15 Bethesda, MD * Periwinkle has been used by herbalists in Britain since at least the 15th century,[1] but curiously it does not appear in a comprehensive guide to medicinal plants from the US in the 1850s.[2] [1] Grieve M. (1931) A Modern Herbal (website) [2] King, J., and Newton, R.S. (1852) The eclectic dispensatory of the United States of America. HW Derby & Company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192877494-VL8JHM4U856NOBE5OQWJ/RBD+%23694+Highbush+blueberry+230415_DSC04927.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #694 Highbush blueberry A garden-variety blueberry (it is, afterall, growing in our garden), this is a native cultivar we bought without much consideration some 20 years ago. Probably Vaccinium corymbosum. It hasn't been a great success. If I put a net over the bush I can get enough berries to fill a punnet, but most years the birds get there first.* That's good for the birds. Lots of antioxidants and vitamin C. And medicinal: both berries and leaves inhibit MRSA.[1] Blueberries are sometimes added to pemmican**, presumably for flavour, but also as a preservative. The antioxidants keep the fats from going rancid.[2] 2023-04-16 Bethesda, MD * Mister McGregor deserves some sympathy. ** Pemmican: powdered dried meat and berries mixed with equal parts lard and kept unrefrigerated for a year or more. No salt in the traditional recipe. [1] DOI:10.1016/j.foodcont.2014.11.040 [2] DOI:10.1016/j.meatsci.2021.108526 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192878250-8CU9T2X40MZLKYN3PZY4/RBD+%23693+Bryum+sp+230519_DSC00070.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #693 Bryum sp If you can't handle the heat then don't live downstream from a hot spring. A dozen species of moss have been found growing near 80 °C springs in Iceland.[1] Growing practically everywhere, B. argenteum can be used to monitor the environment, picking up metals such as iron, lead and zinc from contaminated air and soil.[2] 2023-05-19 Reykjadalur, Iceland [1] Elmarsdóttir, Ásrún, Olga K. Vilmundardóttir, and Sigurdur H. Magnússon. Vegetation of high-temperature geothermal areas in Iceland. Proceedings of the World Geothermal Congress. 2015. [2] Aceto, Maurizio, et al. (2003). The use of mosses as environmental metal pollution indicators. Chemosphere 50(3) 333-342. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192878457-40TINIF3F2341BP241V9/RBD+%23692+Rough+periwinkle+230514_DSC07628-1.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #692 Rough periwinkle (?) Iceland had lots of tide pools, but not so much activity this early in the season. We did spot this group of periwinkles grazing on algae near black mussels. Or maybe it is a group of dog whelks grazing on the mussels. Both species are highly variable, but periwinkles generally have fewer, deeper whorls. About a million pounds of periwinkle are harvested in Maine each year, leaving a whole lot of shells behind. These can be ground to a fine powder, mixed with resin and used as brake pads.[1] Unlike other alternative brake materials (sugarcane husks, palm kernel shells), these do not swell in water or oil, while having performance on par with banned asbestos-based pads. 2023-05-14 Hafnarberg Seacliffs, Iceland [1] DOI:10.1016/j.jksues.2013.11.002 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192879401-VN8FUWX0GPQMLY4YN6BV/RBD+%23691+Glacier+230516_DSC08605.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #691 Glacier Today's oxymoron: crystalline fluid. Deep inside the glacier the pressure from above coaxes ice to form large hexagonal sheets, like the graphite in a soft pencil. The bonds between the sheets continually break and reform, allowing the glacier to flow down hill. Near the surface, though, with much less pressure the ice is brittle, forming cracks where it bends. These cracks let in surface melt water, which worms its way through the glacier carving out a network of tunnels. The large volume of rapidly flowing water forms a series of eddies along the tunnel walls, scalloping the surface for our enjoyment.[2] 2023-05-16 Katla Ice Caves, Vik, Iceland [1] DOI:10.3189/002214311796406185 [2] DOI:10.1017/jfm.2019.398 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192879331-DAQLE6MZPKJKXKZ3CA84/RBD+%23690+Glacier+230516_DSC08557.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #690 Glacier This mountain of ice is the tip of Kötlujökull, one of the outlet glaciers draining the Mýrdalsjökull ice field. The black layers contain ash fall from various volcanic eruptions, squeezed between layers of ice. Underneath the ice cap lies the Katla caldera, which has erupted about every 45 years since settlement began. When it does, the hot magma melts the ice causing a surge of water to flow down the valley. The 1918 eruption dumped about 2 billion cubic meters of sediment onto the floodplain, extending the coastline by hundreds of meters over several kilometers.[DOI:10.1002/2014gl060090] 2023-05-16 Katla Ice Caves, Vik, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1700192874737-EVX4HRH3OAYCYYRNZCB2/RBD+%23689+Woolly+willow+230517_DSC08950.jpg RBD 2023 11 - RBD #689 Woolly willow (Male) Part of a nutritional breakfast, the leaves of Salix lanata have a higher concentration of minerals than the usual grass fodder (N, P, K, Ca, Mg).[1] Willow and birch leaves have been part of the diet of Icelandic flocks for hundreds of years. A little harder to digest with their excess lignin, but still heavily browsed by sheep. Farmers would collect leaves for winter especially in years when grass was sparse. 2023-05-17 Stjórnarfoss, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland [1] DOI:10.1111/gfs.12224 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/asteroid-city-look daily 0.75 2024-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714572167202-ZSFVLC0BIYGSPM4FC8XH/print+20230820-20230820-20230820-230820-IMG_7341_Hartford.jpg Asteroid City Look - Buildings in "Bad" Light Hartford, CT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714572167202-ZSFVLC0BIYGSPM4FC8XH/print+20230820-20230820-20230820-230820-IMG_7341_Hartford.jpg Asteroid City Look - Buildings in "Bad" Light Hartford, CT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900975093-LD1CPB2XE5GWOFPGS7EV/20230820-20230820-IMG_7341Asteroid+City+16+preset.jpg Asteroid City Look - Buildings in "Bad" Light Hartford, CT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900973143-D4VCG4507X7UROSQFRSM/20230820-20230820-IMG_7158Asteroid+City+16.jpg Asteroid City Look - The Capitol at Dawn Washington, DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900973218-39N7AC67N7TBHOS8ZZN9/20230820-20230820-IMG_7272Asteroid+City+16.jpg Asteroid City Look - Power Plant Astoria NY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900973933-UGZO9SUN1XID0O2WPMLJ/20230820-20230820-IMG_7308Asteroid+City+16.jpg Asteroid City Look - Moving and Storage Building Bridgeport, CT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900974160-X19R65JZY3TD1D5JOT8Y/20230820-20230820-IMG_7321Asteroid+City+16.jpg Asteroid City Look - Rail Road Dispenser of Some Sort New Haven CT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900975179-50JPN13E36UGHH5WJKXB/20230820-20230820-IMG_7352Asteroid+City+16+preset.jpg Asteroid City Look - St. Peter's Catholic Church Great Barrington, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900976099-2U6X1FSPEXRQ56QGUAKM/20230823-20230823-IMG_7387Asteroid+City+16.jpg Asteroid City Look - Cherry Tomoatos, All Colors Florence, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900976209-VS8P9PDGYBIOA72QP0VW/20230823-20230823-IMG_7388Asteroid+City+16+preset.jpg Asteroid City Look - Flowers for Sale at the Farmers Market Florence, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900977142-5EZ5040NRMQRJC0FPXE3/20230823-20230823-IMG_7420Asteroid+City+16+preset.jpg Asteroid City Look - Main Drag Florence, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900977211-SOTIOV3NLRNRJ0MCVMMX/20230823-20230823-IMG_7427Asteroid+City+16.jpg Asteroid City Look - Miss Florence Dinner Florence, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900977963-5PZU8OXXE6R7MGI347ST/20230823-20230823-IMG_7434Asteroid+City+16.jpg Asteroid City Look - Booth Service Florence, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900978240-D72H6GARU85IK447ARAM/20230824-20230824-IMG_7491Asteroid+City+16.jpg Asteroid City Look - Come Fly With Me Cummington Fairgrounds, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900978953-8NSKLXRYBTLFZEVOM4ZP/20230824-20230824-IMG_7544man+cloned+out+Asteroid+City+16.jpg Asteroid City Look - Carousel Cummington Fairgrounds, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900979372-F993RLQURAHB7H2R4TR9/20230824-20230824-IMG_7547Asteroid+City+16+preset.jpg Asteroid City Look - Fried Oreos Cummington Fairgrounds, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701900980028-APS2ALDN9CPCHN029JFL/20230824-20230824-IMG_7563Asteroid+City+16.jpg Asteroid City Look - Rainy night at the Concession Stands Cummington Fairgrounds, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1701960669908-N4CE7CCIDEV56XDCF03V/20231012-20231012-IMG_8741+5Asteroid+City+16.jpg Asteroid City Look - Horse Riding at Half Moon Bay Poplar Beach, CA https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/2017-eclipse daily 0.75 2024-01-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517866761504-A0C80JLGL955YDK3INED/20170910-Lightroom+corona+exposure.jpg 2017 Eclipse - Sun's Corona 2017 The corona shown at different exposures. The first image shows the pink loops coming off the sun’s surface (prominences). The final image was taken just when leaving totality and some sun peeks out of a crater on the surface of the moon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517866761504-A0C80JLGL955YDK3INED/20170910-Lightroom+corona+exposure.jpg 2017 Eclipse - Sun's Corona 2017 The corona shown at different exposures. The first image shows the pink loops coming off the sun’s surface (prominences). The final image was taken just when leaving totality and some sun peeks out of a crater on the surface of the moon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517934662732-0YSH55FA5FEC5VCJK48A/20170821-IMG_2344.jpg 2017 Eclipse - Solar prominences 2017 Showing the pink loops coming off the sun’s surface (prominences). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517934852905-S41UOJWDVJ34X97N4UUM/20170821-IMG_2349.jpg 2017 Eclipse - Dimond Ring 2017 This image was taken just when leaving totality and some sun peeks out of a crater on the surface of the moon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517932648773-V0S02Y07PZZCLHZR3OC6/20170821-IMG_2357.jpg 2017 Eclipse - Solar Projector 2017 Homemade solar projector with two lenses, showing the partial phase of the solar eclipse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517933876435-TFWGJXHET60IDGB0OXSS/20170821-_MG_2638.jpg 2017 Eclipse - Fun Projections 2017 Fun with projections of a partial eclipse through found objects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517933926905-Q1Q48GFF85G7QLD37068/20170821-IMG_2378.jpg 2017 Eclipse - Fun Projections 2017 Fun projections from holes in a Venitian blind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517866758594-4NYIAC76MK57MI8WYHLK/20170910-Lightroom+4+suns+B%26W+times.jpg 2017 Eclipse - Sun Spots Arounf the Clock 2017 Sun spots appear to rotate with the roration of the earth during the day, This was taken well after the 2017 eclipse. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2024-01 daily 0.75 2024-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1706665122338-V1R6B8HAWX8OM3OE4D3L/RBD+%23727+Bavarian+gentian+230711_DSC03302.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #727 Bavarian gentian Excerpt from Bavarian Gentians by D H Lawrence Bavarian gentians, big and dark, only dark darkening the daytime torchlike with the smoking blueness of Pluto's gloom, ribbed and torchlike, with their blaze of darkness spread blue down flattening into points, flattened under the sweep of white day torch-flower of the blue-smoking darkness, Pluto's dark-blue daze, black lamps from the halls of Dis, burning dark blue, giving off darkness, blue darkness, as Demeter's pale lamps give off light, lead me then, lead me the way. 2023-07-11 Col d'Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1706665122338-V1R6B8HAWX8OM3OE4D3L/RBD+%23727+Bavarian+gentian+230711_DSC03302.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #727 Bavarian gentian Excerpt from Bavarian Gentians by D H Lawrence Bavarian gentians, big and dark, only dark darkening the daytime torchlike with the smoking blueness of Pluto's gloom, ribbed and torchlike, with their blaze of darkness spread blue down flattening into points, flattened under the sweep of white day torch-flower of the blue-smoking darkness, Pluto's dark-blue daze, black lamps from the halls of Dis, burning dark blue, giving off darkness, blue darkness, as Demeter's pale lamps give off light, lead me then, lead me the way. 2023-07-11 Col d'Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1706596264622-TCSCDK1O35XKKZDA3XUE/RBD+%23726+Hoary+plantain+230709_DSC02485.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #726 Hoary plantain fr: Plantain moyen, from Latin Plantago media (foot-like, because the basal leaves in the plantain family lie flat on the ground). An edible green nutritionally similar to spinach.[doi:10.1080/03670244.2001.9991663] This is different from the banana-like plantains (Musa x paradisiaca, which comes through Spanish from platana in the Carib language of South America). More starch than salad. The sycamore tree is sometimes called plantain (from the Ancient Greek plantane) but those are much harder to eat. 2023-07-09 Lac de Parmol, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1706495241060-YDVRGZ0BCRJSDLBZ6TYI/RBD+%23725+Common+bistort+230712_DSC03887.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #725 Common bistort Bistorta officinalis (referring to its roots: bis+torta = twice-twisted). This is a favourite for Titania's fritillary caterpillars. Used in traditional medicine for numerous conditions, including those of the digestive tract, it is also a promising herbal remedy for industrial plumbing problems. In particular, it can prevent scale and corrosion within cooling systems running on hard water at 50°C.[doi:10.1016/j.jallcom.2018.08.198] No idea why this plant was chosen for study, but it is not unique. Organic compounds from a variety of plants will work just as well to coat the surface and bind to free ions.[doi:10.1016/j.mtsust.2023.100373] 2023-07-12 Lac de Pramol, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1706401603223-QC9Y2P2AADT3ZCFKM9WN/RBD+%23724+Titania+fritillary+230712_DSC03894.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #724 Titania fritillary Nacré porphyrin (latin Boloria titania) is a high elevation brush-footed butterfly whose caterpillars feed on bistort and other bog plants (hence its common name: purple bog fritillary). Over the past 50 years they have moved 175 m up in elevation, following the 2.5 °C increase in median temperature.[doi:10.1038/s41598-021-93826-0] This one was at 1700 m, so another 6.5 °C before they are completely pushed off the mountain* 8-( 2023-07-12 Lac de Pramol, Montricher-Albanne, France * iNat has observations from as low as 1200 m elsewhere, so make that 10 °C https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1706401603191-NV0HL6EUPL01L526VSYB/RBD+%23724B+Titania+fritillary+230709_DSC02521.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #724B Titania fritillary Called the “purple bog fritillary” because of the pinkish band of colour beside the black spots on the hind wing, and because its caterpillars feed on moist-soil plants such as bistort and bog bilberry. 2023-07-09 Lac de Pramol, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1706332163269-UWDWU5G3YGUSH0M8NVK1/RBD+%23723+Four-spotted+skimmer+230709_DSC02496.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #723 Four-spotted skimmer La quadrimaculée (Libellula quadrimaculata) is present across the entire northern hemisphere (holarctic). The complex vein patterns form corrugations, which stiffen the wings and improve lift, helping them glide.[1] They do migrate, but erratically, once every 10 years or so. This mixes up the genes within continents, but still leaves diversity between continents. Last common ancestor on the order of 400 kYA.[2] 2023-07-09 Lac de Pramol, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] doi:10.1098/rstb.2015.0389 [2] doi:10.7717/peerj.11338 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1706238749325-YU3OR96YA6EKJI4ZPRUI/RBD+%23722+Golden+furrow+bee+230708_DSC02321+copy.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #722 Golden furrow bee Helictus subauratus coming in for a landing. This is a social furrow bee, nesting in small groups underground. The golden marguerite landing pad (Cota tinctoria, aka dyer's chamomile or anthémis de teinturiers) is traditionally used to make yellow dye for textiles.[1] Apparently non-toxic (you don't want your dyers dying),[1] but it is used as an anti-cancer agent in some folk medicine traditions.[2] 2023-07-08 L'aéroport de Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, Roissy-en-France [1] doi:10.1080/00405000.2016.1257348 [2] doi:10.37360/blacpma.22.21.1.07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1706238772538-12KPRI2015FZYL9HJ10Q/RBD+%23721+Wood+ant+230709_DSC02451+copy.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #721 Wood ant A wood ant in defensive posture. When threatened she will spray formic acid from her abdomen. This behaviour was on display when measuring the energy cost for running. For more timid species researchers could encourage ants to run on a treadmill for an hour by rolling a steel ball toward them, but many Formica rufus stood their ground, and could not be included in the data.[doi:10.1007/bf00689214] 2022-07-09 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1706238788503-7EL3ZNOOKT9M83EWH3W2/RBD+%23720+Common+kidney-vetch+230710_DSC02837+copy.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #720 Common kidney-vetch Anthyllis vulneraria (latin for downy-flowered wound-healer) is an ancient medicinal plant used to treat burns and rashes.[1] Also called woundwort, (wundklaver in Dutch), its flowers are almost as effective as penicillin against gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), but ineffective against gram negative bacteria (E. coli). It can also be used to treat wounded soil: its symbiotic root bacteria have evolved to tolerate heavy metals, allowing A. vulneraria to grow over mine tailings and keep the contamination in place.[2] 2023-07-10 Les Karellis, France [1] doi:10.1007/s40415-021-00736-6 [2] doi:10.1128/AEM.01735-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1706238807178-5C8YHTEM5BW1Q2T1QS3L/RBD+%23719+Betony-leaved+rampion+230710_DSC03033+copy.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #719 Betony-leaved rampion A plant from high in the Alps, Phyteuma betonicifolium diverged from its nearest relative about 1.2 MYA. That means it survived as a species through several glacial maxima when the Alps were completely covered in ice, taking refuge in the surrounding lowlands. 2023-07-10 La Plange, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] Vecera, Laura-Marie. "Exploring the ecological and evolutionary drivers of diversification of the alpine plant genus Phyteuma (Campanulaceae)." (2014). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1706238825686-5ZS7T1Z6J9ZNOICNUWAJ/RBD+%23718+Bearded+bellflower+230710_DSC03027+copy.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #718 Bearded bellflower Campanule barbue (latin Campanula barbata), so called because of its fuzzy flowers. Growing above 2000 m it protects itself from the sun with UV absorbing flavinoids. These also act as antioxidants, binding to free radicals produced by ionizing radiation. Even within the same species there are higher antioxidant levels in plants grown at higher elevation. 2023-07-10 La Plange, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] doi:10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00423-4 [2] doi:10.1111/j.1365-3040.1996.tb00235.x https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1705301268050-F1EJKIGI2YJ4KHPB537W/RBD+%23717+Rampion+230712_DSC04144-2.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #717 Rampion (?) Campanula rapunculus,* known in German as Rapunzel-Glockenblume, is another edible from the Campanula family, this one worth giving up your first-born to have some in your salad.[1] The bee may be a rampion scissor bee (Chelostoma rapunculi), or perhaps a sleepy scissor bee (Chelostoma florisomne), but that's a different fairytale. 2023-07-12 Ruisseau des Moulins, Les Karellis, France [1] Rapunzel [wikipedia] * Like the other rampions (genus Phyteuma), there are dozens of species of Campanula in the Alps. I cannot be certain this is C. rapunculus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1705301268120-TKXZN4ZBY9DW109O37CX/RBD+%23716+Spiked+rampion+230709_DSC02442.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #716 Spiked rampion (?) Raiponce en épi (Phyteuma spicatum) is one of a couple of dozen species of rampion growing in the Alps. Like other rampion it is a tasty addition to salads, with a sweet flower and radish-like root.[1] The large number of microclimates, from forest to alpine, encourages speciation, in this case by splitting and/or fusing chromosomes (dysploidy).[2] This makes it difficult to pin down the species in a photograph. 2023-07-09 Les Karellis, France [1] cuisinesauvage.org [2] doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2013.07.015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1705130314970-391GT8WPKKV11IZNWF74/RBD+%23715+Rhinanthus+230709_DSC02532.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #715 Rhinanthus sp Good parasites? Rhinanthus (nose flowers) grow into the roots of grasses, stealing minerals and nutrients.[doi:10.1007/BF02803240] Grasses thrive on agricultural lands rich in fertilizer, so much so that other species can't compete. You can restore the land to a more natural state by sprinkling some cheap Rhinanthus seeds, reducing grass biomass by a factor of 20 and leaving space for a more diverse ecosystem. When balance is restored you can do an early cutting. The annual Rhinanthus has poor seed persistence, so will be mostly wiped out. What a combination: rapid colonization but easy control! 2023-07-09 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1705034172414-2W1DGUF6AU3OKVWEJF0A/RBD+%23714+Deer+Botfly+230711_DSC03543.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #714 Deer Botfly (Male) Not a bee, this is a botfly surveying his domain (with profile inset). Adults don't have working mouths, so they only have a couple of weeks to reproduce. Rather than laying eggs, the female hatches them internally then ejects live young into the nose of an unsuspecting deer.* These larvae crawl through the nasal passages and set up residence at the base of the tongue,** Usually they don't cause much harm other than a persistent cough. After growing to about 3 cm, they let go and are coughed out on the ground. Pupate and repeat. 2023-07-11 Pointe d'Emy, Les Karellis, France * C. stimulator for roe deer, or C. auribarbis for fallow and red deer. [doi:10.3390/ani11123382] ** They may also attach to the throat, the lungs, the nasal passages, and in one case the base of the brain. [doi:10.7325/Galemys.2021.A2] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1705034172293-LWCZWMOVQIUXEZDPM7RG/RBD+%23713+Mite+230709_DSC02652-0.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #713 Mite A big burden for a little bug, carrying around four mite larvae. Likely they have embedded their mouths into its shell and injected digestive enzymes, making the soup they need to grow into adults (see for example the velvet mite Trombidium holosericeum [wikipedia]). One can forgive the clover its sense of schadenfreude, for otherwise the bug would be feeding on it. 2023-07-09 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1705034174146-JY6YP1WBPM36VQRCXR1M/RBD+%23712+Horseshoe+crab+230613_IMG_7471.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #712 Horseshoe crab A horseshoe crab* venturing across the beach. Called Limulus polyphemus after the cyclops from The Odyssey because it was thought to have only one eye, but there are nine (three on each side, two in the front and one below the shell). Even the tail has photoreceptors, which helps it entrain its clocks to the day-night cycle. This is used to adjust the sensitivity of the retinal cells, requiring far fewer photons to trigger a train of nerve pulses from the eye to the rest of the brain. [doi:10.1016/j.asd.2006.07.002] 2023-06-13 Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware * Called a crab, but it is more closely related to spiders than to crustaceans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1705034175425-AZP0L5UZ5FERX3AOME0R/RBD+%23711+Black-necked+stilt+230614_IMG_8030.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #711 Black-necked stilt Himantopus mexicanus: same family as the avocets but without the recurvirostra hex. More pecking and less scything. They are attentive parents, either distracting predators with their funny walks, and dive bombing them when that fails. Even so survival rates aren't great, with only 1 in 4 reaching adulthood (foxes need to eat, too). 2023-06-14 Bombay Hook, Delaware https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1705034174443-TL47IS0XTM1O3WYDFV4P/RBD+%23711B+Black-necked+stilt+230614_IMG_8092.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #711B Black-necked stilt (Chicks) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1705034175675-WD4F86EBUDLRUHMNLC6A/RBD+%23710+American+avocet+230614_IMG_7731.jpg RBD 2024 01 - RBD #710 American avocet Recurvirostra americana, because of its reverse-curved beak. This can be used like a scythe, sweeping the muddy water for brine shrimp. 2023-06-14 Bombay Hook, Delaware https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2024-02 daily 0.75 2025-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739840568743-2RF00OVPJM9NRZCTKU4X/RBD+%23756+Eurasian+bee+beetle+20230713_DSC04186.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #756 Eurasian bee beetle (Male; fr Trichie fasciée) Trichius fasciatus on Heracleum sphondylium. A scarab beetle dressed like a bee to warn off predators, it was featured in the first publication by Alfred Russel Wallace, the entirety of which reads: Capture of Trichius fasciatus near Neath --- I took a single specimen of this beautiful insect on a blossom of Carduus heterophyllus near the falls at the top of Neath Vale.[Zoologist 5:1676 (1847)] You can tell he’s male because his legs aren’t built for digging. A female would have large spikes on the end of the tibia to burrow into rotting wood and deposit her eggs.[Wikipedia] Yet again, the female is the homemaker. 2023-07-13 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739840568743-2RF00OVPJM9NRZCTKU4X/RBD+%23756+Eurasian+bee+beetle+20230713_DSC04186.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #756 Eurasian bee beetle (Male; fr Trichie fasciée) Trichius fasciatus on Heracleum sphondylium. A scarab beetle dressed like a bee to warn off predators, it was featured in the first publication by Alfred Russel Wallace, the entirety of which reads: Capture of Trichius fasciatus near Neath --- I took a single specimen of this beautiful insect on a blossom of Carduus heterophyllus near the falls at the top of Neath Vale.[Zoologist 5:1676 (1847)] You can tell he’s male because his legs aren’t built for digging. A female would have large spikes on the end of the tibia to burrow into rotting wood and deposit her eggs.[Wikipedia] Yet again, the female is the homemaker. 2023-07-13 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739840569559-2L1SL3HKAF0EQS2L79R2/RBD+%23755+Leafcutter+bee+20230903_DSC05216.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #755 Leafcutter Bee (Male; Fr Mégachiles) Megachile sp on Bidens aristosa. Perhaps Megachile rotundata, the alfalfa leafcutter bee. A solitary bee, each female will cut pieces of leaf and bring them back to her nest to form chambers for her eggs. She fills each chamber with regurgitated nectar and pollen swept from her abdomen, providing enough food for her children to become adults. In exchange she provides pollination service. When supplied with 100,000 to 150,000 bees per hectare, an alfalfa seed crop yield increases 14-fold, producing 1300 kg of seed, compared to 450 kg/ha for honey bees and 90 kg/ha for unmanaged crops.[DOI:10.1146/annurev-ento-120709-144836] Curiously they are not very common in alfalfa fields in their native Europe. 2023-09-03 Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739840542535-R7DYHYK49M9Q6VCUESK8/RBD+%23754+Common+drone+fly+20230714_DSC04595-1.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #754 Common drone fly (Male; fr: Éristale tenace) Eristalis tenax on Doronicum grandiflorum (large-leafed leopard’s bane). Another amazing bee mimic from the Syrphidae family. 2023-07-14 Pointe de Chaudannes, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1732512597731-F2UF5V4XPTOE4Z000ZTC/RBD+%23753+Hairy-eyed+flower+fly+20230713_DSC04168.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #753 Hairy-eyed flower fly (Male; Dutch: Bosbandzweefvlieg) Syrphus torvus (from Greek for “fierce”) has hair growing out of its eyes (shown here). This is not uncommon for insects, but most require a microscope to see them. The hairs act like eyelashes, keeping dust off the lenses. By lowering wind on the surface by 90% they reduce evaporation.[doi:10.1140/epjst/e2015-50094-x] They also act as airflow sensors: shave them off and honey bees fly slower and report the wrong direction relative to the sun in their post-flight dance.[doi:10.1007/bf00367159; doi:10.1007/BF00367159] 2023-07-13 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1732165687189-X9NS0FT775XW1VXNCVL9/RBD+%23752+Empis+tessellata+20230712_DSC04091.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #752 Empis tessellata (Female; fr: Empis marqueté) Normally nectar drinkers, the wedding day calls for a heartier meal. Guys are expected to catch an insect to present as a nuptial gift. Food in hand, he flies into a swarm to hook up with a willing female. If his gift is acceptable they retire to a nearby leaf, and a few minutes later (2.94 ± 0.84; n=27) it is back to the dance. Only a bit of the gift is consumed each time but after several rounds it’ll be sucked dry and rejected. Time to catch another gift, which may happen to be a rival male. Some guys cheat, and instead of an insect they will pick a bit of willow fluff to mold into a ball. This is usually rejected, but try enough times and you might get lucky! [DOI:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1999.tb00987.x] Although catching insects is hard work, the alternative used by E. trigramma is harder. Males of this species convert some of their body mass into liquid as a gift for the female. After several rounds, each with a different female, he becomes emaciated and dies. By the end of the mating period most of the males are gone, and those guys that were rejected earlier start to look pretty good. 2023-07-12 Ruisseau des Moulins, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1732083921737-2N2SXJOK4H89VORRTPEH/RBD+%23751+Oak+spider+20230712_DSC04076.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #751 Oak spider (Female; fr: Épeire cirée) An orb weaver rather than a jumping spider, Aculepeira ceropegia spins her web and waits for her prey. Webs are recycled every few days giving her some water and veg (pollen makes up ¼ of the diet for juvenile spiders).[DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0082637] The much smaller male mostly doesn’t bother with a web. Instead he will reel out some silk and let the wind carry him in search of a mate (“ballooning”). Gravity plays a role in web building. Various schemes have been devised to test this, such as attaching a weight to the spider or rotating the box during the build. You can even send them into space, but be sure to feed them! They don’t build nice webs when they are dying of hunger and thirst (1973 Spacelab). Live fruit flies seemed like a good idea, until the population explosion covered the observation windows (2008 ISS). The reprise (2011 ISS) went much more smoothly, with characteristic asymmetric webs constructed by golden silk spiders (RBD #483) when the lights were on. In the dark they lacked direction and only built circular webs.[DOI:10.1007/s00114-020-01708-8] 2023-07-12 Ruisseau des Moulins, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879806291-FKHQM572G3V7OIG8LMHB/RBD+%23750+Attulus+rupicola+20230712_DSC03937.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #750 Attulus rupicola Jumping spider species (Salticidae) can leap up to 10 cm,[1] deploying a drag line for control and braking. For the full bungee experience, they anchor their line, snapping back with their prey dangling in the air. This even works in zero gravity, after a few bumps on the head during trial-and-error learning.[2] A single meal is enough to last them several days,[3] or the many months of hibernation for those with 2-3 year life-cycles.[4] 2023-07-12 Ruisseau des Moulins, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] Hill, D. E. 2018. The jumping behavior of jumping spiders: a review (Araneae: Salticidae). Peckhamia 167.1: 1-8. [2] Hill, D. E. 2016. Jumping spiders in outer space (Araneae: Salticidae). Peckhamia 146.1: 1-7. [3] Bruce, Will. 2024. How often to feed your jumping spider. TheSpiderBlog [4] Matsumoto, Seiji, and Yasunosuke Chikuni. 1987. Notes on the life history of Sitticus fasciger (Simon, 1880)(Araneida, Salticidae). Journal of Arachnology 205-212. DOI:10.2307/3705730 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879806220-SCEME3OCEPHU4BIAJIE2/RBD+%23749+European+striped+shield+bug+20230712_DSC04125.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #749 European striped shield bug (fr: Le graphosome d'Italie) Aposematic: Away from danger (Ancient Greek). Bright colours to advertise that Graphasoma italicum emits a defensive odour when disturbed. If you have a supply of fresh fennel and lots of seeds you, too, can raise your own colony (8400 eggs per week, with minimal cannibalism or inbreeding![1]) Not enough to make an omelet, but great for breeding parasitic wasps to protect your hazelnut crop.[2] 2023-07-12 Ruisseau des Moulins, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] Binazzi, Francesco, et al. "An effective method for Graphosoma lineatum (L.) long-term rearing." Redia 98.1 (2016): 155-160. [2] DOI:10.1080/09670874.2017.1403059 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879807071-NI9GGE5LGN4XJ7T3ORKW/RBD+%23748+Five-spot+burnet+20230712_DSC04075.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #748 Five-spot burnet (fr: Zygène du trèfle) A pair of burnet moths (Zygaena trifolii?* (right) and Z. osterodensis (left)) on a pincushion flower (Scabiosa sp) with some bug eggs between (Graphosoma italicum?). Most moths use odour to find mates, with the female wearing a strong perfume that attracts males from afar. Most butterflies use sight,** with the males flying around until they spot a perching female. Z. trifolii, a day-flying moth, does both. In the mornings, the female will perch up high and wait for the male but in the afternoons she will be deep in the grass emitting pheromones.[doi:10.1017/S0007485316000158] 2023-07-12 Ruisseau des Moulins, Montricher-Albanne, France * The genus name Zygaena comes from Ancient Greek for hammerhead shark. The species name trifolii comes from Ancient Greek for clover, which is not the host plant. ** This image shows the visual acuity of longwing butterflies.[doi:10.1098/rsbl.2023.0476] Moths are forced into the olfactory strategy because they fly at night. One wonders how poor it must be if the visual strategy is preferred for diurnal butterflies and moths. *** Found the following while reading about Zygaena. It’s a caterpillar-eat-caterpillar world out there: Hofmann A and Kia-Hofmann T (2012) Cannibalism of unhatched siblings by larvae of burnet moths (Zygaena Fabricius, 1775), with notes on oophagy and the behaviour of newly hatched larvae (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae). Entomologist’s Gazette 63:3-36 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879807200-QNC9MY3JQVED2XAQXJBQ/RBD+%23747+Slender+scotch+burnet+20230712_DSC03904-0.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #747 Slender scotch burnet (fr: Zygène du lotier) A day-flying moth (Zygaena loti) with bright colours, so it has a nasty taste. This comes from precursors to hydrogen cyanide (linamarin and lotaustralin) synthesized and collected for self defense. But split them open and you find a tiny ball of sweet nectar; a wonderful treat for the children from northern Italy wandering through the meadows on a hot summer day. The whole moths are somewhat toxic, with an LD50 of 170 moths for a small child, though dizziness and intoxication would set in well before.[DOI:10.2993/0278-0771-29.1.64] On the right is a green Cryptocephalus leaf beetle, whose larvae are protected by a shell of dung.[wikipedia:Camptosomata] This is initially prepared by their mother, but they extend it as they grow older. “Leave No Trace” taken to the limit. 2023-07-12 Ruisseau des Moulins, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879808249-L674XMIWXWNAME0BT6VR/RBD+%23746+Alpine+moon-daisy+20230711_DSC03484.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #746 Alpine moon-daisy (fr: Marguerite des Alpes) Heliotropism: sun-turning. In this sheltered pollinator café, Leucanthemopsis alpina keeps its tables a balmy 4.5°C above the chilly mountain air. Visitors stay a little longer and collect more pollen before flying to the next hot spot.[DOI:10.1080/15230430.2001.12003409] 2023-07-11 Pointe-d’Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879807997-GQE78QIQ7CVPR3Q4M64M/RBD+%23745+Herb+Robert+20230712_DSC03674.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #745 Herb Robert (fr: herbe-à-Robert) Railway beds are hostile environments for plants: strong sunlight, permeable gravel with heavy metals, toxic compounds, and intense use of herbicides. Despite a preference for light shade and rich soils, Geranium robertianum was found in 28% of railways in Poland.[DOI:10.1007/s00606-013-0936-1] This is a combination of acclimatization (e.g., leaves are smaller when growing in full sun) and adaptation (e.g., genes selected for herbicide resistance).[DOI:10.1007/s10646-021-02430-5] It helps that the rail beds are well fertilized by the direct deposit of faecal matter from passenger trains. 2023-07-12 Ruisseau des Moulins, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879808762-QV3DSHGJMBD9ID7NS8M6/RBD+%23744+Gloomy+soldier+beetle+20230711_DSC03624.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #744 Gloomy soldier beetle Cantharis tristis, frolicking in the snow on a hot summer day. In one study, 538 800(!) beetles were gathered from central Europe, with 85% identified to species.[DOI:10.1111/1755-0998.12354] About 25000 specimens were sequenced (7 per species) and clustered into a family tree. There were 209 anomalous groupings (6%), either splitting an existing species into multiple groups (as with C. tristis) or merging different species into one group. A monumental effort by a half dozen researchers over five years for a single paper. 2023-07-11 Pointe-d’Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879809404-OGH6N5IQUDSYNKD4D2VZ/RBD+%23743+Jurassic+limestone+20230709_DSC02666.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #743 Jurassic limestone The Crois des Têtes peak is composed of Jurassic limestone, dating from 170 million years ago when Micropterigidae (the first moths) appeared.[1] Like much of the Alps, it used to lie at the bottom of the Tethys Ocean before it was thrust and folded by pressure from the African continent. 2023-07-09 Les Karellis, France [1] http://www.geol-alp.com/h_maurienne/_lieux_maurienne_Nord/Cx_Tetes.html https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879809564-FILHAV2BUF5PAW2O2JUK/RBD+%23742+White-barred+gold+20230709_DSC02487-4.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #742 White-barred gold The common rock-rose (#741) is also popular with our six-legged friends. In this case a pair of plant bugs (Tinicephalus hortulanus) and a pair of moths (Micropterix aruncella). These small-winged moths (Greek: micro+pterix) are in the oldest branch of Lepidoptera (scale-winged), which split from Trichoptera (hair-winged) 180 million years ago. Unlike other moths and butterflies M. aruncella still has a mouth to chew pollen from flowers rather than a proboscis to suck nectar. Fossils from the late Triassic already show the scale structure of modern Micropterigidae making them the oldest known examples of “structural colour” driven by diffraction of light.[DOI:10.1126/sciadv.1700988] 2023-07-09 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879810433-24BQ6Z7W4QGBVENANO5O/RBD+%23741+Common+rock-rose+20230710_DSC02827.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #741 Common rock-rose (fr: Hélianthème commun) Adapted for high altitude, Helianthemum nummularium makes its own defenses against UV radiation and temperature stresses. Many of these antioxidants are effective against parasites, which perhaps explains why H. nummularium is overrepresented in the diet of alpine ungulates.[DOI:10.1055/a-1197-2898] Word of the day: zoopharmacognosy meaning “animal drug knowledge”, from Greek zoo + pharmacon + gnosy . 2023-07-10 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879810403-KVWAT9M7ERRJZ4I1VN3Y/RBD+%23740+Common+chaffinch+20230710_DSC02722.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #740 Common chaffinch (fr: Pinson des arbres) A mob can stand up to a bully, but only when someone is brave enough to raise the alarm. It’s a question of trust: if nobody shows then this Fringilla coelebs risks being eaten by an owl. Enter some game theory. At the start of the breeding season there is little altruism, and most birds stay quiet. Later, as the fellow migrants get to know each other they will call out when an intruder arrives and join the mob that harries them until they leave.[DOI:10.1098/rspb.2002.2155] A flock of overwintering birds with species such as willow tits (#739) will already display trust. A migrating chaffinch settling in their neighbourhood will sound the alarm even at the start of the season. 2023-07-10 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879811141-QAG5G298A4KVJSFPGCEZ/RBD+%23739+Willow+tit+20230710_DSC02767.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #739 Willow tit (fr: Mésange boréale) Poecile montanus, like their new world cousins the Carolina chickadee, are excited to find food, calling out to all their friends.[1] Birds not of a feather also flock together, with many species joining the feast. We had a dozen species come through one day, stripping our holly of all its berries.[2] This altruism is both selfish (it is safer to eat with many eyes watching for predators) and efficient (with many birds searching they can find the next tree faster). 2023-07-09 Les Karellis, France [1] DOI:10.1111/j.1439-0310.2011.01982.x [2] CotD #64 2021-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879811474-PIN3VHH5AG05UX47FE9V/RBD+%23738+Small+skipper+20230709_DSC02680-0.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #738 Small skipper (fr: Hespérie de la houque) Thymelicus sylvestris. New word: “despeciation”. Genetically the mitochondria for individuals can be clustered into six groups with nuclear DNA mixing relatively freely between the groups. Perhaps this is evidence of isolated populations evolving into distinct species about 1MYa, then range expansion allowing them to join back to a single species.[DOI:10.1111/mec.15153] 2023-07-09 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879812025-GX1U9UJ3C8R3L2L3NM92/RBD+%23737+Black+veined+white+20230710_DSC02921.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #737 Black veined white (fr: Piéride de l'aubépine) Aporia crataegi is closely related to the ever-present cabbage white (Pieris rapae) [RBD 89,166]; it also produces a pierisin protein to clear out old tissue during metamorphosis. The discovery was serendipitous if somewhat macabre: presented with an award for cancer research, a flag made from P. rapae and Appias nero, the awardee asked whether butterflies might contain anti-cancer agents.[DOI:10.3390/toxins16060270] The answer was a resounding yes, followed by 30 years of research into how and why. 2023-07-10 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879812391-WORGCHI26LCJEA5D49DM/RBD+%23736+Field+scabious+20230710_DSC02711-0.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #736 Field scabious? (fr: Knautie des champs) Perhaps Knautia arvensis, though maybe one of a dozen closely related species in the Alps alone. It is native to Europe where it is used in traditional medicine to treat itching (scabious comes from latin scabo for scratch). It was brought to North America as an ornamental, but with 2000 seeds per flower it soon escaped. It is designated as a noxious weed in British Columbia and Alberta. 2023-07-10 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879813059-JBFF4E6N701HXYUXVRNG/RBD+%23735+Alpine+marmot+20230714_DSC04621.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #735 Alpine marmot An overgrown ground squirrel with cold weather adaptations allowing it to thrive on the steppes during the glacial maxima. But the interglacials push them up the mountains leaving isolated populations. The result is extremely low genetic variability, comparable to laboratory mice back-crossed for decades.[1] Despite that, the populations are thriving, including a population in the Pyrenees which has grown from ~400 individuals to ~10000.[2] An early victim of global warming, the Pyrenees population was wiped out when the glaciers retreated 10,000 years ago. Hunters reintroduced them as food for golden eagles, in hopes that the eagles would eat fewer chamois. 2023-07-14 Pointe de Chaudannes, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] Gossmann, Toni I., et al. "Ice-age climate adaptations trap the alpine marmot in a state of low genetic diversity." Current Biology 29.10 (2019): 1712-1720. DOI:10.1016/j.cub.2019.04.020 [2] López, B. C., Pino, J., & López, A. (2010). Explaining the successful introduction of the alpine marmot in the Pyrenees. Biological Invasions, 12(9), 3205–3217. DOI:10.1007/s10530-010-9712-0 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879813428-W6Q89WRQ8SQ6MYKW8TP4/RBD+%23734+Oxeye+daisy+20230710_DSC02800-1.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #734 Oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare complex (les marguerites), but I can’t determine the species. Despite 2 million years of evolution from a common ancestor there are two dozen species that are indistinguishable without a detailed analysis of the leaves.[DOI:10.3390/plants11141878] This one is accompanied by a speckled longhorn beetle (Judolia cerambyciformis; in French lepture trapu). 2023-07-10 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879813821-BXQ0IKFELCOUKBGUMRBZ/RBD+%23733+Rosy+plant+bug+20230710_DSC02782.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #733 Rosy plant bug Calocoris roseomaculatus, so named for spots on its wings (roseo+maculatus = red + spotted). It is a plant bug (family Miridae) with a particular fondness for the flowers of the oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) and the common yarrow seen here (). It’s not too greedy, breeding only one generation per year; it needs a good cold snap before the eggs can hatch in the spring.[1] 2023-07-10 Les Karellis, France [1] Braune, H.-J. (1971). Der einfluß der temperatur auf eidiapause und entwicklung von Weichwanzen (Heteroptera, Miridae). Oecologia, 8(3), 223–266. doi:10.1007/bf00346473 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879814477-38OS7YC65GPLMFI9INXT/RBD+%23732+Old+world+swallowtail+20230711_DSC03554.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #732 Old world swallowtail Papilio machaon on Austrian rocket (Sisymbrium austriacum). Its bright-coloured caterpillars feed primarily on carrot and citrus families, gathering furanocoumarins and converting them into defensive poisons. Some of these are deposited with the frass (caterpillar poop), which can be gathered for use as a natural medicine. Caterpillars reared on ashitaba (a Japanese angelica) produce substances that are highly toxic to HCT116 (a colon cancer cell line).[1] 2023-07-11 Pointe-d’Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] Nakano, M., Sakamoto, T., Kitano, Y. et al. An extract from the frass of swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon) larvae inhibits HCT116 colon cancer cell proliferation but not other cancer cell types. BMC Genomics 24, 735 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-023-09841-0 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731879701586-J35EUAFDKP2RP221O25E/RBD+%23731+Great+masterwort+20230710_DSC02788.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #731 Great masterwort 20230710_DSC02788.jpg As an ancient talisman, a simple cross made from goat’s beard (Aruncus dioicus) and great masterwort (Astrantia major) can be blessed by the priest on St. John’s Day (June 24th) and nailed to your chalet, providing protection from lightning, storms and other calamities.[1] This peculiarity from Val de Morgin derives its power from the combination of St John (barbe de St. Jean is the local name for A. dioicus) and Christ (whose blood adds the crimson highlights to A. major), complementary figures in Christianity with birthdays falling on the Roman summer and winter solstice.[2] As a modern talisman, masterwort leaves were found to be highly sensitive to ozone, turning red on the margins. Together with a dozen other sentinel species, this provides a passive network of ozone sensors for Central and Eastern Europe.[3] 2023-07-10 Les Karellis, France [1] Broadwood, Lucy E. "A Swiss Charm." Folklore 16.4 (1905): 465-467. [2] Saint John’s Eve [Wikipedia] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_John%27s_Eve [3] Manning, W. and Godzik, B. (2004). Bioindicator plants for ambient ozone in Central and Eastern Europe. Environmental Pollution, 130(1), 33–39. DOIi:10.1016/j.envpol.2003.10.033 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1707117189690-L6WA27F8YMV495UG5WAG/RBD+%23730+Livelong+saxifrage+230713_DSC04459-0.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #730 Livelong saxifrage La Saxifrage paniculée (Saxifraga paniculata) in the golden light of the setting sun. An extremely hardy plant, it can survive summers on hot cliff faces with little water followed by winters with biting winds unimpeded by snow cover. That is, so long as it is left undisturbed. On cliffs where rock climbing is permitted, the saxifrage disappears.[1] 2023-07-13 Pointe des Chaudannes, Montricher-Alabanne, France * Saxifraga comes from Latin for stone-breaker, for the traditional use of S granulata in treating kidney stones. I can't find studies on its efficacy, but a plant in the same family is used as part of Ayurvedic formulation with 60% success.[2] This is different again from the maidenhead fern, which was called saxifrage by Pliny.[3] ** It is unlikely that all the treatments listed in [3] have undergone double-blind tests. For example, "A wreath of [saxifrage], worn on the head, alleviates head-ache.", or "The leaves, steeped in the urine of a youth who has not arrived at puberty, and beaten up with saltpetre, compose a liniment which, it is said, prevents wrinkles from forming on the abdomen in females." [1] doi:10.1016/j.jnc.2007.03.002 [2] doi:10.1016/j.eujim.2011.02.003 [3] The Natural History (79 AD). Pliny the Elder. [XXII ch:30] translator: John Bostoc, 1855. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1707023319521-DPSTR8H7XL0LDPQORP72/RBD+%23729+Golden+hawksbeard+230711_DSC03339.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #729 Golden hawksbeard 230711_DSC03339.jpg Crépide dorée (Crepis aurea), found exclusively in alpine meadows. Not an aggressive plant, even 135 years after the retreat of the Rotmoosferner glacier in Austria it still has not spread onto the available slopes.[doi:10.1016/j.baae.2005.02.004] Alpine processes are slow, with the earliest plants taking a couple of decades to gain a foothold and begin to build up the soil. After a couple more decades, with a system for water retention and minerals such as phosphorus, legumes can then colonize, bringing with them their nitrogen-fixing root microbes. Decades later, late-succession plants can then compete in a stable, nurturing environment. 2023-07-11 Pointe d'Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1707001879230-C0LUTJJEFEFUN4Q2D8B8/RBD+%23728++Golden+hawksbeard+230711_DSC03339.jpg RBD 2024-02 - RBD #728 Tartenaise cattle (Female) Small cattle herds added to the soundscape of our morning walks, such as these tartenaise(?). Specialized for altitude, even on the highest ridges you still have to watch for cow pads. The rich variety of forage in alpine meadows contributes to the distinctive bouquet of cheeses such as Abondance (Appellation d'origine contrôlée, Haute-Savoie, France). In an example of hyperlocal specificity, this study [doi:10.1017/s0022029999003842] found that cheese made from cows grazing on the north slope at 1500 m had distinct flavour and texture from cheese made from the same herd grazing on the south slope at the same altitude. The bacterial and chemical composition of the milk changed with the pasture composition as the cows went back and forth, giving more "burnt, sour" from the north compared with "toffee, exotic fruit" from the south. 2023-07-11 Les Karellis, Montricher-Albanne, France https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/nature-starting-2023 daily 0.75 2026-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1774962915370-BLMKWFZBWXBQLUQPOQWF/Field+Trip%7ETanya+Riseman%7ETriangle+Falls+copy.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Triangle Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1774962915370-BLMKWFZBWXBQLUQPOQWF/Field+Trip%7ETanya+Riseman%7ETriangle+Falls+copy.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Triangle Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1774962734738-X45N5ECU0BSZCLZQ6O7K/20241026-20241026-DSC02350+copy.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Falls on the Potomac https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1774962899876-5B9XSL2HCZEPMF7VH72S/20260204-DSC01633.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - 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Angels Watching Over https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1728916048787-UID5QO8M36TZWUZRTMY6/20241011-20241011-DSC00380Copy+1.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Half Moon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1729288388496-TIBFMDZT8GIVL03P25SS/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EBlue-Fronted+Dancer+at+Carlisle+Cave.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Blue-Fronted Dancer at Carlisle Cave https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1729288427799-YZH9FYSM3WNEJH5ZWQGQ/MPA-Minimalist-Tanya+Riseman-Lotus-20240704-DSC0777.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Lotus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714569681124-KJH3HZ9EANQG2SNMP6N8/print+%7E+Fear+of+Missing+Out+%7E20230614-20230614-DSC00977.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Fear of Missing Out American Avocet, Bombay Hook https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714576204191-T8N4P67CDDCZ8CG9FMO4/20230614-20230614-DSC00985.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - 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Spring Flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999135143-0VATDEFDOU8VOJX2FBU4/20240120-IMG_8857.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Potomac River at Sunset https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999136765-87DDS1FOA5FJ7AUV5FPE/20240426-20240426-IMG_2120Copy+1.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Forest Flower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999137771-FBJN1KRWF2UBZ7VD7AQG/20240428-DSC07391.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Inspecting worm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999137996-UOJTSF5FBB4N8A2Q3VUD/20240428-DSC07394.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Picking up Worm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999138657-0PHEW4TBHOBJZ2NWYWH8/20240428-DSC07396.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Washing Worm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714571240214-ZDPLI2Y68881IOO9OKNY/20231120-20231120-IMG_9652.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Autumn Shed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745625165352-8WG9WG1CH0UP1CLU6ZEP/20231001-20231001-IMG_8567.jpg Nature Starting 2023 - Lake Vista https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/66323f50c4b0b27804720ff4/69480f593f07287bdc534554/1766330207095/ Nature Starting 2023 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/people daily 0.75 2025-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1758045880271-WTGRWCALGDVDN09E1NH3/image-asset.jpeg People - Lounging in the Sand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1758045880271-WTGRWCALGDVDN09E1NH3/image-asset.jpeg People - Lounging in the Sand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745623825343-X9ESOK4U1MX6QP1KDADF/20240816-20240816-IMG_2805Copy+1.jpg People - Crossed Legs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731776688712-7GM8ZH5K721XX5LZHYAZ/20241020-20241020-DSC02125.jpg People - Photographing DC Monuents https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1729288699229-060Q4PKKLYKTI81BCI9J/20240802-20240802-IMG_2689.jpg People - Washington Monument https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999200934-CMYIH12VD60YLDVINZU0/20240421-IMG_1882.jpg People - Deli in the North End https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714572868473-26QXFCT27DS2EQ19W5P9/20240324-20240324-IMG_9496Copy+2.jpg People - Electric Unicycle Collective https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1729288352557-DSI69TBDQGIG3UU51S7L/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7ESir+William+deBracey.jpg People - Sir William deBracey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745624244536-2ERND9H0WGFC8FO52W4R/20240824-20240824-IMG_0045Copy+2+copy.jpg People - The King is Amused https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999199311-UFETRYTS9Y1BZ5YXFO6L/20240211-IMG_0604.jpg People - Good Luck Confetti https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999199953-BHBEHMBETJCE9PZO6BEC/20240324-IMG_9496+Summit+LVS2024-2.jpg People - Electric Unicycle Collective https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714572899936-H1F4UBHXGYN5W38HUR9Z/20240324-20240324-IMG_9489Copy+1.jpg People - Group Photo of the Electric Unicycle, Scooters, Skateboards, and Modpeds Groups https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714572857545-EYCKOKMHACLDSMQ2GTKW/20240324-20240324-IMG_9500Copy+1.jpg People - Suited up for an Electrifying Ride https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714571020397-VESH4AA75PBAKDT7FIUO/20240114-20240114-IMG_0356Copy+2.jpg People - Union Station, DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999197016-MZVVVIWUFIJZM62O4MDE/20240114-IMG_0362.jpg People - Rolly Suitcase https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999198093-7SVC3UOC4TYPXMVQJWB0/20240114-IMG_0368.jpg People - Hi Yah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999198380-PVUYIPELSPI9DAK0069H/20240114-IMG_0369.jpg People - Off to the Train https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999199007-8K0NU4U7VGBASAGARTDR/20240114-IMG_0371.jpg People - Check out those Red Pants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714570904681-PN7Q9QZKIXBENZ1RBKMD/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EHeating+Water.jpg People - Heating Water Mt Vernon Revolutionary Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714570969308-NSMWLP9P0DXVC5KC6OP5/20230506-20230506-DSC06841+copy.jpg People - And Fire Mt Vernon Revolutionary Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714571033991-5786F5VDREPGN5W19TQB/20230506-20230506-DSC06568.jpg People - Hessian Mt Vernon Revolutionary Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714571068967-69XYQF58Q2UGRU8XOZ9I/20231012-20231012-IMG_8741+5.jpg People - Horse Riders Half Moon Bay, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714570992904-MOAVGJD4VNDGK8K4HVIV/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7EThe+Blue+Hour.jpg People - The Blue Hour Cape May, NJ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1684020309204-IT9AEXAQNM3BV3RD1CK6/image-asset.jpeg People - Water Rescue Thomas Point Park, Annapolis, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1684019307491-J4ECWT78THUVZPQTXHCY/image-asset.jpeg People - Bicycle Race Words and Images. 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Snow Flakes and Circles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1766331217369-IG6UHQ5ROZE1S6FAQD95/image-asset.jpeg Abstractish - Welcome to the Hirschhorn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745623620841-Y01QJBD80GABVM733OCY/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EMeadowlark+Lights.jpg Abstractish - Meadowlark Lights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745623596415-14XMO8D8FQ79UKLFDN20/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7ECharlie+Brown.jpg Abstractish - Charlie Brow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716998941820-LNSXNL7HUXV7VYP62HFW/20240427-IMG_2187.jpg Abstractish - Abstract Concept https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716998941754-571CI0TWF42DDPDP9STR/20240525-IMG_2365.jpg Abstractish - Parasol https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714571468919-CSS63PHKFYW1SIRGR2QF/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ESunset+at+500+MPH.jpg Abstractish - Sunset at 500 MPH https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716998943067-Q1BQHZHLZHUDBAAYBDWZ/20240526-IMG_2382.jpg Abstractish - Pontiac Thunderbird https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714570955778-HKSQYORO3HQYF9CEB985/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ELamb+Kitting+Machine+Part.jpg Abstractish - Lamb Kitting Machine Part https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/buildings-starting-2023 daily 0.75 2026-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1774963145266-1P3OA03J2HW8QB1ELETX/Tanya+Riseman%7E20260330-IMG_1911Copy+2+copy.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Jefferson Memorial framed by Cherry Blossoms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1717882779401-WR8VL7TF5SNDKH1YB5MP/20240607-IMG_2434_V30_PS_Cathedral.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - 20240607-IMG_2434_V30_PS_Cathedral.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1774963145266-1P3OA03J2HW8QB1ELETX/Tanya+Riseman%7E20260330-IMG_1911Copy+2+copy.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Jefferson Memorial framed by Cherry Blossoms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1774963112943-48SJ27AIAI7GT7X5VUME/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EFishing+Pier+copy.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Fishing Pier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1766331373529-GOPKH240WTIZGPNWL7K8/image-asset.jpeg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Low Rider https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745623729213-HTD251I8U4JLKK47VJV8/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EEmpty+Skies.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Empty Sky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745623534244-0B2HIUWBHLBEWE4WPMBM/20250125-20250125-IMG_3373Copy+1.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Baltimore National Aquarium https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745624964452-P38WECLR547KWB4GTKX5/20250222-20250222-IMG_3591.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Library of Congress Panels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745624972385-FFC2DVS2IRXLO08PO6VP/20250222-20250222-IMG_3624.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Out the Window https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745624964376-8JSF2NMPTF92PJ8EGTFA/20250222-20250222-IMG_3548Copy+1.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Library of Congress Ceiling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745623767199-KPGTOHHTEQ45R4BJDIL3/20250103-20250103-IMG_2460.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Liquid Sky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731776784816-OYNPXU5WXOZZE9XJIDSM/20241020-20241020-DSC02136.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Washington Monument https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731776562268-WEKVURCTGLGNUJY6VY39/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EQuick+Tour+of+DC.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Quick Tour of DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745625232775-42OA919UIQ39UCWF37XK/20240114-20240114-IMG_0390Copy+1.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Union Station, DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745623441369-CQH2RPI5K50ML8IIYKA2/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EWindy+Day+on+the+Bay.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Windy Day on the Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1717882946739-JXMCJ8B1JM7LWE9JLFB4/20240607-IMG_2425_V30_PS+Darth+Vadar.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Graphic Darth Vader https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1717868578172-RVPXUMFCI5UGD8A0ORXQ/20240608-20240607-20240607-IMG_2425_V30_PPPcropped.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Darth Vader at the National Catherdal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716998997292-PZGSO7LWE0ZXDVWUS2CU/20240421-IMG_1914.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Boston Art Deco Skyscraper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716998996667-1QZJ9RDDGU1PR10WVT2T/20240420-IMG_1768.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - The Steaming Teapot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716998995358-SUMNC20WY4YEYOAS4QPR/20240303-IMG_0387.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Look up Photographers at the Peabody Library https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716998996351-7STZPQH1DIRKE9JVZVD7/20240420-IMG_1743.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Paramont Theater, Boston https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716998995712-CUX0JO1J38FICH7SF0KD/20240124-IMG_9023+double+exposure.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Medical Building https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714571133321-9U2VEN9U1XKJOHM162YG/20231119-20231119-IMG_9593.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Court House, Northampton MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714571280709-TL6EDXI53HAQ6OFQRBZN/20231118-20231118-IMG_9541Copy+1.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Sidewalk Plaid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714570937178-J6Y2KGCZYJCR7NSURLVR/20240102-20240102-IMG_0197Copy+1.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Eastampton Mill https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745623906949-PCG1UJ4HFKL7XVNBHARW/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EHeld+Out+Too+Long.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Held Out Too Long - Springfield Signal Tower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745623906826-6TK6FPEFYZ8LX5JN10RQ/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7ESqueaky+Clean.jpg Buildings Strarting 2023 - Squeaky Clean https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/from-vehicles daily 0.75 2026-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1774963037519-X0RT5ZCALLHLQUR0QKQQ/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7ELow+Rider+copy.jpg From Vehicles - Low Rider https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1774963037519-X0RT5ZCALLHLQUR0QKQQ/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7ELow+Rider+copy.jpg From Vehicles - Low Rider https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1729288261746-GEFD8E9QIXHPQQALW970/print_Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EBridge+over+the+Connecticut+River+small.jpg From Vehicles - Bridge over the Connecticut River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1714571117789-WF8LEM95LT7SXYRPQ5E8/20231118-20231118-IMG_9448.jpg From Vehicles - Suburbia Churned into Dirt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999073248-2VQA51LQJ4AR7619VWVA/20240413-IMG_1385+3.jpg From Vehicles - P.J. Murthy, Storage and Movers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999074774-BKC35RMYL70DUF1LVJBT/20240413-IMG_1429+2.jpg From Vehicles - Getting Late https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999074640-COYQDQO8167NLE08SKMJ/20240413-IMG_1441+2.jpg From Vehicles - Pedestrian Overpass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999075966-P2HZSN8FNH33XI7M1VM6/20240413-IMG_1450+2.jpg From Vehicles - Overpass Graffiti https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999079420-NMPEOL3M21WL3BFL2J8Q/IMG_1450+double+exposure.jpg From Vehicles - Overpass Grafiti Burst https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999076083-K8B90KC6BJW9PR7PDBW8/20240423-IMG_2020.jpg From Vehicles - New York City View https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999073246-U1ZSGMWNF3IKWKR7JW96/20240413-IMG_1375.jpg From Vehicles - Train Abstract https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999081151-GY2KQ20FDZ2UMBHO00AJ/IMG_1478+double+exposure+sand.jpg From Vehicles - Door to Storage Building https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1716999077609-WUAD8TSGSG3UP4LMRBB1/20240519-IMG_2343.jpg From Vehicles - Speeding along ast Sunset https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/partial-eclipse-2024 daily 0.75 2024-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712686430480-BF2PAQM2VHCAJ9EUMOU9/20240408-20240408-DSC07112Copy+1.jpg Partial Eclipse 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712686430480-BF2PAQM2VHCAJ9EUMOU9/20240408-20240408-DSC07112Copy+1.jpg Partial Eclipse 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712686430614-SLQVX30BTL4MTTAHVCW3/20240408-20240408-DSC07132Copy+1.jpg Partial Eclipse 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712686431398-OEOWNP2G71TRU5R7IYJH/20240408-20240408-DSC07148Copy+1.jpg Partial Eclipse 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712686431655-CY6PTMPZYWNTOA96I2QK/20240408-20240408-DSC07150Copy+1.jpg Partial Eclipse 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712686432214-I8J37KCR4FMFCNCWOC4Y/20240408-20240408-DSC07177Copy+1.jpg Partial Eclipse 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712686432404-UP5DMHQSXKUL81MAQEK8/20240408-20240408-DSC07207Copy+1.jpg Partial Eclipse 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712686432937-DSHXZNGN7ONJME40B6XD/20240408-20240408-DSC07234Copy+1.jpg Partial Eclipse 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712686433223-LMRRQKI4INXHWECS3Q7I/20240408-20240408-DSC07239Copy+1.jpg Partial Eclipse 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712686433951-L57AQ3SWK60ANFZOTOUJ/20240408-20240408-DSC07264Copy+1.jpg Partial Eclipse 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1712683666422-7LQPQT71F41XSEUTYC2A/20240408-20240408-IMG_1319Copy+1.jpg Partial Eclipse 2024 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/partial-annular-eclipse-2023 daily 0.75 2024-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1717072461519-6UW2JB73UB9AFYCZFY5Y/20231014-20231014-IMG_8844Copy+1.jpg Partial Annular Eclipse 2023 - Many Eclipses, Many Holes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1717072461519-6UW2JB73UB9AFYCZFY5Y/20231014-20231014-IMG_8844Copy+1.jpg Partial Annular Eclipse 2023 - Many Eclipses, Many Holes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1717072461459-8JC11LPXUOMGX0OEFY5L/20231014-20231014-IMG_8851Copy+1.jpg Partial Annular Eclipse 2023 - Many Eclipses, Many Holes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1717072462265-H6XVN314ONKLIVMD47I0/20231014-20231014-IMG_8867Copy+1.jpg Partial Annular Eclipse 2023 - Eclipse Formed by Criss-Crossed Fingers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1717072462437-AES69VGLKSV1C4WGS63X/20231014-20231014-IMG_8873-1Copy+1.jpg Partial Annular Eclipse 2023 - Many Eclipses, Many Holes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1717072463242-0P4WCMIN8SLTG1DPJ1M0/20231014-20231014-IMG_8879Copy+1.jpg Partial Annular Eclipse 2023 - Clouds during Eclipses are Grating https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1717072463455-11UJJ9NIOSK4C5KLOOFX/20231014-20231014-IMG_8890.jpg Partial Annular Eclipse 2023 - Lafayette Park, CA https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/crd daily 0.75 2024-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1728914203418-E0PT825T4ENCLKZHTTU4/20241013-20241013-DSC01660Copy+1.jpg CRD - 20241013-20241013-DSC01660Copy 1.jpg 2024-10-13 Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, C 2023 A3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1728914203418-E0PT825T4ENCLKZHTTU4/20241013-20241013-DSC01660Copy+1.jpg CRD - 20241013-20241013-DSC01660Copy 1.jpg 2024-10-13 Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, C 2023 A3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1728914201982-QCKMCD830F9SZ5BL7RIA/20241013-20241013-DSC01658Copy+2.jpg CRD - 20241013-20241013-DSC01658Copy 2.jpg 2024-10-13 Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, C 2023 A3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1728914199688-T4ETTWZCG6Z1GIKMMF5C/20241010-20241010-DSC01471Copy+1.jpg CRD - 20241010-20241010-DSC01471Copy 1.jpg October 10, 2024. New Newton Township, PA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1728914198601-K2UJV0EAHEB4J5L7TXOR/20241010-20241010-DSC01461.jpg CRD - 20241010-20241010-DSC01461.jpg October 10, 2024. New Newton Township, PA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1728914200209-600STDUQZHDLW4VF76BL/20241010-20241010-DSC01499.jpg CRD - 20241010-20241010-DSC01499.jpg October 10, 2024. New Newton Township, PA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1728914201743-4YURVGTCUUVY17CKH68H/20241010-20241010-DSC01507.jpg CRD - 20241010-20241010-DSC01507.jpg October 10, 2024. New Newton Township, PA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1728914198068-1JESQZM5SJQRG3RUM99I/20241010-20241010-DSC00292.jpg CRD - 20241010-20241010-DSC00292.jpg October 10, 2024. Moons of Jupiter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1728915833739-OAP8U137L3VI839M0ZNT/20241011-20241011-DSC00380Copy+1.jpg CRD - 20241011-20241011-DSC00380Copy 1.jpg Half moon https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/recent daily 0.75 2026-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1774963746811-JQHZVXJBVQVCFU91NEDU/Tanya+Riseman%7E20260330-IMG_1911Copy+2+copy.jpg Recent - Jefferson Memorial framed by Cherry Blossoms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1774963746811-JQHZVXJBVQVCFU91NEDU/Tanya+Riseman%7E20260330-IMG_1911Copy+2+copy.jpg Recent - Jefferson Memorial framed by Cherry Blossoms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1774963847434-8MQM31LX2V5C64GPKXE4/20241026-20241026-DSC02350+copy.jpg Recent - Falls on the Potomac https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1766330425674-QKPEA97H4Z5CENA52M9J/Dancing+Trees+2s+medium.gif Recent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1766331890793-EMH4TM78ZTTB9PIG7MBP/20251218-20251218-DSC01107Copy+1.jpg Recent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1766331304288-2988PIOIT0EQCPJJQCM9/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EOBX+Sunrise.jpg Recent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1758047065410-V89RS3YYSIJEBSKG10X6/20250830-20250830-IMG_8038.jpg Recent - More in "Works" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1758045880271-WTGRWCALGDVDN09E1NH3/1st_Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7ELounging+in+the+Sand.jpg Recent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745879248633-716DRXQD4Q7J43O752ID/land+2x2+Polarized+Huntley+2+bunches.jpg Recent - More in "Works" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745879280495-5XREU00GNHZ0ML0QRZ7H/portrait+2x2+Polarized+floats.jpg Recent - More in "Works" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745879232318-PLWSXY5WUN1Z07ZVKVK3/port+2x2+Polarized+Knob+groovy+pine.jpg Recent - More in "Works" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745622489775-H7WFED8JLXO4EL1RCHIX/IMG_4864.gif Recent - Colorful Frog Pond Done by waving a sheet of plastic in front of a circularly polarized filter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1747085923141-8J40ENO10XCHIPAWTRJC/3rd_Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7ESo+Few+Tourists+at+the+Capital.jpg Recent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745624828257-TQRDT2EY653LDQBSRYG5/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EEmpty+Skies.jpg Recent - Empty Sky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745624836978-UECWH95GAN0ERJVZDAGR/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EMeadowlark+Lights.jpg Recent - Meadowlark Lights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731873997364-IJGFVJEKONMXODHL0ZJ3/2nd_print_Great+Falls+in+Fall+20241026-20241026-DSC00523Copy+1.jpg Recent - Great Falls in Fall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1732131350929-NDSS0A8J67IBJI954XDE/20241111-20241111-DSC02709.jpg Recent - Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy Zoom in see diffraction ripples https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731874010483-Z5IMYYYGFIZ7CPIL1HDQ/1st_Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7ECupping.jpg Recent - Cupping https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731874021568-4PA8SMFSYFEZ2TLO8O8Q/2nd_print_intermediate_Tanya+Riseman%7ELush+Lotus.jpg Recent - Lush Lotus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731874040666-AG9882H3J7NFHVNX3MZQ/1st_print_Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EBoston%27s+North+End+small.jpg Recent - Deli in Boston's North End https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731873970143-0X9855I9HCODU57QCDYQ/Not+this+competition%7ETanya+Riseman%7EDarth+Vader.jpg Recent - Darth Vadar in Black https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731874065595-BU93X3W4I9JKN2WT93M1/Intermediate%7ETanya+Riseman%7EBlue-Fronted+Dancer+at+Carlisle+Cave.jpg Recent - Blue-Fronted Dancer at Carlisle Cave https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731878239134-FRQRHYTEGA3H0HWOC04Q/20240802-20240802-IMG_2689.jpg Recent - Washington Monument in the Summer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731878484995-FYU1J5WZR0P5W24ZREQM/MPA-Minimalist-Tanya%2BRiseman-Lotus-20240704-DSC0777.jpg Recent - Lotus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731874138401-WR0B3GU4M7O1EVQXV68Z/Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ESunset+at+500+MPH+copy.jpg Recent - Sunset at 500 MPH copy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731874511227-QLYIP45N6DR1WGYTUBMK/print_Intermediate%7ETanya%2BRiseman%7EBridge%2Bover%2Bthe%2BConnecticut%2BRiver%2Bsmall.jpg Recent - Bridge over the Connecticut River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1731874125015-XHMEFN3U0EV1T2NIOPS0/HM_Advanced%7ETanya+Riseman%7ECalm+While+the+World+in+a+Swirl+copy.jpg Recent - Calm While the World in a Swirl https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/celestial daily 0.75 2024-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1732571904161-OB9AOKW1QJGS5SDM357N/20241010-20241010-DSC01471Copy+1.jpg Celestial - October 10, 2024 Aurora https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1732571904161-OB9AOKW1QJGS5SDM357N/20241010-20241010-DSC01471Copy+1.jpg Celestial - October 10, 2024 Aurora https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1732571919482-YIQM58ITUZKNCY0VJR7C/20241010-20241010-DSC01507.jpg Celestial - October 10, 2024 Aurora Near Moon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1732572092901-NIHKBNYRJWJSPHPHWBSG/20241013-20241013-DSC01658Copy+2.jpg Celestial - October 13, 2024 Comet Tsuchsinhan-ATLAS by Paul https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1732572092956-5HEPX8AZRNC4URI5O254/20241013-20241013-DSC01660Copy+1.jpg Celestial - October 13, 2024 Comet Tsuchsinhan-ATLAS by Paul https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2025-01 daily 0.75 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740636627292-C3NU1SNR8FIWL95K9HGG/RBD+%23770+Cyntharia+viridissima+20230712_DSC03917.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #770 Chrysanthia viridissima (fr: Chrysanthie verte*) Word of the day: xylophagy (Greek xylo+phagy = wood eating, like xylo+phone = wood sound), because the larvae feed on dead wood and dead roots. Like Spanish fly (Lytta vesicatoria), C viridissima produces cantharidin as a copulatory gift** which the female uses to protect her eggs. This is a systemic poison similar to strychnine and cyanide when ingested. Before it kills you, though, it may cause “pelvic engorgement”, hence its use since ancient times as the aphrodisiac “Spanish fly”.[doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.4531] 2023-07-11 Pointe d'Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France * Also known as le Petit Cycliste à pattes vertes perhaps because of its similarity to le Cycliste émeraude and its over-developed male femora.[Wikipedia] ** The word “gift” means poison in a number of Germanic languages, similar to the English use of “dose” for a gift of medicine. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/67b3e956455f8f450f50db5d/67b3e96ea1a40057a043f234/1739843959403/ RBD 2025 01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740636627292-C3NU1SNR8FIWL95K9HGG/RBD+%23770+Cyntharia+viridissima+20230712_DSC03917.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #770 Chrysanthia viridissima (fr: Chrysanthie verte*) Word of the day: xylophagy (Greek xylo+phagy = wood eating, like xylo+phone = wood sound), because the larvae feed on dead wood and dead roots. Like Spanish fly (Lytta vesicatoria), C viridissima produces cantharidin as a copulatory gift** which the female uses to protect her eggs. This is a systemic poison similar to strychnine and cyanide when ingested. Before it kills you, though, it may cause “pelvic engorgement”, hence its use since ancient times as the aphrodisiac “Spanish fly”.[doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.4531] 2023-07-11 Pointe d'Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France * Also known as le Petit Cycliste à pattes vertes perhaps because of its similarity to le Cycliste émeraude and its over-developed male femora.[Wikipedia] ** The word “gift” means poison in a number of Germanic languages, similar to the English use of “dose” for a gift of medicine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740536234460-ISNH7I4I9VCG0KTJPH4A/RBD+%23769+Common+moonwort+20230711_DSC03491.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #769 Common moonwort (fr: Botryche lunaire) Botrychium lunaire (from greek + latin: bunch of grapes in the moon) a bizarre union of mushroom and fern. Living most of its life underground, it receives nutrition directly from mycorrhiza (Greek myco+rhiza = fungus+root), thriving for years without seeing the sun. Even reproduction occurs underground, with sperm swimming through the soil to find an egg (their own or others…they are not picky). When the time is right, they poke their heads above ground, with one stalk letting the wind carry them wherever they may (which can be quite far: the lunaire complex is transcontinental).[DOI:10.1086/710491] 2023-07-11 Pointe d'Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France See also “Get A Little Moonwort Madness” from the Colorado Native Plant Society. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740370387520-S4T3OIVSDN1ZRZ0TNLLM/RBD+%23768+Grayling+20230712_DSC03707.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #768 Grayling (fr: L’Agreste; male*) Hipparchia semele basking in the sun, keeping his engine ready to engage any male interlopers in an aerial dance contest. The male who can sustain the highest climbs and dives controls the territory, and mates with any female who wants it for her eggs.[Wikipedia] 2023-07-12 Petite Albanne, France * Males have a less jagged black line and more prominent white band across their fore wing. [Gibbons, R. (2024) Hipparchia semele. https://butterfliesoffrance.com] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740288365939-916KOONH67LKI4KUJWSF/RBD+%23767+Crocata+tinctaria+20230714_DSC04585.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #767 Crocata tinctaria* (fr: Fidonie lutée) A high altitude geometer moth, this one living at 2400 m. Surviving strong winds and low temperatures is difficult with a large wing surface, so wing length is systematically reduced with altitude.[DOI:10.1111/syen.12633] Females of some species have even lost the ability to fly. This has evolved several times in geometer moths so there must be strong selective pressure, though nothing yet conclusively ties it to elevation. 2023-07-13 Col des Têtes, Montricher-Albanne, France * Could also be *C. pseudotinctaria*. These two cryptic species are indistinguishable except via genitalia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740207759462-H7EVMKUC2B8TD3HRLF54/RBD+%23766+Centaur+20230713_DSC04526-1.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #766 Centaur In the constellation Sagittarius (Latin sagitta+arius = arrow agent, or archer), depicted as centaur with bow drawn, lies Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of our galaxy.[1] With 4 million solar masses it has entire star systems in its orbit.[Wikipedia] For example, S2, a star 14x larger than the sun, has been tracked through its entire 16 year cycle. This is really fast, up to 2.5% the speed of light. In comparison, the dwarf planet Sedna with approximately the same orbit requires more than 11,000 years to complete its cycle. 2023-07-14 Pointe de Chaudannes, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] Fletcher, S. (2022). The First Picture of the Black Hole at the Milky Way’s Heart Has Been Revealed. SA Space & Physics 5(3). DOI:[10.1038/scientificamerican062022-D9jmr5UqK6kYZeCOIM0go] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740112130686-IE7KSBHOHXUDH72U7DFY/RBD+%23765+Mazarine+blue+20230712_DSC03876.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #765 Mazarine blue (fr: Azuré des anthyllides) More puddling, this time by Cyaniris semiargus [Polyommatinae] (from Greek “Blue rainbow half-Argus [Many-eyed]”). The species name semiargus presumably refers to Argus Panoptes (“All-seeing”), the 100-eyed giant set by Hera to guard the nymph Io from the wandering attention of Zeus.[Wikipedia] The French name “blue of the kidney vetch” comes from Anthyllis vulgaris, a host plant for the caterpillars. The English name presumably comes from the rich blue of 18th century ceramics from Chelsea and Derby.[encyclopedia.design] It is unclear why this was called Mazarine Blue, though perhaps it was named for the blue on the cover of the Mazarine Bible,[Wikipedia] one of the original bibles printed by Gutenberg, which is located in la Bibliothèque Mazarine[Wikipedia] in Paris. 2023-07-12 Lac de Pramol, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740023698137-MUHWDJ2GZL1QKFH69O53/RBD+%23764+Chimney-sweeper+20230710_DSC02852.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #764 Chimney sweeper (fr: Ramoneur) An Odezia atrata moth “puddling” on my arm. With a diet of plant sap as a caterpillar and nectar as an adult, essential minerals such as sodium and nitrogen are hard to come by. Where there are high concentrations such as wet mud, dung, carrion or sweat then you may get a dozen butterflies or moths crowding around to get suck up what they need. Apparently it’s a guy thing; they get a little more energy for flight and they transfer extra nutrients during copulation, though that doesn’t seem to help them with the ladies. [DOI:10.1093/aesa/saaf007] 2023-07-10 La Plagnel, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740023698449-YLVN8QBZIX8WHZ36Y1HK/RBD+%23763+Purple+emperor+20230711_DSC03527-0.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #763 Purple emperor (fr: Le grand mars changeant) Apatura iris(?), a butterfly which feeds on the honeydew secreted by aphids in deciduous forests (el. 1350-1600m) found itself high in the mountains near Pointe d’Emy (2750m). Unfortunately it didn’t pose for photos, so I can’t show its vibrant blue diffraction grating on top of pigmented brown scales.[DOI:10.1002/jemt.22021] Why did the butterfly climb the ridge? Perhaps like us it was out for some exercise and enjoying the view of the Aiguilles d’Arves in the distance. These sandstone peaks were laid down 35 MYA along deep underwater valleys formed by the nascent Alps. Called turbidite, a great river carried clay, silt, sand and gravel into the remnants of the Tethys Sea, settling out in finer and finer grain sizes as it flowed. Further movement pushed the entire seabed up into the jagged mountains we see today, 3500 m above sea level.[1] 2023-07-11 Pointe d'Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] Rob Butler (2023) The Annot Sandstone Part 1 and Part 2. [YouTube videos] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739851189429-4A2K9B6NRPLB3CWB5SOM/RBD+%23762+European+globe+flower+20230711_DSC03591.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #762 European globe flower (fr: Trolle d’Europe) Trollius europaeus, from Old German Trol meaning “globe”, because the flower never opens. The pollination economics are unusual in that service is rewarded with both nectar and seeds.[DOI:10.1007/BF00377197] Flies of the genus Chiastocheta, squeeze between the petals to find a comfy little room inside. Males zip from flower to flower hoping to find a mate, but it seems that oviposition (egg laying) is the primary pollination method.* Because the larvae grow by eating seeds the female is careful to lay one or sometimes two eggs per flower, depositing a little pollen along with each egg (C. rotundiventris). Seed set rate is relatively stable up to about 10 eggs per flower (C. trollii, C. inermella), with more eggs leading to more pollination. Of course there are cheaters who pick the largest flowers with the most seeds and ignore the existing load (C. dentifera), in one case leading to 83 eggs on a single flower. Somehow systems survive such abuse (up until they don’t). 2023-07-11 Pointe d'Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France * 25% of flowers were pollinated without eggs present, so males must have some effect https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739843997318-XR0H0XYGNTX40MQ4DUTX/RBD+%23761+Glacier+crowfoot+20230711_DSC03499.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #761 Glacier crowfoot (fr: la renoncule des glaciers) Surviving off the tears of dying glaciers, Ranunculus glacialis is not just cold tolerant, but heat intolerant. These alpine buttercups need the steady moist coolness provided by extended snow melt to keep their roots cool and maintain carbon balance.[1] Because the growing season is short, they are adapted to pushing out leaves quickly as soon as it warms. But they have no “off switch”, so when it warms too much they exhaust their stored carbon. Other alpine Ranunculus species (e.g., R. pygmaeus) control their respiration, allowing them to survive in warmer soil. 2023-07-11 Pointe d'Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] Cooper, E. J. (2004). Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Thermal Acclimation of Root Respiration in Arctic *Ranunculus*. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, 36(3), 308–313. DOI:10.1657/1523-0430(2004)036[0308:OOSOOM]2.0.CO;2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739843997424-5YKG1B7QSO3XZI95B522/RBD+%23760+Alpine+toadflax+20230711_DSC03485.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #760 Alpine toadflax (fr: Linaire des Alpes) Linaria alpina: From latin linum because the leaves of toadflax resemble those of flax. The relation to toads in the name is not clear,[1] but seems to be unique to English. This is yet another alpine plant adapted for rock gardens. It was already present in England by 1570,[2] well before the gardening craze of the 1800s. I’m surprised that alpine plants need protection from frost in the English countryside; they don’t have the blanket of snow for insulation that they have in their native Alps. 2023-07-11 Pointe d'Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] https://depts.washington.edu/hortlib/pal/why-is-linaria-called-toadflax [2] Gorer, R., & Harvey, J. H. (1979). Early Rockeries and Alpine Plants. Garden History, 7(2), 69. DOI:10.2307/1586606 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739843998521-N9UOPMIUYIWAYGTDP8TF/RBD+%23759+Alpine+forget-me-not+20230711_DSC03375-1.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #759 Alpine forget-me-not (fr: Myosotis alpestre) Myosotis alpestris is another high altitude plant adopted by gardeners, with many cultivars available in your local seed supplier. The genus was named by Linnaeus for the leaves (greek myos+otis = mouse’s ear). That’s a little surprising given that the common name forget-me-not has been used most languages (Vergissmeinnicht, nomeolvides, nontiscordardimé, niezapominajki,, vergeet-mij-nietje, ne-m'oubliez-pas, …) since Medieval times.[Wikipedia] Even Chinese uses 勿忘我 (don’t-forget-me) or 勿忘草 (don’t-forget-grass), which was borrowed by Japanese and Korean.[Wiktionary] 2023-07-11 Pointe d'Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739843999559-1U7H342EP7S8KXU0T20G/RBD+%23758+Alpine+aster+20230711_DSC03175.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #758 Alpine aster (fr: Aster des Alpes) Native to alpine meadows, Aster alpinus is adapted to a harsh life with poor soil. This makes it a lovely ground cover for a rocky area of your garden. In Pakistan, the flowers are used for respiratory ailments such as whooping cough or for malarial fever.[DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2016.02.039] 2023-07-11 Pointe d'Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739843998743-1NR8KGBT0K222B76QE5A/RBD+%23758B+La+Maurienne+20230711_DSC03174-2.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #758 B La Maurienne Alpine asters looking east along La Maurienne, with Italy in the distance. 2023-07-11 Pointe d'Emy, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1739844000054-78O882XBZ4DEGO0PJBBQ/RBD+%23757+Spotted+firebug+20230712_DSC04151.jpg RBD 2025 01 - RBD #757 Spotted firebug (fr: La punaise de la jusquiame) Corizus hyoscyami is easily spotted with its bright red back. These are not mimics, but bugs with defenses that warrant the “don’t eat me” signal. It seems they pick up hyoscyamine in their diet, for example, from henbanes (fr: jusquiame; genus Hyoscyamus). This is an alkaloid that messes with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, acting as a powerful hallucinogen. Used by witches, it gives the sense of flying (grind henbane seeds into fat and rub it on a broom handle so it can be absorbed through the thin membranes of the nether regions as you ride). Or like the Oracle of Delphi, burn the seeds and breathe the smoke so you can see the future. Circe used henbane to turn Odysseus’ crew into pigs (the genus hyos + kyamus means “hog bean” in Greek). 2023-07-12 Ruisseau des Moulins, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] Paulsen, BS (2010). Highlights through the history of plant medicine. In Bioactive compounds in plants-benefits and risks for man and animals, Ed. A. Bernhoft, p18-29. [2] Alizadeh A, Moshiri M, Alizadeh J, Balali-Mood M. (2014) Black henbane and its toxicity - a descriptive review. Avicenna J Phytomed. 4(5): 297-311. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/rbd-2025-03 daily 0.75 2025-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1742448445118-F0JDBS1JTQJ3LTFPDTKB/RBD+%23780+Brown+clover+20230710_DSC02806.jpg RBD 2025 03 - RBD #780 Brown clover (fr: Trèfle bai) Trifolium badium is another high altitude clover species (1200 m to 2800 m). It is a late stage perennial, helping to fix nitrogen in soil that already exists. Its seeds are shy, staying dormant even after mechanical scarification or chemical scarification with H₂SO₄. Giving them a 3 minute soak in near boiling water helps (90 °C), allowing 10% to germinate.[1] 2023-07-10 Lac de Pramol, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] Can, E., Çeliktaş, N., Hatipoğlu, R., Avcı, S. (2009). Breaking seed dormancy of some annual Medicago and Trifolium species by different treatments. Turkish Journal Of Field Crops, 14(2), 72-78. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1742448445118-F0JDBS1JTQJ3LTFPDTKB/RBD+%23780+Brown+clover+20230710_DSC02806.jpg RBD 2025 03 - RBD #780 Brown clover (fr: Trèfle bai) Trifolium badium is another high altitude clover species (1200 m to 2800 m). It is a late stage perennial, helping to fix nitrogen in soil that already exists. Its seeds are shy, staying dormant even after mechanical scarification or chemical scarification with H₂SO₄. Giving them a 3 minute soak in near boiling water helps (90 °C), allowing 10% to germinate.[1] 2023-07-10 Lac de Pramol, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] Can, E., Çeliktaş, N., Hatipoğlu, R., Avcı, S. (2009). Breaking seed dormancy of some annual Medicago and Trifolium species by different treatments. Turkish Journal Of Field Crops, 14(2), 72-78. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1742447513567-Q3B6DDDOGCK4PLOAFXV4/RBD+%23779+Zigzag+clover+20230709_DSC02473.jpg RBD 2025 03 - RBD #779 Zigzag clover (fr: Trèfle alpestre) Despite 7000 potential fodder species in the wild, only 30 of them feed the world.[doi:10.5937/ratpov51-4896] Gene banks focus on cultivars, selected and tuned to current climate and soil conditions, with about 15% of stored seeds coming from wild relatives. Trifolium alpestre is not promising, having relatively low nutritional content and a limited altitude range. Worse, it is high in isoflavones, the plant-based estrogen mimics that lead to sterility, abortions, neonatal mortality and uterine prolapses in sheep.[doi:10.1021/jf00049a020] With 194 mg/100 g in the leaves their concentration is 4x higher than raw soybeans.[Data available (for now) from the USDA Database for the Isoflavone Content of Selected Foods.] 2023-07-09 Lac de Parmol, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1742105481264-6LUDJSE5BWIC04HYDD2S/RBD+%23778+Catsfoot+20230711_DSC03187-0.jpg RBD 2025 03 - RBD #778 Catsfoot? (fr: Pied de chat dioïque) Like Howell’s pussytoe (RBD #407) Antennaria dioica is dioecious (Ancient Greek dis+oikos = two houses), with separate male and female plants (along with several intersex variants[DOI:10.1093/genetics/21.3.282] because biology is complicated). They also reproduce asexually, sending out runners to form a loose clonal colony. 2023-07-11 Col de Charroute, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1741944916391-UWLUIQ0EH0WDAKZQSHXA/RBD+%23777+Yellow+star+of+Bethleham+20230713_DSC04443.jpg RBD 2025 03 - RBD #777 Yellow Star of Bethleham (fr: Gagée fistuleuse) At 2500 mm, this Gagea fragifera was hiding from the wind in a little hollow at the top of the mountain. The Gagea genus is messy with 270 species formed through hybridization and reduplication of the genome. Even within G. fragifera there are specimens with 4-, 5- and 7-fold polyploidy.[doi:10.1007/s00606-008-0102-3] They are pretty bad at sex, with 40% deformed pollen and less than 1% seed set ratio.[1] It could be worse: almost all G. spathacea from Belgium to Kaliningrad are a single clone with 9-fold polyploidy (136 out of 137 specimens).[doi:10.1016/j.flora.2012.03.002] How it managed the leap to Sweden and to the Italian Alps when it is spread only by underground bulbs is a mystery. 2023-07-13 Pointe de Chaudannes, Montricher-Albanne, France [1] Gargano D, Peruzzi L, Caparelli KF, Cesca G (2007) Preliminary observations on the reproductive strategies in five early-flowering species of Gagea Salisb. (Liliaceae). Bocconea 21:349–358 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1741747594626-VOU5091KNQTLQM3OH8B8/RBD+%23776+Perennial+cornflower+20230709_DSC02556.jpg RBD 2025 03 - RBD #776 Perennial cornflower? (fr: Centaurée des montagnes) Centaurea montana and its cultivars are popular in the garden, both for people and for bumble bees (not so much for honey bees because their tongues are too short: 6.6 mm rather than 7.8 mm).[doi:10.2478/JAS-2014-0016] Native to the mountains of south and central Europe, it is easy to grow and prone to self-seeding, landing it on the Northwest Invasive Plant Council list of weeds. 2023-07-09 Les Karellis, Montricher-Albanne, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1741585874475-BVMS9HTVTM2FWJHWYSBY/RBD+%23775+Brown+knapweed+20230709_DSC02406.jpg RBD 2025 03 - RBD #775 Brown knapweed? (fr: la Centaurée jacée) Another edible, though with distinctly bitter leaves that can be eaten together with the flowers as part of a salad.[wikipedia.fr] The roots can be sucked like licorice for a refreshing sweetness, or transformed into a bitter tonic for anxiety or stomach upset. The latin Centaurea jacea comes from Chiron the Centaur, who is said to have discovered the medicinal properties of knapweeds. 2023-07-09 Les Karellis, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1741318333485-CUNACXW27IOY61X3OWMP/RBD+%23774+Common+mallow+20230708_DSC02332.jpg RBD 2025 03 - RBD #774 Common mallow (fr: la Grande Mauve) Malva sylvestris is something of a panacea, used for 5000+ years to treat all sorts of conditions.[doi:10.1155/2021/5548404] Like other mallows it is mucilaginous (from Latin mucus=slimy), so good for making poultices where its antimicrobial and wound healing activities can shine (thank you, rats, for your service, even if it wasn’t voluntary).[doi:10.22038/AJP.2015.4327] It is also claimed to be a nutritious vegetable, full of antioxidants.[eatweeds.co.uk] 2023-07-08 Aéroport Charles de Gaulle, Roissy-en-France, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740968271888-ZMO19J66KOXBMX3TEJTA/RBD+%23773+Carthusian+pink+20230708_DSC02328.jpg RBD 2025 03 - RBD #773 Carthusian pink (fr: Œillet des Chartreux) Dianthus carthusianorum grows wild from the north of Spain all the way to Ukraine. Its flowers are edible, though judged least popular of a dozen flowers, just above chicory (Cichorium intybus) but well below wild garlic (Allium ursinum) and peony (Paeonia officianalis).[DOI:10.3390/horticulturae7070166] It keeps for a week at 5°C; dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) should be used immediately. Peony and rose (Rosa canina, R. pendulina) are best for antioxidants.[DOI:10.3390/horticulturae7070166] 2023-07-08 Aéroport Charles de Gaulle, Roissy-en-France, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1740894491819-CR8ONTH213021M3KFQ13/RBD+%23772+Darwin+wasp+20230712_DSC04093.jpg RBD 2025 03 - RBD #772 Darwin wasps (fr: guêpes de Darwin) Ichneumonidae[Wikipedia] is a huge family of parasitoid wasps (25,000 described species, >100,000 total). These are endoparasites whose larvae feed off the insides of insects and spiders. The name “Darwin wasps” is a 2019 rebranding to bring attention to Ichneumonid research, based on the quote: “I cannot persuade myself that a beneficent and omnipotent God would have designedly created the Ichneumonidae with the express intention of their feeding within the living bodies of Caterpillars.” – Darwin (1860). Research is ongoing, with over 200 species being described per year. Amongst them may be a future biocontrol agent for an important crop pest.* 2023-07-12 Ruisseau des Moulins, Montricher-Albanne, France * A link to Tanya’s video of oleander aphids in their defensive dance against Darwin wasps. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/bi-refringent-marina daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745875775214-HWJBGPCYSH4XM9X1BULO/portrait+2x2+Polarized+floats+small.jpg Bi-Refringent Marina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745875775214-HWJBGPCYSH4XM9X1BULO/portrait+2x2+Polarized+floats+small.jpg Bi-Refringent Marina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745875733273-M8C4BEF5F4YDFXUEOXNS/portrait+2x2+Polarized+log.jpg Bi-Refringent Marina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745875471177-0DEI2BRZZ1G2XL45MS4M/portrait+2x2+Polarized+2+boats+roots.jpg Bi-Refringent Marina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745875456710-XKE2513D26DSRIESDTQI/landscape+2x2+Polarized+zig+zags.jpg Bi-Refringent Marina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745875426193-84NVV5YEI9T6QA02KNWH/landscape+2x2+Polarized+floats+marina.jpg Bi-Refringent Marina https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/bi-refringent-marsh daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745876349177-UWRDPZGMNHAP0XP8KC7B/land+2x2+Polarized+Huntley+2+bunches.jpg Bi-Refringent Marsh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745876349177-UWRDPZGMNHAP0XP8KC7B/land+2x2+Polarized+Huntley+2+bunches.jpg Bi-Refringent Marsh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745876352386-3QQFTT5V79S7S34RA4DF/land+2x2+Polarized+Huntly+1+bunch+scum.jpg Bi-Refringent Marsh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745876350471-I3FHBBXPELUT9Z875WHZ/land+2x2+Polarized+Huntley+sun+reflection.jpg Bi-Refringent Marsh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745876348146-XUYCGE3LWZBFNCXUIAP9/land+2x2+Polarized+Huntley+mud.jpg Bi-Refringent Marsh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745876355075-TSOB1VZLTP7RD2E62XVA/port+2x2+Polarized+Huntley+scum+edging.jpg Bi-Refringent Marsh https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/bi-irefringent-mt-trees daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745876594274-SWVWO1WT4YOQ2O6RS9DS/port+2x2+Polarized+Knob+groovy+pine.jpg Bi-Refringent Mt Trees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1745876594274-SWVWO1WT4YOQ2O6RS9DS/port+2x2+Polarized+Knob+groovy+pine.jpg Bi-Refringent Mt Trees 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Contact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517857178135-P9B9BSAZTAVXVQUI87JX/20150926-_MG_1184.jpg Contact Dancing with a robot, eyeball to eyeball, at the NYC Makerfaire, 2015. https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/daily-flower daily 0.75 2022-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611534655922-XQS2VUK2EDRM8PEXJZC4/20200322-P3220776.jpg Daily Flower - Danelion and Chickweeds March 22, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615495669633-4BAJGWZ4ENJUEJ3480EC/20200402-P4020954.jpg Daily Flower - Mock Strawberry April 2, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611534657365-G6Y30AN3HD1QJK9FLTHW/20200516-P5161777.jpg Daily Flower - Blue-Eyed Grass May 16, 2020 Focus stacking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1611590732610-AG0LK2K1SO5L9XC37P5A/20200621-P6212476_LR_2_bester.jpg Daily Flower - Deptford Pink June 21, 2020 focus stacking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615562101995-YJ7G1KRH8RZGP9FTUGDG/20200708-P7083103_2_no_spots2.jpg Daily Flower - Black Eyed Susan July 8, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615418629201-W738K93MBOWDMZJ2TFZ3/20200828_P8280451.jpg Daily Flower - Chinese Bushclover August 28, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615495670645-SRXTOI3KTHGECU5NTK7J/20200923_P9230922_less+_blue.jpg Daily Flower - Aster September 23, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615495671305-886DGEI25PEYOP0RP086/20201031_PA311553_more_contrast.jpg Daily Flower - Smartweed October 31, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615495671467-VG79EBJ0SCI5JL5CPSRD/20201126_PB261903_tweaks.jpg Daily Flower - Turkey-Tail November 26, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615656814299-SSIFKH27QEMX06EVHWV1/20201220_PC200028_blur_crop.jpg Daily Flower - Hooker's Eryngo December 20, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1615495672101-BY1TLIXSGCYH7STYLWU0/20210117_P1170450_brighten_red.jpg Daily Flower - Chrsyanthemum, Sweet WIlliam, Peruvian Lily, and Carnation January 17, 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1598796071325-318IUZIPGRM7YH91V9A8/20200829-Lightroom+%2820200420-P4201352.JPG+and+8+others%29+480+res-2+1500.jpg Daily Flower - 3x3 Flowers (Copy) 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1606925059094-69WYFFCSYQPNN3RACLJV/20200715-9+Flowers+of+the+Day+1500x1500.jpg Daily Flower - 3x3 Spring Flowers (Copy) Spring 2020 https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/daily-rbd daily 0.75 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640498684588-P2PWXOTQY62SNX5AVUBK/RBD+%2321+Barn+swallow+210621.jpg RBD - RBD #21 Barn swallow (Copy) A barn swallow banking into a curve. They spend the morning and evening swooping over the fields snatching up insects. They are fast moving but they are circling the field, so even after the 15th lap I still get another try. Three hundred photos later I hope there is at least one in focus! Probably female since she has pale underparts, but not definitive. 2021-06-21 NIH field, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640551316383-ZPTMM8VPQLGVZXPV2DB6/RBD+%2342+Great+egret+210711_DSC04070.jpg RBD - RBD #42 Great egret (Copy) Lots of egrets at the marsh on Sunday, this one doing a little fishing. 2021-07-11 Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA [DSC04070] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640553250763-D03GI52HG7VSEM1AR6OT/RBD+%2370+White-breasted+nuthatch+210310_DSC05302.jpg RBD - RBD #70 White-breasted nuthatch (Copy) A white-breasted nuthatch out house hunting this spring, checking out a large knothole in a local tree. She decided not to take it---too much foot traffic nearby. 2021-08-03 NIH field, Bethesda, MD [DSC06863] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640562678975-EU6HJBYPW36ZVDS1O1IB/RBD+%23105+Summer+azure+210905_DSC09940.jpg RBD - RBD #105 Summer azure (Copy) Here's a summer azure, like the eastern tailed-blue (#85, #86, #93), but with no tail. Again, the wing tops are bluish to grayish depending on sex. We didn't have the patience to get a picture on this walk. 2021-09-05 Dyke Marsh, Alexandria, VA [DSC09940] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640571569465-YAOY6BAAO4OQCPNKTTZN/RBD+%23137+Great+spangled+fritillary+210925_IMG_8097.jpg RBD - RBD #137 Great spangled fritillary (Female) (Copy) A great spangled fritillary on thistle, along with a cucumber beetle and a crab spider. It looks like she* took a fair amount of damage in her 4–6 weeks of life, maybe wind and hail, maybe thorns, maybe the occasional nip from an almost lucky bird. She still seems to fly just fine, so hopefully all is well. I can't ID the crab spider below the family level without a good view of the eyes. * Or "he". Females are "larger and darker" according to wikipedia. Thanks, guys… that really helps when I've just got the one. This one may be a little darker than others I see on Bug Guide. 2021-09-25 Patuxent Research Refuge, Greenbelt, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1640574862083-UOQWGL6QWU0OQNYFFF70/RBD+%23164+American+sycamore+211107_IMG_0019.jpg RBD - RBD #164 American sycamore (Copy) The crown of the sycamore reflected off the water of the canal. There was a light breeze tickling the surface giving rise to fine ripples. No need to twiddle anything in post. Branches. Yes, that's it: It is a photo of branches. 2021-11-07 C&O Canal, Bethesda, MD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641354444325-474TQVNWDOQG3XR9FQO4/RBD+%23193+Yellow+warbler+210601_DSC08052.jpg RBD - RBD #193 Yellow warbler (Copy) According to tradition, a kiss at the ringing in of the new year ensures affections for the coming year. From the internets, this is an ancient tradition adapted from the festival of Saturn. Methinks cause and effect are reversed in this instance, but who am I to argue with a Roman god. 2021-06-01 Barrett St Marsh, Northampton, MA [DSC08052] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1641354953166-06RKAJ3NUL9FFBLAA6T1/RBD+%23197+Northern+cardinal+211230_IMG_9704.jpg RBD - RBD #197 Northern cardinal (Male, Female) (Copy) A fellow traveler with the chickadees and titmouses, these cardinals were enjoying some japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica). Although the seeds are pretty, the knotweed is one of the top 100 worst invasive species in the world.[1] Deep roots (3 m) adaptable to all soil types and a lot of seeds make this hard to eliminate. It can survive -35 C, so Massachusetts winters aren't going to touch it. 2021-12-30 Barrett St Marsh, Northampton, MA [IMG_9704] [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynoutria_japonica#Invasive_species https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1643694851379-2KJVMQV4VT6NI0PQV05D/RBD+%23226+Eastern+bluebird+220130_IMG_0610.jpg RBD - RBD #226 Eastern bluebird (Male) (Copy) Another member of the flock. Unlike female bluebirds (#225) and juveniles (#52) the males show much more blue. 2022-01-30 Great Falls, Potomac, MD [IMG_0610] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1648472474884-I88LZS2AL4BTUUIUHPSD/image-asset.jpeg RBD - RBD #277 Joshua tree (Copy) They also look good in silhouette. 2022-03-07 Joshua Tree National Park, CA [DSC09887] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1650309726286-O76PQOC0JEIW7UCSI9QC/RBD+%23300+Desert+dry+wash+220306_DSC09285.jpg RBD - RBD #300 Desert dry wash (Copy) The desert dry wash is a specific biome with plants specialized for flooding. For example, seeds that don't sprout unless they get scraped up by sand and gravel. 2022-03-07 Lost Palms Oasis Trail, Joshua Tree NP, CA [DSC09285] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1652275262586-2WCAPIW5167NDFGF2MGL/RBD+%23317+Striped+shore+crab+220309_DSC00959+copy.jpg RBD - RBD #317 Striped shore crab (Copy) Another tide-pool denizen, this one a little faster moving. Good thing, too, since it has to scuttle into cracks and crevices when danger lurks above. 2022-03-09 Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA [DSC00959] https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/daily-cardinal daily 0.75 2022-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1620791704576-5VPFF2ARL9VC7008EQZ1/CotD+%23160.jpg Daily Cardinal - CotD #160 May 11, 2021 (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1618452819155-NNPELH20T1QN0EAHVXJT/CotD+%23133.jpg Daily Cardinal - CotD #133 April 14, 2021 (Copy) Bath time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617594569292-DI3MJFUZXYRV0SO8ONO9/CotD+%23123.jpg Daily Cardinal - CotD #123 (Copy) Singing amongst the blossoms (crab apples maybe?). Only boys today. I tried to track down some nests but no luck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1617068107039-K68BSJ6RSFBYQZ9ZZFFZ/CotD+%23117.jpg Daily Cardinal - CotD #117 March 29, 2021 (Copy) The girls were making themselves scarce while the boys were busy fighting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616194582922-41MT1N6QBKPK9I34I4ME/CotD+%23107.jpg Daily Cardinal - CotD #107 March 19, 2021 (Copy) Looking très à la mode with wavy mohawk and goatee, he was singing into the winds as the tree swayed around him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1616118062025-HBT3Y4FSB9E3DMEOGZD7/CotD+%23106.jpg Daily Cardinal - CotD #106 March 18, 2021 (Copy) Cleaning up after the rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1612720624749-ZX56LSWMXR0U3IU9LFCC/CotD+%2367.jpg Daily Cardinal - CotD #67 Fenruary 7, 2020 (Copy) Waiting out the snow with friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1614179272657-RIK0FGBTIKL6CUEFQZB1/CotD+%2384.jpg Daily Cardinal - CotD #84 February 24, 2021 (Copy) A lot of "crest down" today. I'm not convinced by the web pages that say "crest up = aggression" and "crest down = relaxed". Based on what I've seen there is no rhyme nor reason. There's a lot of "birds and bees" happening: some mourning doves exchanging food, a starling courtship display, a pair of cardinals flitting through the trees. Maybe related to the crest down? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913259231-F9IB51028SJ865G3LU6N/CotD+%2311.jpg Daily Cardinal - CotD #11 December 8, 2020 (Copy) All the leaves are gone. No more flowers and bugs to photograph. But now we can see the birds! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610913214994-NP48IBXM19Y9WZ61IGSZ/CotD+%2315.jpg Daily Cardinal - CotD #15 December 16, 2020 (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1610912678485-OLURYQRIQ7BSB94H7C0Q/CotD+%239.jpg Daily Cardinal - CotD #9 November 7, 2020 (Copy) https://tanya-riseman.squarespace.com/trending daily 1.0 2026-08-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a789b8929f187b6328c1094/1517869970424-FZQ6FNTOR4H00QQH5TVI/20160823-IMG_0397.jpg Trending - Step In Check out my photography and musings. 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