When I came home from the Portage on the 4th, I found the female American Goldfinch above and some butterflies enjoying the front yard. The Common Milkweed was blooming with its heavy perfume. The blossoms are all gone by now and it’s moving on to seed pods.
The little girl below (female Ruby-throated Hummingbird) was visiting the hummingbird feeder hanging on my front porch, where I was sitting with my camera. She took offense to the camera and landed in a nearby tree where I got this shot and the one below.
One morning when I was out walking before work, as I approached my house, I saw her checking out each of my neighbors’ porch fronts to see if they had feeders hanging. Smart little bird. I like her logic. Unfortunately, my neighbors don’t have feeders on their porches.
There have been a few butterflies, individuals of different species.
Spicebush Swallowtail
These photos are from early July. The yard looks a lot different by now. July has been a busy growing month for everything.
Then there is the backyard. When I try to sneak up on the birds here, I am often unsuccessful, but on the 16th I did manage to capture a few images below.
I haven’t seen a lot of House Finches, but that could change as the season progresses.
House Finch (male) 
The challenge has been keeping up with four suet feeders this summer. The House Sparrows are very good at clinging (I have seem them climb brick walls), so the feeders designed for Woodpeckers are not challenging to them. They have their own feeder with room for two suet cakes. but it empties out every day. I have come to the conclusion that the reason why suet is so popular in the summer is because it is cheap and easy to feed to offspring. The pictures below were through the back porch windows. I apologize for their softness, but I have a female Hairy Woodpecker who has become a regular, even though I have yet to capture a decent picture of her.
I’ve ventured out every weekend including this one and will have a lot more to post soon, if I can just stay inside and do it. This afternoon is likely a good day to sit inside – it’s very hot now. I am glad I got up early to roam a wild space such as it is still available. It’s reassuring to visit p[aces that in essence remain the same, even as they themselves are changing: my tonic for facing all the rapid and sweeping challenges we do not want or need.
Our butterflies are slow to arrive at the moment.
I haven’t seen many altogether but every single one gets special attention. I hope you get lots of butterflies with all your wonderful flowers to offer them.
his year I’ve seen more birds and they have consumed much more seeds than previous years. We have more flowers now than before. Take care, Lisa. 🙂
Yes it does seem like I’m going through more seed too. Summertime – more birds, longer days…! Thanks, H.J. 🙂
It’s nice to see so much life in your own backyard. I can’t believe how fast your suet goes!
The hummers are here again, but I really want to see a nest someday. I can never figure out if they’re breeding or just found the flowers and stayed for a meal.
Hummer nests are infinitesimal. I have never seen one. I know what you mean, I keep wondering what the one female hummer I see frequently is really up to. As for the suet, well, the birds are spoiled. I think next year I won’t feed them quite so much. They’ll have to do a little work on their own.