Kentucky Goldenrod

The trees have yet to change but fall color is not limited to the reds and yellows of falling leaves.  The Goldenrod, Kentucky's state flower, is on full display right now.  Goldenrod was adopted as the state flower in 1926, replacing the trumpet vine.  There is some disagreement on which species is actually the state flower.  The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives names Solidago gigantea as the state flower, but it is speculated that Solidago patula was the intended species when the resolution to adopt the Goldenrod was passed.  The statute that named Goldenrod as the state flower failed to indicate which of the 30 species growing in the state was the actual state flower.

Monarch Butterflies visit Goldenrod in the fall to refuel on their long trip back to Mexico.  Butterflies in the eastern half of the United States migrate to the pine-oak forests of southern Mexico and those west of the Rocky Mountains migrate and overwinter in central and southern Cailfornia.  These beauties won't be around much longer so catch them while they are still around.  Turns out I was a little too quick to ID this butterfly.  It is in fact a Viceroy butterfly, a known mimic of the Monarch.  Thanks to Sam Galick from flickr for the accurate ID.

Posted in: Goldenrod,Viceroy

Prairie Thistle

Posted in: Prairie Thistle

American Goldfinches in Louisville

More goldfinches!  Most of the Common Sunflowers have gone to seed and these guys are eating them up by the hundreds.  As you can see the goldfinches are molting into their winter plumage.  Little bits of yellow feathers are hanging on but before long these goldfinches will be much less gold.

Posted in: American Goldfinch,Common Sunflower

Louisville Nature: Sunlit Grasses

The sun puts off great light in the late summer and early fall evenings.  These photos were taken about a month ago at Blackacre Nature Preserve as the sun slipped lower on the horizon.  What I love about shooting at twilight is that you can shoot directly at the sun and you get these wonderful lens flares that add interest to the photographs.  Enjoy!

Posted in: Blackacre Nature Preserve,Grass,Thistle

Late Summer "Weeds" in Bloom

Many of those green weeds that fill our old fields all summer are finally bursting out in color. There are probably more species blooming now than during the coveted spring wildflower season, but late summer is usually much hotter than spring and many of the species (especially the darned asters) are difficult to identify. I guess that’s why there aren’t many late summer wildflower walks. Still, there are some great color displays happening right now. I hope you get a chance to go see some of them during this reprieve from the heat!

A field of ironweed blowing in the breeze


Bull thistle in bloom


A dandelion bloom at sunset


A trail lined with Ozark beggar's ticks in The Parklands of Floyds Fork

Barn Swallow

Just a quick update of what I've been seeing lately.  The Barn Swallows are starting to congregate together as they prepare to fly back south.  I've been seeing big groups of birds together feeding on insects, getting that extra fat needed to fly to South America.  These little guys are one of my favorite birds and I'll miss them once they are gone.

Posted in: Barn Swallow

Rose Mallow

So I haven't been updating much lately because as you know it has been ridiculously hot and humid outside this summer. I finally got around to taking some pictures Friday and yesterday since the heat has let up slightly. It's still too hot for the birds to be out and about but I did take some pictures of the plants and flowers that are in bloom.

Today's flower is the Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos).

Rose Mallow is actually a species of hibiscus.  It has large flowers up to eight inches across and grows in wet swampy areas.  They grow upright on long stems and can reach heights of almost seven feet.