in motion

Sanderlings seem to be in a state of constant motion as they run back and forth on the beach, probing for food in the wet sand.

I watched a small group of them today running across the sand at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

delicate

A single pink rose creates beauty for the eyes.

This flower's wonderful scent stopped me from moving on; I needed to stand still and absorb it.

a coastal glimpse

Yesterday was a good day for a walk in Odiorne Point State Park.

This photo was taken from the rocky shore, looking to the north over a bit of inland water.

'strawberry blonde' sunflower

Did you know there is a type of sunflower that wears the name 'strawberry blonde'?

I was amazed to get quick results from my search for different varieties of sunflowers. This beautiful flower is known as Helianthus annuus 'Strawberry Blonde'.

painted

This butterfly's wings are painted with a mixture of shapes and colors.

fading

Coneflowers are fading, moving from bright pink to a more muted color.

thistle & storm

Today's weather is wet and windy, sometimes foggy, sometimes not. I have no complaints; Henri tracked to the west giving this area a much milder storm.

On this gray day I'm happy to share the bright color of a thistle.

afternoon light

A walk in Harold Parker State Forest yesterday afternoon revealed magic light.

blue & green

Whle trees and bushes continue to wear leaves in summer green, they have added a bit of berry color. I love the pop of blue against the green.

flowers before rain

Early morning was a good time to visit a garden that was planted for butterflies.

My walk through the flowers finished just as heavy rain started.

posing

A monarch butterfly sits on a bit of evergreen, posing.

a woods umbrella

This mushroom could almost be an umbrella for creatures wandering in the woods.

a touch of pink

Coneflowers are starting to show signs that birds, bugs, or butterflies consider them to be a food source.

Even with a ruffled center they bring beauty to the garden.

a Parker River morning

The tide was heading out as I walked on a short section of open beach this morning at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

I was accompanied by the soothing sound of the ocean.

intricate wings

The pattern and subtle color of this butterfly's wings pulled me in as I stood in a butterfly conservatory Wednesday afternoon.

It was the first of three predicted very hot days. I had spent some early morning time walking and attending a pilates class. I should have been happy to sit quietly at home in the afternoon but wanderlust took over. Looking for an interesting indoor spot, I decided The Butterfly Place in Westford, MA would be my afternoon destination.

Watching butterflies always makes me happy!

an early walk

Today is the second of three predicted very hot days. Hoping to walk before it became too hot & sticky, I headed to Crane Beach for an early morning low tide visit.

The beach was quiet, a good place for absorbing a sense of calm.

simplicity

A single clover bloom splashes the landscape with color.

wild mushrooms

The woods are home to many wild mushrooms this year. Yesterday as I walked at a very buggy Harold Parker State Forest I kept my eyes out for interesting shapes on the ground.

WBUR posted the article "Summer Rains Bring Mushroom Frenzy To New England" yesterday. To read it, click here.

rudbeckia

The rusty color of rudbeckia hirta always makes me think of fall - but I'm sure the expected heat wave later this week will remind me that it is still summer.

This beautiful flower is also known by the name Cherokee Sunset.

a canal in Lawrence

I walked along a canal in Lawrence this morning.

The water level was quite low, allowing the green edging the banks to emerge.

a garden visit

When I woke up this past Wednesday I knew I needed a garden visit. I headed to Portsmouth, New Hampshire to satisfy my need for bright colors and interesting shapes.

The exquisite gardens of Prescott Park are home to many different varieties of flowers. It is a good location to wander and absorb beauty.

I captured a bee aiming for a group of bright pink cosmos. Wasn't it kind of him to pose for a photo?

locks on a fence

When I was in Portsmouth yesterday visiting the gardens I took the time to walk by the edge of the Piscataqua River. Some of the fences along the river were adorned with locks. While most were pretty standard padlock shapes, a few were more interesting.

I loved this padlock wearing the shape of a fish.

a butterfly

I was delighted to see butterflies in the garden today.

This monarch made me happy when he posed for a photo.

remaining bright

While these yellow coneflowers are starting to lose their petals, their color remains bright.

morning flower

It was early when I headed out with my camera for a short walk.

I was delighted to find a dahlia posing.