Our extremely high summer heat hit us all at once at the beginning of June and it takes a while for our bodies to adjust so I haven't been doing my Sunday walks at the garden for several weeks. Yesterday, I decided to go at 6:00 AM when its open to members only and see if there was anything worthwhile to see. There was plenty to see and the place was quiet with only 4 or 5 other people out and about. I saw lots of white-winged doves looking for cactus fruit.
The bees were gathering at the watering hole to refresh themselves before they head out for their pollen gathering duties.
The chocolate daisies were soaking up the early morning sunshine.
And the queen butterflies were enjoying the taste of the fuzzy blooms on the Texas Ebony tree.
In fact, the butterflies where sharing the bounty of the Texas Ebony tree with a few bees too!
And, lets not forget the little cactus wren who was busy building a nest in a chain-fruit cactus.
6am is obviously a busy time of day, at least for the wildlife... great shots!
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots, especially the sunflower. My favorite for today :)
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
What an interesting spot of blue surrounding the dove's eye and the shot of the sweet little wren is wonderful. They are such great birds to have around! Stay out of the sun; smart of you to go out and about so early.
ReplyDeletePS. The sunflower photo is quite dramatic. May I use it on my desktop? Promise not to share it with anyone, just my morning pleasure when I open my computer!
ReplyDelete6 AM... hmmm... at that time I could take photographs of my dreams...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful series, Sharon, I like especially the butterflies :)
These are amazing. I'm blown away by your photographic skills! Each of these stand alone as very special photos! Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was well worth braving the heat to get these shots. The dove wore it's brightest blue eye shadow for the occasion. The butterfly shots are beautiful and I like the way you shot the sunflower.
ReplyDeleteYou have captured some beautiful nature scenes here. I especially like the wren and the butterflies.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous pictures which remind me of this for ever beautiful garden!
ReplyDeleteTerrific photos! The blue eye patch on those doves is really striking. And I love the cactus wren too.
ReplyDeleteFabulous collection, I especially like the bees and the wren. The dove just looks too much like a pigeon to me. And I have come to quite literally hate them.
ReplyDeleteFabulous pics, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine functioning at all in the heat you are having. At least when it is really cold here I can put more clothing on and still head outside but heat .....!
It occurs to me that I've never seen bees drink water.
ReplyDeleteLove the intense blue around that dove's eye. I saw a snow white dove in our back yard the other day but I wasn't quick enough to get a picture.
ReplyDeleteAnd I shall never cease to be amazed at the cactus wren building her nest amongst all those spines.
So much activity going on at such an early hour! That dove is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThese are great. I love the shot of the daisy.
ReplyDeleteYou always find the most wonderful goodies at the garden!
ReplyDeleteA very fine series, Sharon. The botanical garden is for you what Elizabeth Park is for me.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting and beautiful series!
ReplyDeleteTotally charming series of early morning shots Sharon, so worth while being a member there!
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