Blue Moon!

This is the second full moon during the month of August 2012 which makes it a "Blue Moon!"  The next blue moon will not occur until July 2015.

Red-breasted Goose

This is an endangered Red-breasted Goose which originates from Siberia. They have been hunted to near extinction and are considered to be one of the most beautiful geese in the world. This photo was taken at the Gooseneck Hill Waterfowl Sanctuary in Delvan, New York which is the largest waterfowl sanctuary in the United States.

Elegance on Water

Hawk Eyes

An intense stare from this big Red-tailed Hawk.

The Swamp

One of my favorite birding spots this summer.

Between the Storms

The sunset was able to peek out for a few minutes between rain storms this evening.

Feeding Frenzy

Colorful feeding frenzy in a Koi pond!

Safe Travels

Our male Ruby-throats haven't been seen for a few days now. Only the females and young ones remain and they will be leaving at any time to return to Central America. After that, all we will see for the next few weeks will be a few migrants passing through that spent their summer further north. Safe travels my friends, you are amazing creatures!

Ruby Meadowhawk Skimmer

Great Blue Heron

Immature Green Heron

The camouflage on a Green Heron is amazing!  This guy was 20 feet in front of me for at least 10 minutes before I realized he was there.

Pink Cosmos

A late summer favorite!

Tonight's Waxing Crescent Moon

Pied Piper?

This squirrel chewing on a stick almost looks like he is playing a musical pipe!

Exact Moment

The exact moment the sun slips below the horizon.

Buckeye Butterfly

Buckeye Butterfly which is out of its normal range here in western New York State.  It is usually not found north of mid-Pennsylvania or east of Ohio.

Fleeting Beauty

The Aphrodite Fritillary Butterfly (Speyeria aphrodite) is a perfect example of "fleeting beauty" since it doesn't sit still for very long.  This photo has been included in the sightings record for the the Butterflies and Moths of North America organization (BAMONA).  You can view the record at the following link:  http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/sighting_details/732121 

Wild Peppermint

Wild peppermint is in bloom and the butterflies and bees love it!  This is a Pearl Crescent Butterfly visiting the mint blossoms.

Crisp Evening

Tonight's low temperature should be around 50 degrees.  Very crisp weather for August!

Hummingbird Moth on Buddleia Blossoms