At first, Black Swallowtails are gorgeous.


Time, however, takes its toll and you can see the change in this individual:


Other flyers:






Thanks to Ken Sproule for assistance in insect identification.
I used to visit Duffins Creek Marsh frequently with my grandfather. It was quite a remote location in those days but now it is surrounded by subdivisions and concrete walking and cycling trails.
There are still birds however and their distance from me made me wish I had a long, long lens. You get the idea anyway from these photos:







Views of the area:






Some botany:































NATURE POETRY
Through all the long midsummer day,
The meadow-sides are sweet with hay. – John Townsend Trowbridge (1827–1916)
Miles Hearn
Thank you, and thank Ken Sproule! Absolutely intriguing journey you are sharing with us!
We so enjoy your posts and I try to take some of my newfound knowledge with me on walks. Often while reading your posts and looking at the pictures, I see something and say to myself, “So that’s what that is!”
Thanks so much for sharing with us.
I totally agree with the comments above. Especially interested by the contrasting pictures of the black swallowtails.
Life is harsh These pictures, however, are beautiful! What a marvelous place. The insects are fascinating. The birds are special. The plant life is gorgeous. Thank you so much for this, Miles (and Ken)!