Wildlife: Flora and Fauna

Daisy Fleabane, Erigeron annuus
(Click pictures for larger view)

"Splendid wildlife sights are a reminder that, while the gardens derives much of its beauty through our own endeavor and creativity, nature is still the world's most abundant and talented artist." ~ Jane Camp

Wildflowers basking in the unseasonable warmth of a fall morning. These grow in fields and along roadsides; this group in a small park near the James River.

Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura

This shy little mourning dove made her nest in an abandoned robin's nest. Yes, there is a plastic bowl under the nesting material, but that is another story altogether. This mother dove nestles two pale pink eggs beneath her as she shyly peaks through the evergreen.

Wild Strawberry, Fragaria virginiana

Wild strawberries grow everywhere and each spring, take over the flowerbeds with their small white flowers and brilliant red berries dotting the ground. Such perfect replicas of their larger cousins, and yet grow without planting or pruning or pampering.

Brown Chinese Goose, Anser cygnoides

This regal character is actually considered a "domesticated" goose by most, however, a group of them is often seen swimming in the lakes at Mt. Trashmore and here are completely footloose and fancy free. After all, domestication alone does not take the "wild" out of an animal; anyone who had been pounced on in the middle of the night by their pet cat knows this.

The theme for Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt this week is "wild". You can go here to "Grab the Scavenger Hunt code" and here to join the blogroll. This really cute new logo is available there as well. The link to other participants is in my blogroll on the sidebar.

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