Goldenrod, Blazing Star, Virginia Creeper

 Goldenrod

 Blazing Star

 Virginia creeper

Staghorn sumac

Tangled Weeds

Elecampane, Thistle, Joe-pye Weed,Purple Loosestrife

 I haven't seen elecampane other years, but this year I've seen several of them in the neighbourhood.  It's a strong, attractive plant and I think I'll try to get some seeds in the fall to plant at our place.

 I like the big swirly leaves.

 Joe-pye weed is sold at plant nurseries but the domesticated varieties aren't much different than the wild plants.  The butterflies like the clusters of little flowers.

I like the dark stems and fluffy old-rose flowers.

A very spiky thistle - why did the Scots want such a painful flower to be their favourite flower?

 Purple Loosestrife growing in the tall reeds. I know the Purple Loosestrife is invasive but it is still pretty to see
in the ditches.  Anyway, it'll have a fight on its hands with the reeds.

Happy Days in the Pasture

Good friends, good weather - what's not to like.  The little filly in front is lightening up in colour, so perhaps she will end up as a palamino like  her mom.

Birds in the Shade

 It was hot and breezy when I took these pictures.  The seagulls were resting in little patches of shade made by the trees in the park.  This guy is facing downwind so the air is ruffling his feathers - I would imagine it felt pretty nice.

 Not sure why one of these gulls is striking such a funny pose.

 

 The grass is very dry from the drought we've been having.  We are starting to get a bit of rain and the daytime temperatures aren't as hot so the grass will probably green up fairly soon.

Some of the ducks were up on the grass, too.  Maybe they were catching some insects.  I really like ducks - they are such friendly looking birds.

At the Water's Edge

 Tansy and grape vines

 Willow

 Shopping cart neatly parked by the water.

 Rocks, a great place to sit and watch the water.

Bullrushes blowing in the wind.

Birds by the Water

Yesterday, lots of birds were enjoying the water of the St. Lawrence River.  It was a hot morning so they were looking for cool spots.

 The water reflecting willows leaves is a lovely marbled green.

 This assortment of geese and ducks found a sheltered spot in deep shade to rest in.

 It's amazing how far back a duck can turn its head.  Many of the ducks were having a mid-morning nap.

 This seagull, however, was out in full sun soaking up the rays.

Dozing geese, ducks and a cormorant making a sculptural display.  How do those geese sleep on one leg?