Very good!

If you don't know about this already you might consider it for next year. They get entrants from all over the world.

https://creativecameraclub.org/InsectSalon/InsectSalon2020.pdf

Marshall

This may be more than you want, or need, but I've been very satisfied with Photo Mechanic, a front-end photo ingesting, tagging, and browsing tool by Portland, Oregon-based company Camera Bits.

It is highly recommended by sportshooter professionals and photo journalists, wedding photographers, etc, who take lots of shots and need to cull and edit them on tight deadlines.

I only use a small portion of its capabilities, but it has become the primary first step in my workflow. Not cheap, but has a 90 day free trial.

Marshall

Fine image, Pixelmaster! I never realized how pretty the milkweed flower was until this year.

For several years now at our place here in KY we've been leaving a group of milkweed in the yard un-mowed, and it has grown into a sizable patch. We knew of the link between milkweed and butterfly, but this year decided to study them more closely and learn about the fascinating life cycle and migration of the Monarch Butterfly.

So far this year we have seen two Monarch caterpillars in the patch, apparently neither of which has survived the caterpillar larva stage to become a chrysalis, and on to become a butterfly.

From what I've read , so far, an adult Monarch butterfly started its journey north in March from Mexico; sometime in June a second generation youngster had made it to KY and laid eggs on one of our milkweeds, and then continued northward. A couple of weeks later I found the developed caterpillars which then never got the chance to become a butterfly.

I hope to find more larva and document the cycle; and hopefully at the end of the year put up a small photo essay of our efforts.

So, Pixelmaster, keep up the good work! Many years ago my wife and daughter saw a Monarch Chrysalis, and were amazed how beautiful it was. I hope to see one this year, too.


Marshall

After many, many deleted shots, I was lucky enough to get this one of a Purple Martin, bug hunting over the water downstream from Robinson Dam in Scott County, KY.


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50073838457_719ee36061_o.jpgPurpleMartin_03Jul2020 by Marshall Smith, on Flickr


Marshall

Thanks, NMGal and UTMike, glad you liked the photo!

I've always been amazed by a hummingbird's flying abilities, until I saw the two white-hot jet thrusters that she has under her tail feathers. That explains it!

Marshall

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50053150312_aa2156ee81_o.jpgHummer26Jun2020 by Marshall Smith, on Flickr


Marshall

Good job, especially on that Killdeer! And you have quite the variety at that pond.

I believe that unknown ID is a Mourning Dove. We've go plenty of those here, too, in KY.

Marshall

Here is a Northern Flicker in KY from a couple years ago. They are really beautiful, especially if you can get those wings backlit!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/78687170@N00/39717041741/in/album-72157661776533449/


Marshall

You're welcome. The amount of grey threw me off , too.

Merlin has been pretty reliable for me, so far.

Marshall

Second MBW66 for a House Sparrow, as ID'd by Merlin Bird ID ap.

Marshall

Squirrel Wood

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50036235443_ffbacb7435_o.jpgSquirrelWood22Jun2020 by Marshall Smith, on Flickr


Marshall

If I had seen this bird here in KY I would have said it was a yellow-shafted version of a Northern Flicker, probably a juvenile.

Marshall

Merlin Bird ID app suggested an oriole, also. Bullock's Oriole or female Baltimore Oriole. I believe it being wet made it darker than expected.

Marshall

I really liked your Gull photo! This is the part I liked the best:

Fine set of images, Cindy!

I'll second the ID of a female RWBB; they love to build their nests down in a bunch of cattails. Nearly impossible to see once they get in there. Great shot.

Marshall