After Wednesday night's storms, Thursday evening was utterly tranquil.
   This was shot from the Warden's Watch, toward the Big Ditch.

 
   The bed and breakfast near Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania has an awesome pond out back.  I was testing a new telephoto lens, when this wacky frog went scooting across the lily pads...

Soon: Shots from Hawk Mountain's Native Plant Garden.

     I have been developing a blog for the NJ Meadowlands Commission, and trying to cover 30.4 square miles instead of the Celery Farm's 109 acres.
   Both are amazing places, and I hope to do them justice.
   Recent posts for the new blog have been on hummingbird moths, a colony of monk parakeets in Ridgefield, and the NJMC's tree swallow nesting box program. Take a look, see what you think, and feel free to offer suggestions.
   Click here to see the Meadowlands Blog.

    Ace North Jersey dragonflier Sheryl Chacon has been doing a dragonfly survey of the Celery Farm this year, with at least 20 species so far.
  Better late than never, I am going to use her excellent Web site to learn more about these beautiful creatures.
   Click here to view her Web site, Odes for Beginners.

   (Note: The photo above was taken at Hawk Mountain this past weekend).

    Right now is prime time for viewing dragonflies. If you pay close attention -- and the dragonflies sit still long enough -- you can see some amazing insects.
    IDing them from photos is difficult, I know, but if anyone would like to venture some guesses...

    Click "Continue reading..." for more dragonfly images.

    COMING SOON: A great New Jersey dragonfly Web site for beginners (like me).