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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Mid-Summer Walk at the Reservoir

I haven't posted many pictures from the reservoir this summer, mainly because it's been so hot that I haven't walked as frequently as I should. And, on those days that I do walk, I sometimes leave my camera behind because it's just too hot to carry anything extra.

But I took the camera today.

I love it when the chicory is in bloom, and there is an abundance of it at the reservoir this summer. I wonder if it thrives in heat and drought.

Here is a honeybee on a chicory flower. If you enlarge the image, you'll see all the pollen clinging to the furry bee. We don't see many honeybees in our area these days, so it was a treat to see a few of them on my walk this morning.

Honeybees weren't the only ones enjoying the chicory today. This bumblebee was, too.

And lots of pollen is clinging to the bumblebee's fuzzy body.

A spider had spun a web on this chicory flower and seems to have caught a feast of insects.

Chicory isn't the only flower blooming at the reservoir right now. Queen Anne's Lace is also abundant.

The little dark red flower in the middle always intrigues me.

Of course, flowers aren't the only things that provide color at the reservoir. These fishermen and their reflection in the water added their own bit of color.


18 comments:

  1. Wow,all these are so beautiful. I love seeing flowers and the boat on that calm lake is amazing.

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  2. These are beautiful Linda! Glad you took the camera. What kind of camera do you use by the way?

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  3. Nice to have that camera , I have a hard time if I don't take one.I like the blue in the chicory, they are all along the roads and survive many mowings.

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  4. Thank you, Ruth. You're such a good photographer that a word of praise from you makes my head swell. :)

    Thanks, Elizabeth. I use a Canon PowerShot SX20 IS. It's an "advanced" point and shoot. I'd love to have a DSLR but have a hard time justifying the expense. :)

    I know what you mean, Steve. I can always count on seeing something photo worthy if I don't have my camera. :)

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  5. Beautiful pictures --all of them, Linda... I especially love the blue flowers (color is SO pretty) and the last picture of the water/boat.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  6. Thanks kindly, Betsy. I love those little blue flowers, too.

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  7. Come to Seattle - we have only had one day so far that touch the 80 degree mark. At the moment my thermometer reads 61 degrees. The rain is my reason for few walks :-)
    The pictures are great!!

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  8. GQ - Your invitation is tempting. We're way ahead of our normal number of days with temperatures exceeding ninety degrees this year. Fortunately, the humidity has been lower than usual. But, after a record rainfall in May, we've had virtually none in June and July. Thanks for your kind comment about the pictures.

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  9. Thanks, Beckie. Sometimes I surprise myself. Hope you're having a great time at Sunset Beach.

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  10. Fantastic photos! I can;t begin to pick a favorite...they're all too good!

    Funny, we have Queen Anne's Lace all around us, and I have never noticed that tiny red flower in the middle...I'll definitely be more attentive from here on out. And the chicory can withstand heat and drought...does it every year here in Tennessee!

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  11. Thanks so much for your kind words, Ethelmae. I really didn't notice that the little dark spot in the Queen Anne's Lace was a flower until I began photographing them last year. Interesting, isn't it?

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  12. Hi, Linda, It has been a while, but today I read so many of your blogs! The stories are always so heart-warming and keeps you spellbound. It is a deep glimpse of a friend's heart (who without reading your blog I would never know so many precious and insightful stories about not only herself/Doug but many things; and also who is a very good writer.

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  13. KD - Thanks so much for that sweet comment. It touched my heart.

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  14. I love the photo with the web on it. Lovely perspective there. I can't say I've ever noticed a red flower in the QAL.. at least not in the ones around here. I'll have to look more closely on my next walk. I have however noticed that it always seems to grow alongside wild chicory. And I'm not sure why.

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  15. Hilary - With your keen eye, you most likely would have noticed that dark red flower in the Queen Anne's Lace if it had been there. I wonder if you have a different variety there that doesn't have it. Keep me posted on your observations. :)

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  16. Well, I'm darn glad you decided to tote your camera along. I hope you make it a habit, despite the temps. You have a fine eye.

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  17. You're very kind, Frank. Thanks for the encouraging words.

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