As I was taking a hike around Fort Hill in Eastham on Cape Cod, I noticed this colorful insect feeding on the Goldenrid by the side of the trail. It was so colorful and so pretty. I clicked away, not having any idea what it was.
It is an Ermine Moth with its wings folded up. As I researched this moth, I learned that they are brightly patterned with a smooth head and considered a pollinator. They are fairly common in this area. I had never seen one before. Have you?
The landscape and clouds at Fort Hill on Cape Cod the other day were just spectacular! It has been so dry this summer that there were very few wildflowers or even butterflies. I had gone for a walk to see if I could get any new photographs of the Monarch butterflies, but only saw 2 of them in the distance.
Even though it was a hot day, it felt like fall was right around the corner…
This little orange and brown Checkerspot butterfly alighted on a Queen Anne’s Lace wildflower and made for such a pretty photograph on the trail at Fort Hill in Eastham.
There are a lot of butterflies at Fort Hill this time of the year. It’s fun to bring your camera and see how many photographs you can get. Sometimes you will a lot, and sometimes you won’t get any! They certainly are elusive little things!
The Butter and Eggs wildflowers, also known as Toadflax, are blooming all over Cape Cod. I saw these growing in the meadows at Fort Hill in Eastham.
Butter and Eggs are two-toned with irregularly shaped 1/2′ to 1″ flowers with spurs. They resemble a Snapdragon and bloom from July through September. Many consider this a weed, while others cultivate it for cutting.
I think Butter and Eggs is so pretty, especially when it grows so late in the season. It reminds me of Candy Corn. What do you think?
