Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus)

The thistle and the finch

Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)

A favorite of the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

I had the pleasure this year of watching the goldfinches visit the thistles growing in the pasture. 

A simple introduction

Hello and welcome; I am glad you stopped by.

Simplicity is a virtue I hold dear, and it is a theme I hope to carry throughout this blog.

I explore the natural world around me with the purpose to observe and document. Most of the time, it is just in the area in which I live. Occasionally I venture a little farther, but I have found that there is so much around me that I was missing before I decided to just walk outside and look.

I have no fancy equipment. All photos and videos are taken with my smart phone.

I hope to inspire others to walk outdoors and have a look around- find the things you overlook in the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

You might just be surprised with the diversity of life right outside your door.