Hummingbirds, My Love of Summer

The challenge of my summer this year was to capture as many hummingbirds as I could. Those little guys are so fast .Sometimes I would sit for a hour lying in wait. So far I have been pretty lucky and patient. Many I might be able to add more to the video soon.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most widespread hummingbird in the United States and Canada. If you live east of the Mississippi, you’ve probably seen one … or many.
Name and Nicknames
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have many dedicated fans. And so, they have many nicknames: ruby throated, ruby throats, rubythroat, ruby, rubies, hummers, hummer birds. Here’s their scientific name: Archilochus colubris.

peggy-franz.pixels.com

 

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To feed the hummingbirds I use plain sugar. I also plant many varieties of plants that they like too. They are happy here and I am glad they come each year to entertain me. It is funny I always know when they are out of food , as they come buzz me and I say “Im coming to fill it up ” 

To yield larger portions, mix at the ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. The solution will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

 

Hiking in Hickory Canyon

I just love hiking when I can get out. I loved doing this beautiful hidden gem. This is Hickory Canyons. Located in St. Genevieve , Mo . It is a moderate hike with lots of up and downs along with many different  things to see. We went from seeing frozen icicles  to melting and cascading  waterfalls. The 1 mile hike is very unexpected in the winter months. It was a a warmer day so we  got see both. Frozen and melting. This is very active when after a rain. This is a great hike for a mile . 

Natural Features Description:
This area is botanically rich, supporting 541 native vascular plant species and 152 bryophyte (liverworts and mosses) species. A number of these species are considered glacial relicts. Glacial relicts are species that were more common in Missouri 12,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. Since then, the climate has warmed, forcing some species to inhabit micro-climates that mimic the cool, moist conditions of glacial times. Glacial relicts at Hickory Canyons include hay-scented fern, fir clubmoss and winterberry. The area is rich in fern species with over a dozen species represented.

A Marginal Shield Fern grow along a creek at Pickle Springs Natural Area near Farmington, MO

http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places-go/natural-areas/hickory-canyons

The Colors of Twilight and Sunsets at Busch Memorial Conservation Area

On Golden Pond

Reflection of my Mind

Twilight Blue

Romantic Pink

Beautiful Silhouette

Sunsets, like childhood, are viewed with wonder not just because they are BEAUTIFUL but  because they are fleeting ~
Richard Paul Evans

Area highlights

Located in St. Charles County, the 6,987-acre August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area is home to the St. Louis regional office, which includes a visitor center. With hiking trails and numerous hunting and fishing opportunities, the Busch Area is also your local connection to Missouri’s fish, forests, and wildlife.

Stop by for a fishing/hunting license, and stay to enjoy our exhibits, including a 1,300-gallon aquarium. Catch one of our free nature programs, go for a hike, enjoy a picnic, or wet a line in some of our 28 fishable lakes and ponds.

Missouri’s Natural Beauty

 

Well visited one of my favorite place to go which is Pickle Springs Park in St.Genevieve Missouri which also is very close to Farmington ,Missouri. 

 Explore a geological wonderland that is a National Natural Landmark.

 View scenic waterfalls and cool box canyons that harbor unusual plants and animals.

 Enjoy the blossoms of rose azalea along the sandstone valley in the spring.

Natural Spring Waterfall

Natures Beauty Waterfall

Forest Lights

The Key Hole

The Key Hole

The View from Above

 This scenic natural area contains all sorts of fascinating sandstone rock formations including box canyons and wet weather waterfalls. The sandstone rock here is the Lamotte sandstone that was formed from sandy beaches of a shallow ocean that existed here 500 million years ago. 

Missouri has so much to offer as far as beauty of nature and wildlife. 

 

Autumn Colors on a Beautiful Drive

Well I got to  capture the last of the Autumn Beauty Colors. I took a drive and visited several places. St. Genevieve Mo. Hawn State Park , Pickle Springs, Pickle Creek and Sandy Creek Cover Bridge as well as capturing a few things along the sides of the roads.
I am not ready for Old Man Winter yet,but I do like the beauty of the snow!!!

Along the Country side Road

This is in St. Genevieve Mo. at a roadside look out.

A capture of this abandoned farm with the wheat field

Pickle Creek Hawn State Park

Beautiful Reflection of Pickle Creek

The Old Dirt Farm Road

Sandy Creek Cover Bridge Fall Colors

Reflection Of the Sandy Creek under the Bridge

Reflections

My Adventure in Pickle Springs Natural Area Rock Climbing Walking Trails and Natural Springs

The adventure today was so incredible! Who new going out today hiking would take me through time. I laugh now because who knew that a 2 mile hike would feel like 10 miles because of the terrain. Boulders and rocks,cliffs and springs that were all over Crawling in and out , Through narrow rock walkways and cavelike walk ing paths with the coldest water dripping down. JUST BEAUTIFUL! YOU JUST NEVER KNEW WHAT WAS NEXT…

I will wake up tomorrow feeling my adventure lol… Here are some facts and some fun pictures of my hiking fun. 

This is a Natural  Spring  and ends up into this beautiful pond of crystal clear water.

 

 

                   

                                                             IF YOU LOOK CLOSE IT ALMOST LOOKS LIKE A TURTLE 

                                                                       

Almost forgot “Me” Crawling LOL:)    

THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAINS !! MADE IT! YEAH!