Raindrops, Skippers, Butterflies and Birds on a Cool Summer Morning

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Yesterday a thunderstorm blew through Hot Springs National Park with a joyous result, the gift of a cool morning. The park is decorated with sparkling  jewels of summer rain drops as I begin my morning hike.  They glisten from pink petals and green leaves offering life giving liquid.  Several tiny pale blue Asiatic Dayflowers have opened in the morning light to decorate the trail edges.

The Tree tops are framed with a clear blue sky as the haze of the past weeks has begun to fade as I hike up the Mountain. Deep in the twisted dried vines an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly perches wings spread to capture the first rays of light. Rocks along the trail edge are transformed, painted by the rain they appear re-sculpted.

Colorful male and female Cardinals join me with a sweet song as I head around Hot Springs Mountain.  Summer rain has refreshed the air and lifted the heat from the Forest trails and a light breeze is caressing my face. Posed on a leaf above me a spectacular and vibrant Red Spotted Purple Butterfly gentle fans it’s wings in the sun.  A juvenile Brown Thrasher glances at me from a nearby limb before flying deeper into the Forest.

As I leave the park I notice a bush covered with multiple winged creatures.  A flurry of Skippers (Fiery, Hoary Edge and Silver-Spotted) are  sipping nectar from the bell shaped flowers.  If has been a glorious morning in the park.

Dance with an open Heart along the Forest trails…
Lee

Lee Hiller owner of Hike Our Planet is the most followed Nature Photographer on Twitter (@LeeHillerLondon) with over 25,000 followers. To find out why CLICK HERE.

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