The Black Swallowtail butterfly resting on a remaining Marigold summer bloom. For more information on this Illinois native CLICK on the image above. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
As the colors of the Coleus plant fades due to cooler days and fewer hours of sunshine, an aging Black Swallowtail feeds and rests. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Hiding amongst the Coneflowers (Echinacea) is the wondrous Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterfly. Here one rests on the Conflower, but it’s preferred food is grasses while it lays eggs on the Milkweed plant. Monarchs in Chicago (and other northern places) and then travel over 3000 miles to Mexico for the winter. It will be a new generation that travels North next summer. CLICK the image above to track migration via “Journey North”. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Years of butterfly observation have taught me that Monarchs toward the end of their life fly slower and slower making them easy to catch by hand and hold for a short time before setting them free. They are fascinating to observe close up. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Green Heron
Careful observation at Lincoln Park’s North Pond can reveal unique birds. This Green Heron (Butorides virenscens) probably wintered in the southern States or Central America. In the South they frequent coastal areas or Mangrove swamps. In the Midwest they are content to residency by ponds and wetlands. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Not all wildlife migrates south for the winter. Like people, some species acclimate to the many Midwest climate changes during the year. Here are some native Northerners enjoying the cooler days of autumn in Chicago.
The hardiest Heron do not migrate to Florida for the winter but remain at Lincoln Park’s assorted ponds. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Always on public display, grooming is never private. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Squirrels squirreling away nuts is easily witnessed this time of year in preparation for winter’s long season. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
The Grey Squirrel is a personal favorite on my walks though parks. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Friends in the pond community. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
More grooming, this time by a duck. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Spring is not the only time of birth for the turtles of South Pond in Lincoln Park. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg