The Ida Lee park in Leesburg is the home of a garden of the Loudoun Master Gardeners. There is almost always something blooming there. Currently, the Bleeding Hearts and Virginia Bluebells are blooming (as well as others). Bleeding Hearts are one of my favorites. The flowers are so delicate and move in the slightest breeze. They also seem to glow when the light is right. A drop of nectar forms on the bottom of the blossoms attracting ants, bees, and other insects.
The Leesburg air show was cancelled this past weekend. To help fill the gap, the Commemorative Air Force provided some entertainment with fly-bys and rides. The above biplane represents US Coast Guard aviation during WW II.
The above airplane is a General Motors TBM-3E Avenger – the largest single-engine bomber of WWII
On the way to Mexico
A Monarch which stopped at the garden for some nectar. This is one of several seen in a 60 minute period. Perhaps they are en route to Mexico where Monarchs over winter. Migrants or not it is good to see them locally as their numbers have been diminishing over the years.
A hot July afternoon. Not the best time to go looking for birds but a very good time to look for butterflies and dragonflies. An overcast sky is very nice also. I didn’t have to contend with any harsh shadows – just nice even light all around.
A good opportunity to create some nice silhouettes.
I really like how the pond flora blends into a beautiful background.