Category: Nature

My first encounter with the Spotted Lanternfly was this past weekend at the sunflower field.  They are an invasive insect that was first found in Pennsylvania in 2014.  They are native to China, India, Vietnam, and have been introduced in South Korea and Japan.  They jump more than they fly and are actually very pretty.  They pose a threat to our grape, fruit tree and logging industries.  Not a fan of most bugs (except maybe Butterflies, Ladybugs and Moths), I was a little freaked out when they flew at me!

Sunflowers brighten the gloomiest of days!

When the sunflowers start to die, birds like this American Goldfinch take over and enjoy snacking on the seeds.

The early birds get to watch the sun rise and then fish away the morning before the lake becomes busy with boats and swimmers.  This is my favorite time to visit the lake because it’s so peaceful and relaxing.

What could be prettier than a yellow Swallowtail on a sunflower?