Dick's Hideaway:

I thought this goldfinch sat near the ground on a dandelion stem and captured bugs for lunch. Maybe it did, but a friend suggested it was likely plucking fluff to line its nest.

Relaxing at camp in the shine of a newborn summer I've noticed numerous butterflies, mainly Spring Azures, Northern Crescents, Mourning Cloaks, and the especially beautiful Tiger Swallowtails fluttering in the yard.

Bumblebees, regular ones and other especially large ones with orange tinge where yellow usually shows, along with yellow jackets and many other flying insects are loving the covering of dandelions.

I have never noticed before that dandelions close up tight at dusk and then fling themselves open with the rising sun in the morning. I probably already know the answer but I find myself asking, "Is this something new this year, or has it taken me all these many summers to discover something so simple?"