This week, Amy has challenged us to show photos we have taken at home.
During this almost six weeks of sheltering in place I find myself spending more and more time outside appreciating the natural beauty all around me.



We’ve had many birds at our feeder this spring – chickadees, house finches, cardinals, hummingbirds and others. My favorite is a pair of painted buntings that come by every day. So far I’ve only been able to get photos of the male.

The cardinals hang around under the feeder in hopes of finding fallen seeds.

Monarch butterflies are continuing to come through the garden. I haven’t found any more caterpillars and the milkweed they stripped is coming back strong with new growth.
I first spotted a Monarch Chrysalis in my garden about three weeks ago. I’ve been checking on it several times a day and after 14 days I realized this one was not going to make it.

Being at home for six weeks has made me realize how much I have to be grateful for. I am so grateful to live in a home where I can go outside into my yard to enjoy the natural world. I’m grateful I can keep in touch with friends and family who are far away. I’m grateful for my health and the health of my family and friends. I’m grateful I am physically able to get out and exercise in the fresh air.
Many thanks to Amy for this weeks Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – At Home
Inspired by Discover Prompt Grateful.
Wow! You have so much subject matter to photograph that is so pretty♥
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Thank you so much! I love having a back yard for the birds and butterflies to come to.
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I’d have a foto field day in your yard 🙂
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😎
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Excellent photos. Like ’em. We’ve been ‘in’ for about six weeks, too. It’s almost a treat to go outside, which I do daily, weather permitting, for a walk of some sort.
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Thanks John. I think getting outside is helping keep me sane.
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I love this series! Beautiful photo captures of flowers and colorful birds! Thank you for sharing with us! 💗🐥🌺
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Amy, thank you. I’m happy to share them.
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I love the red flowers and your thoughts about all for which you are grateful. Your post is refreshing.
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Thank you Betty! Glad you enjoyed the post.
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Very pretty!
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Thank you Pam!
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I’m grateful for your lovely post Beth – and insanely jealous of your buntings. My next door neighbor feeds them and gets many but I’ve yet to see one although she calls me over when they’re about. I REALLY want a photo of one!!! Loved your PMA (positive mental attitude) this week.
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Tina, thank you. I get a special blend of seeds that the buntings like. I really love seeing the two of them together.
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Beautiful photos! We’re also very grateful for a backyard that attracts a profusion of birds and butterflies. We’re still hoping for Painted Buntings. 🙂
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Thank you Laurel! I hope the painted Buntings will find your backyard!
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These are all beautiful. It is wonderful to have hobbies that can be continued in our current environment. No slowing us down!!
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Thanks Suzanne! You are so right about not slowing down!
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All beauties! And what a lovely yard you must have – jealous of your lovely birds! I too am very grateful for so much, and even more these days. I agree it helps being outdoors to keep sane. And colours!
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Thank you! It’s such a joy to see all the bright colors this time of year.
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It is – colours help to keep up the good mood!
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What wonderful lilies you have blooming! And your birds are amazing!
But you know I love the chrysalis! A monarch is coming soon!
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Nancy, thank you! The buntings are my favorite and I’m determined to get some shots of the female.
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😊
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Glad you are well and enjoying your home ground because you have some beautiful visitors right there at home. I’m guessing though that you’re looking for a time to move a little further out just like I am as soon as it is safe to do.
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Judy, you are so right. Thank goodness we can at least walk through the neighborhood!
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Great pics! That male painted bunting is great to see. We’ve only ever had the female at our feeders and not in a couple of years. BTW…Go Dawgs!
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Thank you Lisa. Go Dawgs!
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