A Sparrow's Nest in the Grass

One of the parents perched on a tree near their nest in the tall grass.

In a field near our house we could frequently see a pair of song sparrows [Melospiza melodia] perch on this small tree and then hover down into the tall grass. One obviously suspects a nest would be near by. I carefully moved the brush aside ensuring not to affect the vegitation thus possibly exposing the nest and sure enought found this nest very well hidden deep below the underbrush.

These little babies look like they are ready to leave the nest at anytime now.

Song Sparrow fledglings

The Everwelcome Dragonfly

 This dragonfly is one of our most common at this time of year. According to KAUFMAN Field Guide to Insects  of North America, ISBN-13/EAN: 978-0-618-15310-7 or ISBN-10: 0-618-15310-1   Page 48 this is the Dot-tailed Whiteface [Leucorrhinia intacta]. In the evenings when the mosquitoes come out in swarms, these Whitefaces are welcome critters since the make quick work of the mosquitoes.