Iowa has a nice state park called The Ledges. It is a hilly canyon with rocks and a fairly clean stream (Iowa has lots of streams, but most are polluted from agriculture) running through it. The park also has a nice wooded area with good spring vegetation. I spent a lot of time watching redbud trees, looking (unsuccessfully) for a butterfly called Henry’s elfin. Here is a redbud tree, and the large leafy plants in the background are called May apples.
But I can’t help myself. Mostly what I pay attention to is the small stuff, like this beefly, probably Bombylius major.
This is a charming little furry insect that can hover in place.
One of my favourite insects, even if their behaviiour is not as cute as they look!
Amazing image by the way!
Thanks