Observations

Crab-apple blooms of this past Spring. Private grounds, May, 2014 Note the variations in sexual anatomy from bloom to bloom: Pollination is the movement of pollen from the stamens to the stigma, where germination and growth of the pollen tube occur. Most (approximately 96 percent) of all flowering plant species are hermaphroditic (possess both sexual functions within a plant, usually within every flower), and thus an individual can be pollinated by its own pollen or by pollen from another individual. (Please view in larger sizes or Light View for best effect)

The first leaves of the Virginia Creeper in early Spring. Nature preserve, May 2014 (Please view in LightBox or in larger sizes for best effect) The name "Virginia creeper", referring to one of its native locations, is also used for the whole genus Parthenocissus, and for other species within the genus. The name Parthenocissus is from the Greek literally meaning "virgin ivy", and may derive from the common English name of this species. The specific epithet quinquefolia means "five-leaved", referring to the leaflets on each compound (palmate) leaf. This plant is also known in North America as woodbine, although woodbine can refer to other plant species.

The leaves of the Virginia Creeper in early Autumn. Nature preserve, September, 2014 (Please view in LightBox or in larger sizes for best effect) The name "Virginia creeper", referring to one of its native locations, is also used for the whole genus Parthenocissus, and for other species within the genus. The name Parthenocissus is from the Greek literally meaning "virgin ivy", and may derive from the common English name of this species. The specific epithet quinquefolia means "five-leaved", referring to the leaflets on each compound (palmate) leaf. This plant is also known in North America as woodbine, although woodbine can refer to other plant species.

Summer Sites - Ryan on the soccer fields. Public park, July, 2014

I've watched this pair (they mate for life), for a few years now. They live at the edge of a large nature preserve. Mostly illusive and definitely camera shy, this bright male surprisingly posed for me one late morning amidst black berries (that match his piercing eyes) and the camouflage of autumn leaves. The common name, as well as the scientific name, of the northern cardinal refers to the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, who wear distinctive red robes and caps. Nature preserve, October, 2013 (Please view in Light Box or larger sizes for best effect)

Playing hard at Soccer, Misha wipes the sweat from his face on his shirt. Public Soccer fields, July, 2014

August Moon with late night mist. Northern Michigan, August, 2014 (Please view in Light Box or larger sizes for best effect)

Dangling children finding their orbit. Community fair, August, 2014 (Please view in Light Box or larger sizes for best effect)

Spilling from a large travel van, the strangers made no effort to disguise their uneasiness. Parking area, off a main highway, July - 2013 (Please view in Light Box or larger sizes for best effect)

Fresh water lake in 10:00 AM sun. Northern Michigan, August 2014. (Please view in Light Box or larger sizes for best effect)

Dangling, orbiting children. An alternate interpretation. Community fair, August, 2014 (Please view in Light Box or larger sizes for best effect)

Between acts - music festival - September, 2011 (Please view in Light Box or larger sizes for best effect)

Sun, striking the edge of a giant Red Oak. Nature preserve, October, 2014 (Please view in Light Box or larger sizes for best effect)

City workers, Carlos and John, delegating the afternoon tasks. Public park, June, 2014

Chinese Dogwood, private estate, June, 2014 (Please view in Light Box or larger sizes for best effect)

Skate Culture - sports park, July, 2011 (Please view in Light Box or larger sizes for best effect)

Crab-apples, one day before the first frost. Nature park, September, 2013 (Please view in Light Room or in larger sizes for best effect)

Female groundhog, alert to the approaching photographer as her young ones disappear into the brush. Private estate, July, 2014