LIFE GIVING ENERGY MONARCH BUTTERFLY This was the first sighting

This was the first sighting of a common goldeneye duck for me

A beautiful early spring sunrise with rich and soft colors of orange appears on the horizon with giant reeds standing tall along the South Fork Kishwaukee River as I make my way to Wildflower Lake

some wild bergamot was near as was false sunflowers and goldenrod that was yet to blossom along with a couple rosinweed plants

these types of shots are a little tricky because your camera is limited with its dynamic range from highlights to shadows

A red-tailed hawk circles overhead as it gains lift and catches the heat thermals beneath the cumulus clouds during this winter afternoon at Wildflower Park

LIFE GIVING ENERGY MONARCH BUTTERFLY This was the first sightingWildcat canyon waterfall is a 125 ft plunge waterfall within Starved Rock State Park in Northern Illinois. This area is unlike any other in Illinois with 18 canyons and many waterfalls. The area is made up of sandstone and was carved out by glacier melt water. (573 309)