August 19 - Lake Avenue

Starting Weather: Mostly Sunny , 85°

Ending Weather: Mostly Sunny , 83°

Distance Covered:  .55 miles

Time: 5:47 PM - 7:08 PM

Pennsylvania Leather-wing Beetles

Common Buckeye Butterflies

Tonight we opted for an afternoon trip to Lake Avenue.  As with previous visits this week, the wildflowers lining the beautiful Tuscarawas River were filled with butterflies and other insects.  The difference this afternoon was that now the flowers and insects were backlit by the descending sun shining from across the river.  There were so many butterflies!  I followed two Common Buckeyes, who appeared to be engaged in a mating ritual.  Then I saw two beetles mating, Pennsylvania Leatherwings. (What we would do without our field guides?)  I know that as soon as the wildflowers fade, the beauty of this area will change again.  But for now, I plan to take advantage of the photogenic nature of the area as often as possible.