Finally had a visit last week from one of my favorite little flying machines, a Hummingbird Clearwing sphinx moth. These 1 1/2 inch long pollinators can beat their wings up to 70 beats per second versus a Hummingbird of around 50 beats per second . . .

A male Ruby-throated Hummingbird flits by and hovers face-to-face for a couple of seconds, as if to be saying, "Oh yeah, I put the ruby in the Ruby-throated my friend!" and then continues on with his business.

One more fish delivery for the eaglet from a proud Papa.

Love how the color of summer goldfinches just radiates through the evening air. And perhaps there should be a new Bond movie for those of us who love these birds: Goldfincher.

A couple of Double-crested Cormorants get into a tussle while silhouetted against the setting summer sun. Their compadres on the left were taking an interest in the goings on as well. But it was short-lived and all continued their preening shortly after this capture.

Just one more Indigo Bunting on a sunflower. Some fun facts from All About Birds: "Like all other blue birds, Indigo Buntings lack blue pigment. Their jewel-like color comes instead from microscopic structures in the feathers . . .

A female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail captured in flight while flitting among the flowers.

"Here, let me turn my head just a little so you can get my best side . . . " It was time for a quick rest for this male Ruby-throated before he flew off to defend his territory and chase off other rubies. No wonder they're always feeding since it takes so much energy to chase each other around!

Was tracking this Shorty across the late evening sky as it was gracefully working its way above the prairie when it abruptly went vertical to dive toward something it saw or heard below. Will miss these wonderful flying machines . . .

The talons of eagles are impressive, no doubt. According to scientists at HawkQuest in Colorado, a bald eagle's gripping strength is ten times stronger than the average grip of an adult human hand . . .