Some days begin in the dark, leading to a foggy morning with dew heavy in the air.
Today’s journey was to visit the large sunflower fields at McKee-Besheer’s Wildlife Management Area.
Well known to local photographers for an outstanding photography opportunity, it was long past due for me to make the trip to visit the fields.
My early start had me arrive before anyone else, and I had the fields to myself along with the deer. In spite of the dreary morn, the sunflowers brightened the landscape with their cheery yellow faces.
iPhone capture
Even the darkest spirits can’t help but be lifted by such a sunny reception. Even if it was early, the bees were already busy at work. Can’t blame them as it seems they were dining on liquid gold.
It wasn’t hard to figure out which was was east as all of the flowers knew which way it was. A natural compass.
The sunflowers weren’t the only ones representing yellow today. Heading over to Riley’s Lock on the C&O Canal just down the road from the sunflower fields. Another beautiful surprise as several Prothonotary warblers were hanging about on the lock. Enjoying the mulberry tree berries, I watched yellow flit about.
And then a yellow standoff. Protonotary vs. the American Goldfinch. Who was going to win the yellow fight? A snarl and a snip. A leap towards each other, and then flying off, both a winner.
I felt like I had certainly won the gold today. Wishing you a day filled with gold as well.
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Reblogged this on freeyourselfandbe.
Thank you so much for sharing this with your readers.
The two birds on a fence is wonderful. I like all the shots, but that has impact.
Thank you so much Victor. I agree, that is a special shot. Especially with that prothonotary warbler.
Lovely yellow day! Beautiful shots.
It really was. I miss the yellow the rest of the week. Thanks Tiny.
I love sunflowers, there is something irresistible about flowers that follow the sun!
Isn’t that amazing? I can’t think of another flower that does this so significantly. Thank you for your thoughts.
What glorious, glorious captures – so beautiful! 🙂
You are truly so kind Joanne. thank you so very much.
The last one is a rarety, very nice
Absolutely agree Nelson. I don’t think I’ll ever see that interaction again between these two birds.
There isn’t a happier flower than the sunflower and if you throw in a yellow bird as well, how can you go wrong? The makings of a perfect day 🙂
The only thing it was missing was YOU !! Hugs and have a lovely summer trip.
So beautiful!
I got my daily vote in today also! 😉
You rock !! Can’t thank you enough. It’s running close for me. I hope I get into the calendar.
Gorgeous photos! I especially love the one of the quartered sunflower – nice, new perspective!
Thank you so much Judy. I didn’t get to spend nearly as much time as I wanted to for photographing the flowers. 😦
I’m hoping to head over there this weekend. Your photos were too inviting to pass it up!! Smile.
Yellow is such a happy color, and these are very happy pictures. Love the little warbler, and the sunflowers are amazing. Thanks for lifting my heart.
Truly a pleasure Carolyn. Glad I was able to brighten up your day. 🙂