We recently returned from a family visit and mini-break out west. We spent a day exploring Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. My favorite image from that day is of the Phantom Ship island in this huge lake. A storm was brewing, which made the lighting a bit surreal.

Weather at home continued to be dreary with rain even after we got back. I watched this Eastern Wood-Pewee trying, unsuccessfully, to catch breakfast in the rain.

Eastern Wood-Peewee in the rain

The following day, the sun did come out and I saw a female Monarch flitting about the garden. She found the patch of Marsh Milkweed! She looked fresh and healthy.

Monarch female on Marsh Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Of course, we'd been away, but we are not the only ones seeing our first Monarchs this late.  I entered my sighting and checked the map:

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/maps/monarch_spring2015.html

The same day, an American Goldfinch nibbled on some seeds of wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa).

American Goldfinch on Monarda fistulosa

And, the Ruby-throats have been busy finding food and chasing each other, too. This bird is going after the Royal Catchfly (Silene regia) nectar.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Royal Catchfly (Silene regia)

And, the male alights on the arbor after defending 'his' garden.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

There have been dragonflies hawking mosquitoes, too. This female Green Darner rests on a dried purple coneflower stem. 

Green Darner female at rest

It's always good to get back home and see who's here!