The pale purple coneflowers have been anything but pale this summer.

In fact, many of the common, early summer wildflowers have seemed richer than usual in color. Pasture Rose (top) is usually a light, weathered pink in color. This year, some individuals are a deep, dark pink.

Along with wildflowers, visitors may spot one of our resident Baltimore orioles preening or singing from a preferred perch. Goldfinches, indigo buntings, common yellowthroats and tree swallows add a dash of color too.

Above: A male Baltimore oriole preens its feathers.

Top: Close inspection of flower blooms will reveal a variety of insect life. Above: Anderson Prairie provides food plants for a large variety of butterfly caterpillars, including the monarch. Monarchs dine on members of the milkweed family (Asclepias).

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