Some memories of late summer, fresh and vivid as ever; memories of fields, forests, streams … and precious friends along the way.
An Anglewing butterfly, Eastern Comma, on Panicled Aster
Eastern Chipmunk perched high up in a wild apple tree
Wild apples; a bumper crop with limbs bending, and sometimes breaking, under the load
Perching dragonfly (Meadowhawk), highlighted by a background of New England Aster blossoms
Thistle in a slight breeze
Monarch butterfly visiting New England Aster
A mountain stream, dead for decades from coal mine acid pollution, now with a heart beat due to massive, long-term clean-up efforts.
Cow elk, part of a family group of 4 (excluding the rutting, 7 x 7 heard bull that is keeping an eye on them); Pennsylvania’s wild elk herd.
“Rather than a problem to be solved, the world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise.” – Pope Francis
“Pennsylvania Wilds”
Ralph Harrison 1928-2015: forester, conservationist, forest historian; the father of the Pennsylvania elk herd; a friend and mentor for 43 years. …………….. In loving memory.
Photos by NB Hunter. © All Rights Reserved.
Nick's Nature Pics 
What a beautiful post in photographs and sentiment. Thanks.
Nick, I am very sorry for the loss of your friend and mentor.
Thank you Saunda. I must now plug the gaping hole, or, more realistically, part of it. You’re missed, and I hope all is well.
Lovely photographs, Nick. I am sorry about the loss of your friend.
Thank you.
Beautiful photos Nick. You captured the light and loss we feel as summer fades and a friendship is mourned. Thoughts and positive thoughts are with you.
I really appreciate those lovely comments Alison. Thank you.
Thistle.
Such a beautiful set of images in memory of someone dear to you. Wishing you well. May your travels through your wonderland bring his memory back often.
And your comment is a beautiful set of words. The last line is the future. Thank you.