The zinnias are in full bloom and the Two-tailed Swallowtails love them! The Two-tailed is the largest butterfly in the western part of the United States. It is also the Arizona state butterfly.

The hummingbird feeders are active all day long! Not only do we have the Rufous (top) and the Black-chinned (bottom), there are also Anna’s and the Broad-tailed stopping by. August will be a busy month!

The sunflowers are blooming! And they are attracting a wide assortment of finches, hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. To me, sunflowers are the essence of summer and make every day a happy day.

Humming away at our feeders and garden flowers are the Black-chinned Hummingbirds! These tiny birds provide hours of endless entertainment and fill our hearts with joy.

An Anna’s Hummingbird is seen enjoying the blanket flowers that grow near my studio window. The zinnias will be blooming in just a few days and both the Black-chinned Hummingbirds and the Anna’s will dominate the flower garden. That is, until the Rufous’ show up!