Wednesday through Wednesday, October 1-15, 2025—Birds, Butterflies, and Hickory Sticks

Posted on October 15, 2025 by dunngone

The first two weeks of the month were relatively quiet. Most days found me taking photos, and the both of us either playing pickleball, golf, or both. Two notable events were Kay taking a girls trip to Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi, and the two of us playing in the Duffer’s annual member/guest scramble. The Beau Rivage trip resulted in donations to the casino, but overshadowed by a good time with Pam. The Duffer’s scramble was a weird Halloween-themed event with strange rules. Kay and I finished, which was a success in and of itself. Regardless, to say we were and remained blessed is a gross understatement.

I managed to photograph eleven days out of the fifteen of the month. Wednesday, October 1, was the most productive day with several species of butterflies, a dragonfly, and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird captured on digital memory.

Butterflies included Fiery Skippers, an Eastern-Tailed Blue, and a Clouded Skipper.

A solitary Blue Dancer dragonfly was also using the pollinator garden.

And the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were stocking up on nectar for their upcoming journey south.

In addition to the usual butterflies and hummingbirds, a Fence Lizard was hunting for prey in the garden later in the week.

Butterflies have all but disappeared. A few birds came around on Sunday, October 5, including a Carolina Chickadee, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and a Tufted Titmouse.

Few birds came around on Wednesday, October 8. A Tufted Titmouse and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird were the only ones photographed; however, none are shown here.

The only bird of note photographed on Thursday, October 9 was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Though no photos are posted here, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet was observed on Friday.

The season’s last photographed Ruby-throated Hummingbird was observed on Saturday, October 11.

And even though two Ruby-throated hummingbirds showed up early Sunday morning, October 12, no photos were made. These were the last hummingbirds seen this season. However, a juvenile Blue Jay (having a bad hair day) was photographed later in the day.

A Great Blue Heron was feeding along the shoreline on Monday morning, and it was photographed having breakfast. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet was also observed.

The 18th U.S. Hickory Open golf championship was held in early October at Hot Springs Country Club. This tournament annually attracts an international field of golfers who play with antique pre-1935 hickory shafted golf clubs or authentic replica hickory clubs. Most of the golfers dress in period golf clothes, making for an awesome photographic event. Friend Dan and I attended on Saturday, October 4, making several photos.

Friday through Friday, August 1-31, 2025—Weather!

Posted on August 31, 2025 by dunngone

The first three weeks of August were hot and humid before cool weather made its way to the area. Despite the heat, we engaged in our regular activities. Interestingly, if one looks at our calendar, it is filled with pickleball, golf, haircuts/beauty appointments, and social activities for Kay. We did get to spend time with our Maumelle kids and grandkids, both at a soccer game and during their visit over Labor Day weekend. Also, the pollinator garden is paying dividends as I was able to make photos of butterflies and dragonflies at will.

I spent a great deal of time working on VLOGs (video logs) of our trip to France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Switzerland in late June and July. The last VLOG, “Trier Highlights, and Cochem, Reichsburg, and the Moselle Valley”, seemingly took forever as it incorporated a number of videos along with still photos, maps, etc. These can be viewed on YouTube; just search for DunnGone.

Rather than bore you with ALL the photos shot on August 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, 17, 20, 22, and 27, here are a few photos representing the yard visitors. Each group is in a “gallery” but just click or double click on a particular image to enlarge it.

On Friday, August 1, a Painted Lady, Dun Skipper, Fiery Skipper, Prairie Lizard, several dragonflies, and a Silver-spotted Skipper were photographed.

And then on Tuesday, August 5, a dragonfly and a couple of butterflies (Common Buckeye and Little Yellow) were photographed.

On Wednesday, August 6, a few more skippers showed up.

A Strawberry Clearwing moth, aka butterfly moth, was buzzing around and a Giant Swallowtail made a first time visit on Saturday, August 9.

Another “big” swallowtail (a black version of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail) showed up on Sunday, August 10, along with a Pearl Crescent, Little Yellow, and Halloween Pennant dragonfly.

A week later, Sunday, August 17, a dragonfly, Ruby-throated hummingbird, a little brown kipper, and a Sulphur were photographed.

Friday, August 22, was a special day in as much as a female Diana Fritillary showed up. This rare butterfly (Arkansas state butterfly) has been cherished by people who chase butterflies. It’s the middle top photo. Also, a damselfly, little brown skipper, and “gold” dusted bee were photographed.

On Wednesday, August 27, I celebrated my 76th birthday. It was a relatively quiet day, and the central Arkansas kids and grandkids took us out to dinner. Another highlight of the day was that it was perhaps the best “butterfly” day in the pollinator garden this season. A fresh Monarch, a Summer Azure, and a Strawberry Clearwing moth were photographed, but several other species were observed.

Friday through Saturday, May 23-31, 2025—Butterflies, Dragonflies, Damselflies, and a Dance Recital

Posted on May 31, 2025 by dunngone

Kay and I are in full swing with golf and pickleball; she plays golf a couple times a week and pickleball three or four times a week, and I play golf three times a week and pickleball four times a week. In as much as it doesn’t occupy all of our time, we’re usually too sore and tired to do much of anything else.

Our Memorial Day weekend consisted of pickleball on Friday and Saturday, followed by a visit of the Maumelle kids (Karyn, Ridge, and Aker) on Sunday. Of course the kids had to play pickleball and take a trip to the beach.

Tuesday evening was “Hand and Foot” night at the Starr’s as seven couples played after heavy hors d’oeuvres, Both our teams won a little bit of money.

Wednesday, May 28, was a busy day for the both of us. Kay played golf in the morning, while I photographed at home, Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area, home again, and then I played pickleball followed by having the car serviced in the late afternoon. The first photo session at home proved to be a good one as several “first of season” (FOS) butterflies visited the garden: Common Buckeye, Horace’s Duskywing, Little Glassywing, and Fiery Skipper.

Even dragonfly appeared long enough for a photograph

And then, my FOS Diana Fritillaries were observed at Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area.

Not many other species of butterflies were observed, but Common Buckeyes, Eastern Tailed-blues, Little Wood-Satyr, and Hoary Edge Skipper.

Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area is still producing nice wildflower blooms.

And then, back at the house, an Orange Sulphur was observed.

Also, an Eastern Amberwing dragonfly was seen near the lakeshore.

On Thursday, a few dragonfly and damselfly species were observed near the lakeshore at home: Common Green Darner Dragonfly, Eastern Amberwing Dragonfly and Slender Bluet Damselflies sharing a stick-up, a Variable Dancer Damselfly, and a Black-shouldered Spinyleg Dragonfly.

And the pollinator garden was quite active. Below are photographs of a Dun Skipper, Hoary Edge Skipper, Tawny-edged Skipper, and Southern Brokendash Skipper.

And then on Friday, more FOS butterfly species showed up at the garden including first time visitors Diana Fritillary and Hackberry Emperor.

Not to be outdone, a Tufted Titmouse took advantage of the bird bath for a good soaking.

After pickleball Saturday morning, Kay and I drove to the Memphis area to attend Sutton and Harper’s dance recital. They were both beautiful and amazing, and growing up entirely too fast!

We returned home on Sunday, tired but playing a few holes of golf to end the month.

Wednesday through Wednesday, April 16-23, 2025—A Busy Lifestyle

Posted on April 23, 2025 by dunngone

Kay golfed Wednesday morning, though she did not have a great round, and I played the Diamante Pickleball Ladder in the afternoon, playing better than previously.

She then played pickleball with the Peaches at Diamante on Thursday morning, and I played golf with the guys on Thursday afternoon. Golf with these guys is always lots of fun. In fact, our Tuesday and Thursday golf games and Hole 19s are my favorite activities of the week!

Carolina Chickadees are one of the most popular subjects I photograph, and on Friday, April 18, one posed just long enough for a couple of portraits. (If you want to see more detail, just click on each photo.)

Saturday was without any planned activities, and after a couple of Ruby-throated Hummingbird photos,

a short excursion to Middle Fork Barrens was in order. Many of the target wildflowers were in the final days of their bloom, a few butterflies flitted about, and even a dragonfly landed on a nearby stone.

Easter Sunday was uneventful, and then on Monday, it was back to our regular routines of pickleball—Kay at Diamante while I played at Desoto HSV courts.

A group of Spotted Sandpipers flew though across the lake on Tuesday morning, landing on a neighbor’s rocked bank. These are the first we’ve observed in the neighborhood.

Around lunch, we drove to Bald Knob to watch Ridge compete in a junior high track meet (he’s only in the 7th grade). Prior to the meet, Kay and I had footlong chili cheese slaw dogs at the Bulldog Cafe and Kay topped her’s off with their famous strawberry shortcake. The food was okay, but not near as good as we remember. At the track meet, Ridge did well and had good times, and we were delighted to visit with BIL Gerald and niece Lisa, who met us at the meet.

Kay played golf on Wednesday morning with the Duffers, and shot a really good game with great drives and putts. While she played golf, I took a few photos and then played in a couple of pickleball ladders at Diamante. We were both pretty tired Wednesday evening.

Monday through Monday, April 7-15—Back to Fun and Games

Posted on April 15, 2025 by dunngone

After bunches of rain, it began to dry on Sunday afternoon, allowing play on most golf courses and on the outdoor pickleball courts. Our “Old Men” group reformed and we played some challenging pickleball Monday morning at the DeSoto courts in the Village. It was obvious that a number of us were rusty, but got better as the morning progressed. After pickleball, we drove to Vilonia to watch Ridge participate in a track meet. That kid has a huge heart and outran the closest competitors in both the 4X100 and 4X400 relays despite being significantly behind when he received the baton running the last leg of both relays. While he didn’t win any of the dashes or hurdles, he made a good showing.

The golf courses were too wet—cart path only—resulting in most of our group cancelling Tuesday afternoon golf. On Wednesday morning, Kay played on a wet Coronado golf course; play was slow and tough. And at home, a few birds fed at the seed feeders, yielding photographs of mostly American Goldfinches with a Carolina Chickadee thrown in.

The Diamante Pickleball Ladder welcomed a full house on Wednesday afternoon with two times: 12 noon and 1 PM; I played both, some 7 or 8 games and while loads of fun, it wore me out. Kay also played after the grueling 9 holes of golf, and said she would never do the two on the same day again. And then on Wednesday evening we hosted a Hand and Foot tournament; Gary and Jolene, Janice and Harlan, Helen and Don, Bev and Ron, Marcia and Norm, and Kay and I played. No one was allowed to partner with their spouse. Janice and I came in 6th, but we’ll do better next time.

Kay did The Book Club on Thursday and I played golf. She followed up with pickleball on Friday afternoon while I played Saturday morning with some of my favorite people—Stephanie, Sue, and Gayle; it was like old times when the “Chicks” played everyday. Kay and I sure packed in a lot of activities this week. And then temperatures in the low 80s prompted a visit to Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area to chase butterflies and dragonflies. A few butterflies paused long enough for photos, but the wind kept most in the air.

No dragonflies were observed clinging to shrubs or limbs, or on the ground for that matter. A few wildflowers were evident, though the Fire Pink I was hunting could not be found.

We were both sore and tired from the week’s activities, but we wanted to play golf Sunday afternoon. Helen and Don Baggett joined us for a very windy nine holes at Grenada followed by dinner at the Granada Grill. Golf was painful, i.e. we both played poorly, food was good, and company was great!

Pickleball Monday was with the old men’s group at DeSoto. Don, Tom, Ed, and I played and had a great time. Kay played pickleball with her “Peaches” group at Diamante. Upon returning home, I took a few photos of birds in the back “yard”, and was happy to get two species that do not frequent the feeders: a Pine Siskin and a House Finch.

While Kay played pickleball Tuesday with the “Peaches” group at Diamante, I played golf at Magellan. It was not my best game, though the G&T afterwards was great.

Wednesday through Tuesday, January 1-7, 2025—Struggling to Find a Niche

Posted on January 7, 2025 by dunngone

After being overwhelmed last night (New Year’s Eve) with the crowds and traffic, we enjoyed a quiet day in The Villages celebrating New Year’s Day. Clothes were hung or put away, toiletries were located where they could easily be found, and computer equipment set up for processing photo images. We enjoyed hog jowl, black-eyed peas, and cabbage for dinner, and watched TV. A lot of time was spent setting up the TVs to reflect our various subscriptions. Regrettably, we have had no luck in turning closed captioning on the various specialty subscriptions; with my hearing loss, closed captioning is a must! I believe this is the evening that we had our first Hand and Foot card game, women vs. men. It wasn’t even close; ‘nuf said. Way to go men.

The next few days were spent trying to get our bearings, learning all the processes used to “survive” at The Villages, and doing a bit of shopping. Kay suffered sticker shock when checking out at the groceries; groceries are expensive.

We played nine holes of golf at Bogart Golf Course on Thursday, January 2—Bogart is one of the executive courses near us—and had a lot of fun. The executive courses are better than what we were led to believe, but they are really crowded.

We joined Gary, Jolene, Ron, and Bev Friday evening for dinner at the Americanos restaurant at Spanish Springs, one of the large town squares in The Villages, after which we listed to a “just okay”t band.

We left Spanish Square and moved to Sumter Landing town square where the music was a bit better.

Saturday afternoon late, almost 5:00 PM, we played the Bogart Executive Golf Course, together with another couple. Kay and I called it quits after seven holes because of darkness.

On Sunday, January 5, we ventured to the largest of The Villages’ nature preserves—Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve—but it was closed because of flooding. I had been counting on it for photography—very disappointing. Desperately trying to find some photo subjects, we drove to the small Chitty Chatty Preserve, also in The Villages, and managed to take a few photos.

The Air BNB owner came by the rental and helped with the garage door openers and see how we were doing. In the preceding days, Kay and I had had some serious discussions about our future in The Villages, and we both quickly and firmly agreed that it wasn’t our type of place—too crowded, too much traffic, absence of an abundance of photo opportunities, a lack of neighborhood social activities, and a very expensive place to spend the winter. We agreed that we would ask the owner if we could revise the lease agreement to change the duration to one month instead of three. Fortunately for us, she agreed, and we executed the new rental agreement while she visited. Consequently, we will be returning to Hot Springs Village before the end of the month of January.

Monday was a shopping day for Kay and Jolene, while I remained back in the rental to process photos. We both made calls and/or sent messages letting family know that our plans had changed.

Tuesday, January 7, (not sure of date) Jolene, with Gary’s assistance, prepared a chicken noodle soup and apple bread dinner for Ron,, Bev, Kay and me, after which we had another robust game of Hand and Foot, women vs. men. It was close, but the women edged out a win.

Tuesday through Monday, October 1-15—The Hummingbirds Left and then Kay Left

Posted on October 15, 2024 by dunngone

Kay and I continued playing lots of golf and pickleball despite the above average temperatures and humidity. Family birthdays continued this first half of the month of October; Karyn celebrated on October 6 and Jenny celebrated on October 13. One more birthday remains and it’s in a few days. Cool weather finally arrived on Monday evening, October 14, and was a welcome change from the high 80s and low 90s experienced earlier in the month. Big events this last couple of weeks included a “girls’ trip to the casino”, the monthly meeting of “The Book Club”, the Hot Springs Village Big Band Concert, and did I mention that Kay left me.

I did photography 8 days so far this month. On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, a “rare-to-this-area” Long-tailed Skipper showed up again, having first been observed a few days ago on September 29. I have seen only two other Long-tailed Skippers in Arkansas, in 2018 and 2020, both time in the west Little Rock area.

And, on this same day a tiny Anole was detected among the marigolds. It couldn’t have been more that about 5 centimeters (approximately 2 inches) long’

Only one new species of butterfly was detected so far this month, a Red Admiral on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

A White-lined Sphinx Moth appeared out of nowhere and hung around for several photos. This was another first time visitor.

Otherwise, the garden visitors were many of the same species observed the previous couple of weeks.

On Friday, October 4, 2024, Kay, Pam, and Sue ventured to Pine Bluff to play the slots at the Saracen Casino Resort; none of the “girls” reported a winning night! Meanwhile, a Sachem Skipper butterfly was photographed.

On Monday, October 7, 2024, an American Lady butterfly was seen nectaring on a Butterfly Bush.

On Tuesday, October 8, a couple of real beauties were photographed: a Monarch and a Painted Lady.

The Hot Springs Village Big Band played a concert at the Balboa Pavilion on Friday, October 11, 2024. They are quite good, as many played professionally or as music faculty in the working lives. A couple of vocalists accompanied them on several songs.

Saturday, October 12, 2024, three butterfly species were photographed in the garden. Their beauty made up for the lack of numbers.

And then on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Kay traveled to Short Pump, Virginia, for a sister visit. There is so much catching up and laughter when they get together, particularly reminiscing about foregone days. However, I miss her and am anxious for her to return home. The butterflies took pity on me that afternoon, and provided opportunities for several photographs.

Monday through Monday, September 16-30, 2024—Was It The Greatest Butterfly Day Ever

Posted on September 30, 2024 by dunngone

There’s not much to report this two-week period; we continued with our usual activities and meetings. A couple of highlights, though, were dinner out and cards with the Nobles and our annual COVID and flu injections.

Dinner on Friday, September 20, 2024, was at Mulligan’s, and Kay, Celeste Noble, and I had catfish while Tom had pizza. Kay and I used to eat catfish there every Friday evening when Troy and Patty owned and operated it, but had not been overly impressed when new owners/operators took over. This particular Friday evening was good. I can’t remember the card game we played, but it was similar to Hand-and-Foot and Tom won ALL the games!

A couple of butterflies and a hummingbird were photographed Saturday, September 21, 2024.

On Thursday, September 26, 2024, Kay and I had our annual flu and COVID injections. And, as usual I began having a reaction to the COVID injection at 2 AM the following morning. The reaction is tolerable, but a nuisance—fever, achy joints, and a headache—lasting about 48 hours. It is yucky at best.

Sunday, September 29, 2024, was a great day for butterfly photography. In fact, it’s the best day we’ve ever had in our yard. The small butterfly garden was full of various species of butterflies flitting here and there, nectaring on the wide variety of flowering plants. Of special note, a Long-tailed Skipper briefly appeared before disappearing for the day; however, I did get a decent photo of it. It’s only the second Long-tailed Skipper I’ve seen in Arkansas.

Also a first in the garden was a Gulf Fritillary.

And then a huge Great Spangled Fritillary, a bit worse for wear, was seen nectaring on a nearby flower.

The first Monarch butterfly to grace the garden then flew in for a brief visit.

And finally, a tiny Red-banded Hairstreak was spotted on a flower; this was another first-time visitor to the garden.

Not to be outdone, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird seemingly begged to be photographed.

Saturday through Saturday, August 17-31, 2024—Same Old, Same Old

Posted on August 31, 2024 by dunngone

The title is absolutely wrong! According to the internet (the internet is never wrong), the phrase “same old same old” is an idiom that means something or someone’s behavior remains the same, especially when it’s boring or annoying. Our days are pretty much the same, but our lives are neither boring nor annoying.

Despite the heat and humidity, Kay and I kept busy with pickleball and golf, and of course she had tons of club meetings, etc. Kay is playing pickleball three or four times a week, and golf a couple times a week. And, she continues to improve at both sports.

With a fairly healthy body, I have really been into golf, playing four times a week, and most days playing pickleball before hand. I turned 75 this month, and am realizing the “old” body can not longer perform at that level—too bad.

On Saturdays and some Sundays, we traveled to Maumelle or Little Rock to watch the grandson play soccer. Life is such fun for us.

The butterfly garden is still attracting new species as well as several that keep hanging around. I spent about 30 minutes each day on August 17, 18, 23, 28, and 30 making photographs in and around the garden.

On Saturday, August 17, a Blue Dasher dragonfly posed, seemingly begging for a photograph.

And then on Sunday, August 18, our Maumelle family visited. This is one of our sweet, sweet granddaughters.

And out of nowhere, this miniature white horse showed up on one of the giant quartz rocks.

A Hoary Edge skipper also made an appearance.

A number of butterflies were photographed on Friday, August 23, including a Fiery Skipper, Common Buckeye, Pearl Crescent, and Orange Sulphur.

Not to be outdone, an Eastern Pondhawk and a Halloween Pennnant dragonfly presented themselves.

Wednesday, August 28, was a great day for butterflies. A Hackberry Emperor, Sachem Skipper, and Dun Skipper, Southern Brokendash, and Sleepy Orange were found nectaring in the garden.

And a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird showed its true colors nectaring near the deck.

On Friday, a Fragile Forktail damselfly (perhaps the one from a couple weeks ago?) posed for a photograph. (Note: these are only about an inch long)

Thursday through Friday, August 1-16, 2024—Bridge and Bugs

Posted on August 16, 2024 by dunngone

While golf and pickleball dominated our activities the first half of August, Kay has played bridge several times this month, and she regularly places among the top scorers. It’s an activity that we really miss but there just doesn’t seem to be time to play regularly.

The new butterfly garden is paying dividends way beyond expectations.

The absence of butterflies in late July was, I expect, the result of too much irrigation and moisture applied while were gone for the few days in late July. Letting it dry out a bit yielded a number of butterflies, many new to the garden. I photographed on August 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, and 15.

Saturday, August 2, yielded Clouded Skippers, a Pearl Crescent, a Fiery Skipper, and a Common Green Darner dragonfly.

A Pipevine Swallowtail, Common Buckeye, and Hoary Edge and Crossline skippers appeared on Sunday, August 3.

On August 8, a Northern Broken Dash, Fiery, and Crossline skippers were present, as well as a Blue Dasher, Slaty Skimmer, and Eastern Pondhawk dragonflies. Also, a Fragile Forktail damselfly revealed itself. And not to be outdone, a few Ruby-throated Hummingbirds exhibited their usual acrobatics.

A few new species and some “old” ones showed up on Saturday, August 9. These included Northern Brokendash, Northern Cloudywing, Dun, Silver-spotted, Sachem, and Southern Cloudywing skippers. And, of course, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird was not to be outdone.