Blooming Common Sunflower and an ant – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I photographed some birds yesterday morning in the Wasatch Mountains but it was the blooming Common Sunflower with an ant that made me smile the most when I saw it on my screen. I only took six photos of this wild sunflower and the ant only showed in two of the photos. What I liked about this one was that it appeared that the ant was peeking at me from the base of the sunflower.
This time of the year I see Common Sunflowers blooming in deserts, on desert islands, marshes, wetlands, roadsides, in urban areas, and high in the mountains. This sunflower was blooming at more than 6,000 feet in elevation.
Common Sunflowers are a plant that I pay attention to in the field and not just because their sunny flowers are attractive and appealing to me. I pay attention to them because they attract butterflies, beetles, bees, spiders, and most of all, birds. Some birds are attracted to the insects they find on the flowers and later in the season other birds feast on their seeds.
The ant may have climbed this sunflower stalk to look for aphids. I really can’t say for sure but I was delighted to see the ant peeking out from it. The ant also reminded me to take joy in the little things. I am grateful for that small reminder.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my flower, shrub and tree photos.
Blooming lovely. And hooray for the aphid terminator.
Just wanted you to know I enjoyed this simple post—thanks!
I lovethe variety in your photos and the poetic ptose that goes with them..👍
Wow– I just looked it up, and learned ants like sunflowers for the aphids! good photo!