29
Jul
Posted by Lee Hiller-London in Carriage Road, Dead Chief Trail, Floral Trail, Honeysuckle Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Road, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Hot Springs National Park, Short Cut Trail, Tufa Terrace Trail. Tagged: Hot Springs, Forest Path, Forest Trail, Brown Moth, Moth, Orange Moth, Rabbit, Wild Rabbit, Eastern Cottontail. Leave a Comment
28
Jul
Posted by Lee Hiller-London in Carriage Road, Dead Chief Trail, Floral Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Top, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Hot Springs National Park, Lower Dogwoord Trail, North Mountain Overlook, Short Cut Trail, Tufa Terrace Trail, Upper Dogwood Trail. Tagged: Female Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, Black-Capped Chickadee, Male Cardinal, Woodland Sunflower, Juvenile Cardinal, Orange-Crowned Warbler, Great Crested Flycatcher, Forest Trails, Juvenile Tufted Timouse, Juvenile Orange-Crowned Warbler. 2 Comments
27
Jul
Posted by Lee Hiller-London in Arlington Lawn, Carriage Road, Dead Chief Trail, Floral Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Top, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Hot Springs National Park, Lower Dogwoord Trail, Short Cut Trail, Tufa Terrace Trail, Upper Dogwood Trail. Tagged: Male Cardinal, Dragonfly, Chipmunks, Trumpet Creeper, Southern Spreadwing Dragonfly, (Lestes australis, Summer Rain. 1 Comment

Southern Spreadwing (Lestes australis), male Dragonfly

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Summer Rain

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Male Cardinal

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk
Today’s hike is a bit different for two reasons; one I did not get out the door until 10:00 a.m. and two my beloved Husband Rick came with me on my hike. As I was not alone my narrative is going to be in the past tense rather than in the moment. I tend to immerse myself in the Forest when I am alone, it would not have been fair to meditate when I am hiking with someone else
We entered the park at the Arlington Lawn and I finally spotted a Southern Spreadwing Dragonfly landing on the hedge that surrounds the entrance. It was an amazing sight with a black and white body and rust with blue green rimmed eyes. Having watched them only in turbo speed flight it is wonderful to see the beautiful detail. We hiked up the Tufa Terrace and saw a beautiful Chipmunk on the Tufa Rocks near the top, a brief encounter as it quickly vanishes into the bramble.
From the Tufa Terrace Rick and I headed down the Carriage Road and up the Dead Chief trail. As we reached the top of the first incline a van on the park road went by and the Youth Conservation Corps members from my blog photo yesterday all waved at me. From the Dead Chief we hiked up the Short Cut Trail to the Top of Hot Springs Mountain.
We took the Hot Springs Mountain Trail after a brief stop to enjoy some fresh spring water. When we passed the Pagoda I heard a Cardinal singing to the sun, I looked up and saw a Juvenile Male Cardinal in his new fully turned to red feathers. He was a beautiful sight perched high upon a piece of dead wood. We spent several moments enjoying his newly found voice.
Further along the trail we spotted a sweet Chipmunk on the Trail, it quickly dashed down the bank and along a log. It had distinctive white markings around it’s eyes and a dark rust body. Rick and I traveled further down the trail and he spotted a Chipmunk climbing on the side of a downed Tree. These fallen Trees are perfect Chipmunk condos. Along the trail there were signs of last nights rain storm, beautiful rain covered leaves and puddles. The ground foliage looked greener, less burnt and wilted.
After we crossed over to North mountain we connected with the Upper Dogwood then the lower Dogwood and finally the Floral Trail to Leave the Forest. It’s been wonderful to see the the park feeling refreshed from the rain. As I am typing my blog several large rain storms have passed through the park giving it even more of the much needed rain. Rain is life!
Dance in the Rain and feel refreshed by Nature’s liquid joy.
Love,
Lee
PS Not to My Husband Rick “Congratulations on your first morning hike since your heart attack!” I Love You Baby!
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Southern Spreadwing (Lestes australis), male Dragonfly
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Southern Spreadwing (Lestes australis), male Dragonfly
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Fountain Street Trumpet Creeper
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Male Cardinal
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Male Cardinal
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Male Cardinal
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Male Cardinal
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Male Cardinal
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Male Cardinal
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Male Cardinal
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Male Cardinal
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Summer Rain
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Tufa Terrace Chipmunk
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Tufa Terrace Chipmunk
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Upper Dogwood Trail Fungi
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Upper Dogwood Trail Fungi
26
Jul
Posted by Lee Hiller-London in Arlington Lawn, Carriage Road, Dead Chief Trail, Floral Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Road, Hot Springs Mountain Top, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Hot Springs National Park, Lower Dogwoord Trail, Promenade, Short Cut Trail, Upper Dogwood Trail. Tagged: Squirrel, Cardinal, Chipmunk, Female Cardinal, Black-Capped Chickadee, Mourning Dove, House Sparrow, Moth, Orange Moth, Blue Butterfly, Baby Sparrow, Rabbit, Wild Rabbit, Eastern Cottontail, Juvenile Cardinal, Female Sparrow, Nuthatch, Juvenile Mourning Dove. Leave a Comment

Arlington Lawn Sparrows Mom Baby

Upper Dogwood Blue Butterfly on Leaves

Tufa Terrace Eastern Cottontail Breakfast Time

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Black-Capped Chickadee

Upper Dogwood Orange Brown Moth Feeding
I am typing my blog watching a large storm rage outside, thunder, lightning and flash floods. It is rain that has been so desperately needed in the park, life giving liquid. For two week we have been under a heat advisory and with each passing day wildlife was becoming less visible. I was worried they could die from the lack of rain and the extreme heat, Hot Springs has been having “August temperatures” since mid June. The ground cover foliage was turning yellow and leaves were drying and falling off the Trees as if it were Autumn. Today a cool breeze came in ahead of the storm and the park came back to life.
When I enter the park at the Arlington Lawn above me in a Magnolia Tree I hear a delicate conversation taking place between two Sparrows. I look up to see a female House Sparrow teaching her chick how to fly from branch to branch. It is a beautiful sight to see how loving the instruction is delivered. My heart is filled with joy as I head further into the park.
When I reach the promenade a tiny moth is fluttering on the brick walkway. As I get closer it fans open it’s tattered wings as it feeds on the pollen that coats everything (everyone too) in the park. I admire it’s courageous ability to fly off with the tips of it’s wings shredded. Further along a small squirrel is coming up from the first level of the hot water spring cascade and I wonder if it was trying to get a drink.
As I move over to the Tufa Terrace the bird song is lovely and I enjoy the peaceful moment. Nearing the large Tufa Rocks I see a lovely Wild Rabbit, an Eastern Cottontail having a breakfast of sweet long grass. Although I am clearly spotted it continues eating and allows me to freely take photographs, I feel blessed. Further along a juvenile Male Cardinal is searching for water at a site the NPS often vents the upper Hot Springs. The Juvenile is half way between it’s baby green and it’s soon to be vibrant red. It is a wild color transformation.
When I reach the Carriage Road I can see a female Cardinal searching for seeds. Once she locates her treasure she moves into a Tree above me to enjoy her feast. I love seeing her bright orange and olive green contrasted against the Juniper Tree. When she flies away I follow her up the Dead Chief and Short Cut Trails to reach the top of Hot Springs Mountain.
I connect with the Hot Springs Mountain Trail and begin hiking on the east side of the Mountain. When I see what I thought was a leaf move on the Trail I stop. When I zoom in with my camera I realize it is a tiny Chipmunk sitting in the middle of the trail. Once I am spotted it dives swiftly in to the undergrowth. I am however surprised it does give me away by sounding the classic and extremely loud Chipmunk clan alert.
Not more than 10 yards further down the trail I see another Chipmunk gracefully perched on a Rock to my side. It sits for several minutes before diving into the leaves, again no warning sounded. I am floating down the trail on the memories of all the beautiful creatures that have allowed me to see them today. I hear a noise to my side and see another Chipmunk climbing up a fallen Tree, I love how their markings and colors vary. As I reach the final bend in the trail I notice it is lighter than normal. It takes me a moment to see the NPS has cut down a large Short Leaf Pine and based on the amount of woodpecker holes on it this might mean it is was dying. As I scan an old downed Tree near it I see another lovely Chipmunk. I am so happy so many are alive and survived the extreme heat. At the Trail head I look down as a bright green grasshopper, it is wonderful!
When I reach the west side of the Trail a lovely Black-Capped Chickadee lands in a Tree above me. They are so tiny and I marvel at their loud and vibrant song. To my side a tiny juvenile Squirrel peeks at me from a high limb. As I connect with the Upper Dogwood Trail I look up to see a Juvenile Mourning Dove poised on a high branch in front of a perfect Arkansas Blue sky. As I continue my hike a lovely blue butterfly lands on the sunlit green leaves next to me. At one point the sunlight causes a beautiful halo effect around it’s wings.
Nearing the my connection with the Lower Dogwood Trail I notice a large moth feeding on a plant I first noticed on the Hot Springs Mountain Trail a couple of weeks ago. I Love watching it’s delicate dance as it moves from on blossom to another. I make a mental note to pay more attention to these bushes.
From the Lower Dogwood I hike down the Floral Trail to finish my hike on North Mountain. When I reach the trail head I see a group of young people in yellow T-Shirts climbing up the Floral Trail on Hot Springs Mountain. They are with the Youth Conservation Corps and I extend my thanks to them for helping to take care of the park.
Make taking time to explore Nature a priority.
Love,
Lee
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Arlington Lawn Sparrows Mom Baby
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Arlington Lawn Sparrows Mom Baby
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Arlington Lawn Sparrows Mom Baby
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Arlington Lawn Sparrows Mom Baby
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Arlington Lawn Sparrows Mom Baby
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Arlington Lawn Sparrows Mom Baby
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Arlington Lawn Sparrows Mom Baby
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Arlington Lawn Sparrows Mom Baby
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Carriage Road Female Cardinal
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Carriage Road Female Cardinal
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Carriage Road Female Cardinal
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Carriage Road Female Cardinal
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Carriage Road Female Cardinal
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Floral Trail Youth Concervation Corps
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Black-Capped Chickadee
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Black-Capped Chickadee
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk 1
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk 1
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk 2
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk 2
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk 3
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk 3
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk 3
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk 4
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk 4
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk 4
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk 4
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Green Grasshopper
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Green Grasshopper
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Squirrel
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Juvenile Squirrel
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Nuthatch
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Hot Springs Mountain Trail Nuthatch
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Hot Springs National Park, AR Promenade Fragile Moth
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Hot Springs National Park, AR Promenade Fragile Moth
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Hot Springs National Park, AR Promenade Squirrel
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Hot Springs National Park, AR Promenade Squirrel
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Tufa Terrace Eastern Cottontail Breakfast Time
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Tufa Terrace Eastern Cottontail Breakfast Time
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Tufa Terrace Eastern Cottontail Breakfast Time
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Tufa Terrace Eastern Cottontail Breakfast Time
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Tufa Terrace Eastern Cottontail Breakfast Time
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Tufa Terrace Eastern Cottontail Breakfast Time
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Tufa Terrace Eastern Cottontail Breakfast Time
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Tufa Terrace Eastern Cottontail Breakfast Time
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Tufa Terrace Eastern Cottontail Breakfast Time
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Tufa Terrace Juvenile Cardinal
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Upper Dogwood Blue Butterfly on Leaves
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Upper Dogwood Blue Butterfly on Leaves
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Upper Dogwood Blue Butterfly on Leaves
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Upper Dogwood Blue Butterfly on Leaves
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Upper Dogwood Blue Butterfly on Leaves
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Upper Dogwood Blue Butterfly on Leaves
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Upper Dogwood Blue Butterfly on Leaves
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Upper Dogwood Blue Butterfly on Leaves
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Upper Dogwood Blue Butterfly on Leaves
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Upper Dogwood Blue Butterfly on Leaves
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Uppe rDogwood Juvenile Mourning Dove
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Uppe rDogwood Juvenile Mourning Dove
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Uppe rDogwood Juvenile Mourning Dove
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Uppe rDogwood Juvenile Mourning Dove
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Uppe rDogwood Juvenile Mourning Dove
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Upper Dogwood Orange Brown Moth Feeding
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Upper Dogwood Orange Brown Moth Feeding
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Upper Dogwood Orange Brown Moth Feeding
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Upper Dogwood Orange Brown Moth Feeding
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Upper Dogwood Orange Brown Moth Feeding
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Upper Dogwood Orange Brown Moth Feeding
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Upper Dogwood Orange Brown Moth Feeding
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Upper Dogwood Orange Brown Moth Feeding
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Upper Dogwood Orange Brown Moth Feeding
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Upper Dogwood Orange Brown Moth Feeding
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Tufa Terrace Juvenile Cardinal
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Tufa Terrace Juvenile Cardinal
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Tufa Terrace Juvenile Cardinal
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Tufa Terrace Juvenile Cardinal
25
Jul
Posted by Lee Hiller-London in Arlington Lawn, Carriage Road, Dead Chief Trail, Floral Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Top, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Hot Springs National Park, Lower Dogwoord Trail, North Mountain, Short Cut Trail, Tufa Terrace Trail, Upper Dogwood Trail. Tagged: Squirrel, Tufted Titmouse, Black-Capped Chickadee, Northern Mockingbird, Male Cardinal, Dragonfly, Moth, Orange Moth, Baby Bird, Juvenile Summer Tanager, Flight School. Leave a Comment
24
Jul
Posted by Lee Hiller-London in Arlington Lawn, Dead Chief Trail, Floral Trail, Goat Rock Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Promenade, Short Cut Trail. Tagged: Black Swallowtail Butterfly, Swallowtail Butterfly, Butterflies, Yellow Swallowtail Butterfly, Butterfly, Moth, Orange Moth, Yellow Moth, Blue Butterfly, Moths, Violet Butterfly, Blue Moth, Turquoise Butterfly, Angelwing Butterfly. 1 Comment
The Jewels of the Forest are the beautiful Butterflies and Moths, each one unique and dazzling. I hope will enjoy their diverse beauty.
Much Love,
Lee

Hot Springs National Park Arlington Lawn Yellow Butterfly

Hot Springs National Park Angel Wing Butterfly

Dead Chief Trail Yellow Swallow Tail Butterfly

Goat Rock Trail Yellow Moth on Lance Leaved Coreopsis

Floral Trail Blue Moth

Promenade Black Swallow Tail Butterfly

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Brown Turquoise Butterfly

Floral Trail Bridge Dark Blue Butterflies

Floral Trail Brown Moth

Short Cut Trail Orange Brown Moth

HS Mountain Rd Fountain Violet Black Orange Butterfly

HS Mountain Rd Fountain Violet Black Orange Butterfly
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23
Jul
Posted by Lee Hiller-London in Floral Trail, Goat Rock Trail, Gulpha Gorge Trail, Honeysuckle Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Top, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Lower Dogwoord Trail, North Mountain, North Mountain Overlook, Upper Dogwood Trail. Tagged: Turkey Vulture, Rock, Trails, Path, Moth, Blue Butterfly, scaly Shooting Star, Turquoise Butterfly, Blue Winged Wasp, Hot Weather in Hot Springs, Hiking in Hot Springs. Leave a Comment
22
Jul
Posted by Lee Hiller-London in Arlington Lawn, Carriage Road, Dead Chief Trail, Floral Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Road, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Hot Springs National Park, Lower Dogwoord Trail, Short Cut Trail, Tufa Terrace Trail, Upper Dogwood Trail. Tagged: Bird Song, Mourning Dove, Brown Moth, Orange Moth, Blue Butterfly, Deer, Buck, 8 Point Buck, Banded Net Wing Beetle, Brindle Moth, Bird Calls, Eight Point Buck. 2 Comments
20
Jul
Posted by Lee Hiller-London in Carriage Road, Dead Chief Trail, Floral Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Road, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Hot Springs National Park, Lower Dogwoord Trail, Short Cut Trail, Tufa Terrace Trail, Upper Dogwood Trail. Tagged: Cardinal, Brown Moth, Orange Moth, Blue Butterfly, Gray Moth, Violet Butterfly, Blue Moth, Beige Moth. Leave a Comment
30 Jul
Thank You Hot Springs Sentinel-Record
Posted by Lee Hiller-London in Hot Springs Commentary. Tagged: Hot Springs, Nature Photography, Wildflower, Wild Rose, Sentinel-Record Newspaper, Hot Springs Sentinel-Record, Sentinel-Record, Lee Hiller-London, Newspaper, Award winning photograph, Spring Storm beauty, Top photograph, Award winning photography. 1 Comment
I would like to Thank Alison Harbour and the Sentinel-Record of Hot Springs Arkansas for featuring my photograph Spring Storm Beauty in your Newspaper today. Also a special thank You to the Arkansas Gazette and the voters for selecting “Springs Storm Beauty” for the Peoples Choice Award.
Love,
Lee
PS: (Click on Image below enlarge)
Hot Springs, AR Sentinel-Record Newspaper Article
Tufa Terrace Wild Rose