The Milkweed plants, which the Monarchs love to feed on and lay their eggs on, are plentiful here on Cape Cod. Fort Hill is especially prolific this summer. (Click on blog link to see other photos.)
The first photograph is of the Milkweed flower. The 2nd one is of the fields of Milkweed plants at Fort Hill that attract the Monarchs.
The last photograph is of the Milkweed pod, when they have gone by in the fall. The pod will open up and disperse thousands of seeds in the wind and land where a new Milkweed plant will grow next summer.
The Monarch butterflies are back on Cape Cod and they are gorgeous! It is so beautiful to see their bright orange color flitting from flower to flower in the meadows or yards. I have seen so many at Fort Hill feeding on the Milkweed and in our yard feeding on the Butterfly Plants.
I took this photograph as the Monarch was feeding on the Milkweed plant at Fort Hill. So pretty, don’t you think?
The hot pink Everlasting Peas are blooming all over Cape Cod. They are especially abundant at Fort Hill where they paint the meadows pink. They are so pretty. (Click on blog link for another photo.)
They bloom from July to September, so you still have plenty of time to see these gorgeous wildflowers!
I had never seen a Coral Hairstreak before, so when I took this photograph, I had to do a little research. They are a small butterfly, only 1-1 1/4″ and overall brown with bright coral markings.
Have you ever seen a Coral Hairstreak? Beautiful butterfly, don’t you think? Love how it landed on the orange Butterfly Weed Plant… so pretty. It seems like everytime I go to Fort Hill I see another new butterfly. Such a magical place.
The pink Dianthus Deptford wildflowers that are blooming at Fort Hill now are just spectacular! They are tiny little flowers, only about 1/2″. They have up to 5 stamens and 2 pistils which are twisted.
It is such a unique, delicate wildflower. I love the dots and the purple stamens.
Have you ever seen a Dianthus Deptford wildflower? They are blooming all over Fort Hill, so they are easy to see. The pink will catch your eye along the trails.
Cape Cod daily articles on the wonderful Cape Cod places to hike, experience and photograph. A Cape Cod Outdoor Adventure Series.
