While I check to see if there are any migrating warblers present first thing in the morning these days (there are!), most of my focus is on the colorful insects now active in Eliza Howell Park in Detroit.

A good place to look is in a patch of flowering Goldenrod.

It is a challenge to recognize all of the many different wasp and bee and fly species visting goldenrods (beyond my ability at present), leading me to look to see what other insects are present.

It is hard at times to move on from the goldenrod patches, but further wandering almost always leads to additional insects to admire.

Perhaps the highlight of the past week was the sighing of a butterfly species that I have not seen in the park before — a Variegated Fritillary. It is not common in southeast Michigan and I was in the right place at the right time.

The insects in late August are varied and fascinating. And then there are the spiders.

But that is another report for another time.