I don't see these birds often, so I was pleased to spot this American White Pelican on a recent day at a local park. A yellow plate, such as the one on this bird, forms on the upper bill of breeding adults.

Tags:   American White Pelican Illinois M.Zuiko 100-400mm f/5-6.3 McHenry County McHenry Dam State Park Moraine Hills State Park Pelecanus erythrorhynchos birds pelicans wildlife Sunrays5+

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It's a Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (aka Pennsylvania Leatherwing) in flight. Common throughout the American Midwest from July to September, they feed primarily on pollen and nectar of flowers but may also eat small insects such as caterpillars and aphids.

HWW

Our Daily Challenge: "Yellow (Polka Dot)

Tags:   Bokeh Wednesday Chauliognathus pensylvanicus Goldenrod Soldier Beetle HBW HWW Illinois McHenry County Moraine Hills State Park OM 40-150mm F2.8 Pennsylvania Leatherwing Wing Wednesday Wings bokeh bug bugs bugs-in-flight flying insect insects nature square Yellow (Polka Dot) ODC Our Daily Challenge Sunrays+5

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I was photographing a pair of Sandhill Cranes foraging on the ground when I suddenly heard the distinctive sound of yet another Sandhill approaching. I looked up just in time to see and photograph this one, with wings spread, gliding in to land and join the others.

Tags:   Birds Sandhill Crane Antigone canadensis wildlife birds in flight McHenry County McHenry Dam State Park Moraine Hills State Park Illinois M.Zuiko 100-400mm f/5-6.3 bokeh Coth5+ Sunrays+5

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Part of a recent car show, these vintage Ford beauties all appeared to be in great condition. Seen left to right are a 1931 Model A Woody station wagon, a 1931 Model A Roadster, and a 1930 Model A Coupe, processed for Sliders Sunday.

HSS

Tags:   1930 Model A Coupe 1931 Model A Roadster 1931 Model A Woody Station Wagon Dekalb Elgin Elgin Road Race Car Show Ford Fords HSS Illinois Model A OM 12-40mm f/2.8 II Sliders Sunday automobiles car shows cars clouds painterly parked vintage

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It's a Black-eyed Susan (I think) found growing in the wild.

Our Daily Challenge: "Three Colors"
Crazy Tuesday: "Textures In Nature" theme

HCT

Tags:   Black-eyed Susan Crazy Tuesday Crystal Lake HCT Illinois Macro OM 90mm F3.5 Macro Our Daily Challenge Rudbeckia Textures In Nature Three Colors Veteran Acres Park blossom flower growing wild leaves nature square Sunrays+5

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