There is a reliable cycle of colors in nature through the seasons of the year. There are the bold colors of fall, the no colors of winter, the subtle colors of spring, and the intense greens of summer. So let's dive right in and enjoy some of the greenery before it fades away as we move to the second half of August.

Two Water LiliesBirdsong Park

Two Water Lilies, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

I spent quite a while by the scene depicted in these first two photographs. Yes, it is the same scene and the wind seemed to have as much fun with it as I did. The large lily pad leaf served as an umbrella over the two water lily flowers and as the wind played with it, lifted it up, and dropped it back down the flowers constantly went from direct sun to shade. That's all it can take to change a scene quite a bit, just a gentle breeze.

Lily Pad UmbrellaBirdsong Park

Lily Pad Umbrella, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

Through this blog and my photographs I have taken you for a visit to the Birdsong Park many times in all seasons and in different weather. I love revisiting some old signature features of the park as well as looking for new ones. And of course, as time marches on things change, and change quite a bit. Some favorite scenes of mine have succumbed to the passage of time and are no more, some new ones were created.

Water Lily in BloomBirdsong Park

Water Lily in Bloom, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

As seasons roll through the park the color palette changes. In summer there are lush greens everywhere. And those combine really well with the park's ponds, especially when they are covered with beautiful white water lilies. During these times I have to remember to alter my visiting hours to the park. The usual early morning or late afternoon are not the best times to see the water lily flowers open and in their full glory. The harsh midday light is often the best time to stroll by.

Water Lily Close UpBirdsong Park

Water Lily  Close Up, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

I was not the only one enjoying the views. This blue dragonfly even paused long enough for a portrait. They are fun to watch but often too busy to wait for a picture.

Dragonfly on Lily PondBirdsong Park

Dragonfly on Lily Pond, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

After enjoying the ponds I continued the loop that would take me back to the parking lot. For a little bit, the scenery changes completely and we find ourselves in the woods of very old trees. I especially like the scene below with the magnificent trees lining both banks of the small creek flowing through the park. And again, it looks completely different here with the thick foliage of summer versus any other season of the year. And since Mother Nature knew there would be a photographer around it added the cherry on top, or the fallen trunk across the creek.

Trees around CreekBirdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

Trees around Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

Since I usually loop the park in the same clockwise direction the scene below is the last pond. And fitting today's theme of the greens that was what caught my eye as I was looking across the pond. The backlit trees and reeds offered different shades of green in the distance. For nature and landscapes I really like wide angle lenses but here the telephoto had to come out to reach there.

On a Pond in SummerBirdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

On a Pond in Summer, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

Put on your sneakers or hiking boots and head out to see similar scenes before the annual cycle pushes us to the next phase. Let your eyes feast on the greens and stack up the colorful memories high.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes photo galleries and enjoy!

Alive!Murder Creek Among FairiesChestnut Ridge Leaning Trees of BirdsongBirdsong Park