“Thistles are of particular importance to goldfinches. These bright beautiful birds wait until midsummer when the thistles bloom to mate and build their nests. They use the silk from the mature seed heads to line their nests and the seeds themselves are an important source of food for both parents and young”

-Fred Wampler

Here, Wampler has captured the field thistle as it mingles gracefully with ironweed and pokeweed. We find a variety of butterflies that have flocked to the fragrant blossoms.