Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis)
There are still clearwing moths on the wing, and in the last couple of weeks I have actually seen a number of Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis) like this one. When there are so many individual flowers to feed on they are all the more difficult to photograph with fast movement back and forth…here, there and everywhere! I thought the reflection of the sun being visible here in those rapidly beating wings was especially cool. Sightings like this underline the importance of having pollinator plants that are blooming and full of nectar during all parts of the warm season. Spring,...
Read MoreSunflower
Who doesn’t love a good sunflower? These plants are popping right now, too, as they provide meals for pollinators now and prepare to feed hungry birds this autumn. This…this is summer!
Read MoreGrass Pink
This Grass Pink, or Deptford Pink, (Dianthus armeria) is truly exceptional in terms of vibrant color for such a tiny plant. The wildflower is native to Europe, and though nonnative in our soil it does well without becoming invasive or dominating any landscape. What are we do to about such species? Try to remove them all at tremendous cost and inevitably failing? We have to focus on protecting our greatest conservation priorities and selectively dealing with the most dangerous invasive plants that crowd out or harm native endangered wildlife. There is no way to turn back the clock and restore...
Read MorePurple Coneflower Coming
This Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is about to bloom to add to the menu for all of our pollinators. What is most striking is how at this stage the plant looks like it has a green glow in the center, a pulse of life about to explode in showy color. The flower is radiant and the fuel to the gorgeous creatures that will be flying for it soon.
Read MoreEchinacea Milkshake
Earlier today RTPI Development Director Linda Pierce pointed out to me that it was National Pollinator Week, a fact that escaped my attention – like many of those national days do! Just last week I posted a couple photos of pollinator plants about to bloom for the summer. Unfortunately I have not seen too many species of butterflies or bees thus far in 2016, though I am hopeful this changes after a slow and cold start to the insect season. Coincidentally today I actually saw a couple “firsts of year” butterflies including a Red Admiral in the morning and a Giant Swallowtail...
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