Monarch Butterfly Release
I raised a couple of Monarch caterpillars this August, something I had not done since I was a child. I collected them and ended up feeding them from my own supply of swamp milkweed leaves that went otherwise unused. While many pollinators visited to enjoy the nectar of the flowers, I did not note any Monarchs in the yard or find any eggs. A couple weeks ago I noticed each chrysalis was turning black not far apart from one another, and by late that morning they’d emerged. I released them onto my coneflowers after their wings dried, and one of the two females provided me a chance to...
Read MoreAmerican Goldfinch Eating Coneflowers
Finally! It took me a while, but here is photographic proof of why you should not cut any dead coneflower heads. This American Goldfinch was chowing down and enjoying it so much that it ignored me. I frequently hear and occasionally see them dining like this, but never when my camera is near or I am close to them. Many plants end up producing delicious seeds in their…less aesthetically pleasing stages…and should be left alone as a meal for many forms of wildlife, or even just to propagate their species. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreCabbage White Butterfly
I think this Cabbage White must have just gone through the laundry – that is very white! Enjoy those coneflowers while you can, little friend…autumn is coming for them.
Read MoreMonarch on Coneflower
This Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) certainly chose the correct color of coneflower to nectar on as photographed yesterday. It is now egg and caterpillar season! Have you found any on your milkweed?
Read MorePink Tiger
This Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) was looking a little tattered and torn, showing the wear of weeks on the wing this summer. It took a long drink from this pink coneflower which was also looking a little past its prime, but that clearly did not matter in making a perfect moment of nature’s beauty and grace.
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