Monarch Butterfly on Butterfly
Here is a look back to this summer at a butterfly on butterfly – in this case it is the Monarch (Danaus plexippus) on a Butterfly Bush (Buddleia). Look at all the glorious details on this stunning individual! Bask in the warm glow of the hot sun on the beautiful orange wings. Do you feel less cold yet? Butterfly bushes are a difficult subject. On the one hand, they are non-native, and it seems that in certain areas and regions they can readily spread and exclude some of our native vegetation. Native plants also often do provide more nutrition for native species of insects, birds, and...
Read MoreButter & Eggs
The growing season has ended under feet of snow for some of us, but here’s a look at the delicious looking Butter and Eggs (Linaria vulgaris) during much warmer and greener times! Think of these moments this week…
Read MoreFestive Song Sparrow
This is one festive Song Sparrow…even though it didn’t know it. The reds and greens in the background are Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans) that can linger through the fall and into the winter, providing very late nectar for anything that needs it.
Read MoreRed-banded Hairstreak
Here is one very close view of a beautiful Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops) from last month. The little butterflies are disappearing now that we are into October, and they will be missed. Until next year…
Read MoreGolden Goldenrod
When it comes to September and October we need all the goldenrod we can get for our butterflies, especially Monarchs. People tend to think anything they see flowering so late is ragweed, but let them know the gold is goldenrod and that ragweed stays mostly leafy green.
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