I was opening the door to the storage space under my house to get the lawn mower when my hand brushed across something, and it moved. I sure did jump and so did it! When I looked at the ground, I found a brown praying mantis looking back up to me in what I perceived as a highly offended manner. Luckily, I had not crushed this insect, but to be honest, I do not like to touch them. I think it has to do with their size and their carnivorous diet. … [Read more...]
The Scott Sisters – Natural History Art
Harriet and Helena Scott - Australian Lepidoptera and Their Transformations In the mid-1800's two Australian sisters created stunning natural history illustrations for the publication of their father's book. I was fortunate to be able to see the exhibit of unpublished plates in the Australian Museum and I spent hours poring over the intricacies of the artwork. There are two volumes of their work. Volume 1 was published in 1864 and Volume II … [Read more...]
Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)
I have to say that I love this plant. Nothing says 'good morning to you' like a bright orange flower. But it's not just me! The hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies have all cast their votes too. Just this afternoon I saw a ruby throated hummingbird feeding on one of the flowers. Tithonia is great for attracting and feeding pollinators. Mix it in with a few zinnias and you'll have a busy garden. This is my first year really growing Mexican … [Read more...]
The Butterflies are Back!
This summer, the butterflies have been noticeably absent. While I have seen some smaller butterflies, like these pearl crescents that were mating among the four o'clocks in my front garden, the larger beauties were just missing. It's been a strange summer. The temperatures got high very early in spring and they really haven't gone down. As I sit here and type this, the forecast for the next three days range from 97 to 99 with heat indices … [Read more...]
The Dramatic Baby Bird Rescue
Generally I have a policy of leaving nature to take its course. I am unable to care for baby critters - so if I see one that is by itself or looks a little in need, I may provide it some food or water, but I refuse to bring them indoors or try to 'save' them. This may sound a bit harsh, but you would be surprised how many wildlife babies are actually doing just fine and are separated from their parents by well-intentioned humans. Read the … [Read more...]
Backyard Wildlife Summer 2016
This summer has been full of weird and wonderful backyard wildlife. From a nest of barred owls to frogs to snakes and turtles, I've seen a lot in my garden and backyard. Watching wildlife is one of the things I enjoy so much about my garden and yard. It's why I work hard to create suitable habitat for wildlife. This spring started out unseasonably warm and this summer has only gotten hotter. This week in particular, my state of Mississippi has … [Read more...]
Stokes Aster – Beautiful and Blue
A few years ago, I acquired a new plant that has quickly become one of my favorites - Stokes Aster (Stokesia laevis). These stunning purple-blue flowers simply captured my heart. I really like incorporating native plants and flowers into my garden. They are easy to grow and very hardy AND they attract butterflies and hummingbirds. [Read my top five benefits of gardening with native plants] Additional, some native plants are very interesting … [Read more...]
Spotted Jewelweed: Touch-me-not plant
If you've got soil that stays wet most of the time, then this is the plant for you. It's native to most of the lower 48 states and it prefers shade to part-shade - even better! In its native habitat, you'll find it alongside roads in ditches that stay wet most of the time, alongside a river or stream, in wetlands or boggy places, and in other moist soil areas. It prefers shady areas, though it can take some morning sun. Wildlife Uses The … [Read more...]
The Stunning Beauty of a Moth – Moths from My Backyard
Have you ever heard of mothing? Really, it's a thing. If you are familiar with birding, mothing is quite similar, though apparently a lot easier. With birding, you have to go out and seek the birds but with mothing, well, you turn on a light at night and wait for the moths to come to you. There are some absolutely stunning moths out there. I've had a few show up in my house and garden over the years. National Moth Week is in July each … [Read more...]
Best Feeders for Backyard Birdwatching: Review of Tube Feeders
Even if you have great backyard habitat that includes native plants, shrubs, and trees with an adequate water source, adding bird feeders to your garden can attract even more birds. I get a lot of enjoyment watching the birds out my back window. During spring migration this year there have been indigo buntings, goldfinches, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and blue grosbeaks at my feeders. These are the standouts that I love to see as they make their … [Read more...]
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