Have you ever plucked a honeysuckle flower, turned it around and gently sucked the nectar from the tube-shaped back of the flower? If you grew up in the southeastern U.S., I bet you did. That taste of super-sweet honey nectar always makes me think of summer nights spent chasing fireflies and summer days spent running wild and free. Imagine my surprise when taking a class on native plants and shrubs in college that I learned that the yellow … [Read more...]
A Spot of Yellow: Native Partridge Pea Butterfly Host Plant
Yesterday morning, I was driving to an appointment and I happened to glance at the side of the road, only to see a flash of bright yellow color. It made me look twice – it was a patch of partridge pea! This is the time of the year that you’ll see the bright yellow flowers of partridge pea blooming along the side of the road or along streams and ditches. They will continue to flower from late summer to early fall. Food for Wildlife and Plants … [Read more...]
What’s the Buzz about Joe Pye Weed?
Despite the name, you’ll find this ‘weed’ in more and more gardens. It’s a good garden staple for attracting pollinators from bees to butterflies. I planted it last fall and this summer the blooms have been prolific and I have seen all sorts of bees, wasps, and flies feeding on the nectar. Joe Pye Weed flowers are really beautiful. The stem at the top of the plant is a lovely shade of pink which transitions into multiple clusters of … [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...]
Globe Cage Feeder: Bird Feeder Review
This content includes affiliate links. I get a small percentage of the sale for purchases made through links in this post. However, I use each product I review and only recommend those that I like and have worked well. Read my disclosure for more information. If you would like to see more of the smaller bird species at your feeders but they keep getting chased away by the larger birds or they are in need protection from birds of prey while … [Read more...]
Droll Yankees Songbird Plus Feeder/New Generation Feeder: Review
This content includes affiliate links. I get a small percentage of the sale for purchases made through links in this post. However, I use each product I review and only recommend those that I like and have worked well. Read my disclosure for more information. NOTE: Although the songbird plus feeder is no longer manufactured, the Droll Yankees New Generation 15" Sunflower Bird Feeder is nearly identical. I am familiar with the Droll … [Read more...]
Duncraft Metal Haven Feeder: Bird Feeder Review
This content includes affiliate links. I get a small percentage of the sale for purchases made through links in this post. However, I use each product I review and only recommend those that I like and have worked well. Read my disclosure for more information. This is another sturdy Duncraft bird feeder, but it is specifically designed to allow small birds to feed while keeping more aggressive, larger birds at bay. The outer cage is metal with a … [Read more...]
Duncraft Original Tube Feeder: Birdfeeder Review
This content includes affiliate links. I get a small percentage of the sale for purchases made through links in this post. However, I use each product I review and only recommend those that I like and have worked well. Read my disclosure for more information. Duncraft makes good sturdy feeders that will last for years to come. They even withstand the bleach in the cleaning process – though they will start to get a little cloudy from the … [Read more...]
My favorite feathered visitors
I have an awesome bird feeder pole that holds multiple feeders (and is thus far impermeable to squirrels). The feeders are visible from my couch in my sitting room. I can sit and watch all the birds come and go and even photograph some of them from this vantage point. I do my best to create good habitat for wildlife including birds in my garden. I leave the seed heads on in fall and winter, provide decent cover, and supplement with bird seed … [Read more...]