We are all patiently waiting for spring to arrive here in Western Massachusetts. Flower Hill Farm has no buds a bloom in the trees or scattered about the snow covered grounds, and though I may be a bit weary of this winter, I can see signs of spring in the arrival and behavior of some of our wildlife. I have seen turkey vultures soaring high over the hills and do note more song filling the rawness of early morning. Also, sap is flowing within the sugar maples, while stacks from … [Read more...]
Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ Fritillaries
Todays segment of 'Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012' features the boldly flecked Fritillaries. It seems the only Fritillary that flies about our gardens these days is the Greater Spangled Fritillary Speyeria cybele. Early on, I mistakenly identified these butterflies as Aphrodite Fritillary, but the eminent Lepidopterist Randy Emmitt pointed out that the large beige band near the edge of the outer hindwing indicates that these are in fact Greater Spangled Fritillaries. I do so enjoy … [Read more...]
Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ Fritillaries
Todays segment of 'Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012' features the boldly flecked Fritillaries. It seems the only Fritillary that flies about our gardens these days is the Greater Spangled Fritillary Speyeria cybele. Early on, I mistakenly identified these butterflies as Aphrodite Fritillary, but the eminent Lepidopterist Randy Emmitt pointed out that the large beige band near the edge of the outer hindwing indicates that these are in fact Greater Spangled Fritillaries. I do so enjoy these … [Read more...]
Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Favorite Skippers
Skippers are feisty little butterflies of the Skippers Hesperiidae Family. Flower Hill Farm has residents from both the Subfamily: Grass Skippers and Spread-wing Skippers. I truly cannot be certain of these tiny creatures but guess this one to be a Black Dash. I am hoping for help from others and then will add the facts about this tiny adorable Skipper later.Peck's Skipper Polites peckius, may be sighted in the hundreds during one of their flight periods. They are most likely to … [Read more...]
Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ Favorite Skippers
Skippers are feisty little butterflies of the Skippers Hesperiidae Family. Flower Hill Farm has residents from both the Subfamily: Grass Skippers and Spread-wing Skippers. I truly cannot be certain of these tiny creatures but guess this one to be a Black Dash. I am hoping for help from others and then will add the facts about this tiny adorable Skipper later. Peck's Skipper Polites peckius, may be sighted in the hundreds during one of their flight periods. They are most likely to be … [Read more...]
