I am not usually there, standing on the upstairs balcony next to the rock maples that loom over the southern side of the farmhouse keeping it cool during the hot days of summer. Recently, while doing laundry for the upstairs apartment, I stepped out to take a break and survey the gardens. I had planned to do so that morning when I went up and took my camera "just in case," I always tell myself. Well, I was ecstatic being prepared for the unexpected sighting of a singing Veery.Veeries had been … [Read more...] about Veery Unexpected Sighting and Summer Song
Beloved Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is known and beloved by many and is now a member of my A Bestiary ~ Tales from a Wildlife Garden. You can see the article over at Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens. … [Read more...] about Beloved Northern Cardinal
The Allure of Milkweed
Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) has a delicious fragrance and attracts a diversity of wildlife to shuttle its pollen about. Here at Flower Hill Farm there are numerous stands of milkweed in the fields and gardens. When the dainty balls of florets begin to pop, an audience of butterflies, bees, ants, and birds take notice. Spiders settle in and wait but these predators are not the only danger to visiting insects. Some of the pollen sacs or saddlebags attach and will not come off the tiny feet of … [Read more...] about The Allure of Milkweed
Scarlet Tanager Joins ‘A Bestiary’
My monthly installments of 'A Bestiary ~ Tales from a Wildlife Garden' continue over at Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens with the vividly stunning Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea). Though often secretive and hard to find, the Scarlet Tanager's song can help lead the observer to high perches and blurred shots of his brilliance. There is more about this special songbird over at the link above. The tanager and I were in synchrony while I was finishing the forty first installment of my A … [Read more...] about Scarlet Tanager Joins ‘A Bestiary’
