During this cold winter, I am sorting through brightly colored photographs from my compilation of Flower Hill Farm butterflies entitled ~ Butterflies of 2017. Over the years, I have documented fifty plus species of butterflies by family on my website under Photography and Wildlife. All are species that I was fortunate to find here within my 21 acre wildlife habitat. I have made an exception in this post and have included a picture of a few Northern Pearly Eyes not taken on my property. I had … [Read more...] about Butterflies of 2017
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
Butterflies in the Gardens
Flower Hill Farm Families of Butterflies from 2014 — There were many butterflies in the gardens of Flower Hill Farm in 2014 but there were varied species missing too. I missed each butterfly like a dear friend who moves away and will not be around to share the apple blossoms or champagne lunches. For now, I celebrate the butterflies that made it and were on wing within our gardens last season. The showy swallowtails always stir the currents with their large wings and are easily noted around … [Read more...] about Butterflies in the Gardens
Gossamer Wings ~ Hairstreak
Hairstreaks somehow escaped my notice until this year . . . or yesterday and today more like . . . when I discovered three different species in the south field. It is so peaceful to butterfly watch . . . I never think about all the things I might do to the garden . . . weeding and such . . . 'weeds' may be the very plant that keep these butterflies going. The songs of birds float along the breeze that softens and cools the air as I walk along the paths seeking out tiny butterflies. Banded … [Read more...] about Gossamer Wings ~ Hairstreak
Gossamer Wings ~ Hairstreak
Hairstreaks somehow escaped my notice until this year . . . or yesterday and today more like . . . when I discovered three different species in the south field. It is so peaceful to butterfly watch . . . I never think about all the things I might do to the garden . . . weeding and such . . . 'weeds' may be the very plant that keep these butterflies going. The songs of birds float along the breeze that softens and cools the air as I walk along the paths seeking out tiny butterflies.Banded … [Read more...] about Gossamer Wings ~ Hairstreak
