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
Monarch Migration Milkweed & Monsanto
It is hard to imagine that the words Monarch, Migration and Milkweed would have anything in common with a multinational chemical and biotech corporation like Monsanto. To see and hear the word Monsanto conjures up images of poisons, lies, manipulation, and now the possible loss of a momentous migration is added to the list of onslaughts to our environment, personal health and sacred connections to nature. Monarch Butterfies are just one of the insects that fall prey to Monsanto … [Read more...] about Monarch Migration Milkweed & Monsanto
Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle: A Metamorphosis ~ Part One ~ The Capable Caterpillar
The mammouth Monarch Butterfly migration is underway. Sightings are reported along rivers and hillsides, fields and meadows, gardens and parks by lucky viewers seeing hundreds of these skilled navigators flying south. Here at Flower Hill Farm there are numerous fresh Monarchs floating about the gardens each day. I have counted up to thirty on one Buddleia, while several are scattered feeding on Ironweed, Phlox and Liatris. Yesterday I noted the pink florets of Sedum 'Autumn Joy' dotted … [Read more...] about Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle: A Metamorphosis ~ Part One ~ The Capable Caterpillar
Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle: A Metamorphosis ~ Part One ~ The Capable Caterpillar
The mammoth Monarch Butterfly migration is underway. Sightings are reported along rivers and hillsides, fields and meadows, gardens and parks by lucky viewers seeing hundreds of these skilled navigators flying south. Here at Flower Hill Farm there are numerous fresh Monarchs floating about the gardens each day. I have counted up to thirty on one Buddleia, while several are scattered feeding on Ironweed, Phlox and Liatris. Yesterday I noted the pink florets of Sedum 'Autumn … [Read more...] about Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle: A Metamorphosis ~ Part One ~ The Capable Caterpillar
