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
Metamorphosis of Butterflies from 2014
The Metamorphosis of Butterflies from 2014 came together from my finally digging through archives of Flower Hill Farm photographs from last summer. Witnessing the metamorphosis of butterflies is a treasured ritual I share with thousands of other individuals who hold dear these remarkable beings. Raising butterflies nourishes my imagination and opens it to change and an ever present sense of wonder. Hour by hour and day by day convey countless small miracles to observe – bringing light and hope … [Read more...] about Metamorphosis of Butterflies from 2014
Beauties of the Night ~ Barred Owl
Barred Owls, Strix varia, may have been howling and hooting as year-round residents of this hillside in Western Massachusetts for more than 11,000 years. Fossils of their species, that many years old, have been uncovered in Florida, Tennessee and as far north as Ontario. These raptors of night are typically hidden in layers of darkness but do sometimes hunt during daytime hours. Looking out over the panoramic views of Flower Hill Farm Retreat, always stimulates the imagination. But last … [Read more...] about Beauties of the Night ~ Barred Owl
