We have had such a warm October -- likely thanks to climate change -- that I continuing to spend time in the garden observing birds and insects, collecting native plant seeds to give away, and completing jobs that I normally never get around to doing. Looks like this crazy weather will continue into November here … Continue reading In the garden: October 15 to 31, 2022 →

Since we continued to have some warm, sunny days during the first weeks of October, I was able to observe insects and birds in the garden later in the season than usual. To my surprise, there were still a lot of pollinators out on aster and goldenrod flowers. I was also astonished to see so … Continue reading In the garden: October 1 to 14, 2022 →

Despite the cooler temperatures and more frequent rain, there's still a lot of insect activity in the garden on late-blooming asters and goldenrods. Also, some new birds have been visiting the stream. Facebook memory: Rose-breasted Grosbeak eating Jewelweed seeds (September 17, 2020) A couple of years ago I planted Jewelweed, an annual native that is … Continue reading In the garden: September 16 – 30, 2022 →

Today, I'm catching up sharing photos of the garden and stream. Facebook memory: Trogus pennator (September 5, 2020) This is why people raise butterfly caterpillars in enclosures. This is also why I should only collect butterfly eggs to raise, not caterpillars. Meet Trogus pennator, a parasitic wasp that specializes in attacking larvae of swallowtail butterflies. … Continue reading In the garden: September 5 – 15, 2022 →

Birds continue to be active in the backyard garden and at the stream. Least Flycatcher hunting (August 30, 2020) 2020: This flycatcher spent the afternoon in one of our 'Rosthern' Crabapple trees surveying the mini-meadow for snacks. It would swoop down, catch a flying insect, and then return to the crabapple, over and over again. … Continue reading In the garden: August 29 to September 4, 2022 →

At the end of August, there was non-stop pollinator and migratory bird activity in the backyard. Unfortunately, at the same time I learned a terrifying lesson about backing up photos -- or, more precisely, about the risk of not backing up photos. I lost a few pictures due to a corrupt external hard drive, but … Continue reading In the garden: August 22-28, 2022 →

Right now, the backyard mini-meadow is full of activity -- it's in peak bloom during August and September so there are lots of bees and other insects, and flowers that have gone to seed are attracting Goldfinches and Chickadees. The stream and hedgerow are drawing migratory birds to the yard. Bee hotel activity (August 10 … Continue reading In the garden: August 15-21, 2022 →

Birds were the main attraction last week. Since songbird migration has reached its peak, and will continue for the next month or so, we had some exciting feathered visitors. Facebook memory: aerodynamic pose (August 5 & 9, 2021) 2021: these photos show two different birds in the same aerodynamic pose moments before they visit the … Continue reading Last week in the garden: August 8-14, 2022 →

Facebook memory: Goldfinches eating seeds (July 28, 2021) 2021: the Goldfinches are starting to eat seeds from plants in the garden. It is fun to watch them swaying on stems, and doing acrobatics to reach seeds. They are also frequent visitors at the stream. I guess eating so many dry seeds makes them thirsty. 2022: … Continue reading Last week in the garden: August 1-7, 2022 →

Butterflies were the highlight in the garden this week. In addition to a few Monarchs, we saw an American Lady, a Great Spangled Fritillary, a Black Swallowtail (no photos), and lots of Cabbage Whites. American Painted Lady butterfly (July 25, 2022) Today, this American Painted Lady butterfly was laying eggs on Field Pussytoes by the … Continue reading Last week in the garden: July 25-31, 2022 →