Let us tell you about the birds and the bees,

 (and the butterflies) in our backyard habitat. It’s August and that means there is a lot of activity! 

More than the usual number of Goldfinches have graced our space this past year. It is their mating season and they are very hungry or maybe it is the demand from their offspring. 

If you didn’t know, the young are fed with regurgitated seeds from their parents. This year the favorite seeds tend to be zinnias and Black-eyed Susans and they visit the fast-food options (bird feeders with thistle seed) pretty often.

Cannas

The hummingbirds are stopping on their way south for a bit of refreshment and a brief rest.  In addition to the fast food feeders, they prefer to dine mostly on Major Wheeler honeysuckle, lantanas, zinnias and the cannas nest door.

One couple took up residence here in the spring and raised a family. It is difficult to count the offsprings as they flit around so quickly. Being suspicious and camera shy, there is no photo to share.

The Cardinal Family and the Doves have weathered the oppressive summer heat and remain a part of the community. The cardinals dine mostly on sunflower seeds and insects including caterpillars which they probably steal from the butterfly host plants. The ground feeding doves come along and clean up the mess under the feeders, (as do the uninvited squirrels.)

                                              

The robins have left. Rumor has it they are on a retreat to a nearby woodland resort. 

The bees, big or small, we accept them all, even the ones dominating the vitex (Chaste Tree.)

as well as those feasting on African Blue basil. Thanks to our Texas friend, Anne, for the basil.

Butterflies are also migrating, stopping by to sample the various nectars and hopefully lay a few eggs. Their nourishment of choice is zinnias, Mexican sunflowers and lantanas. So far this season four different species have paid a visit.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on Mexican Sunflower

Black Swallowtail on Zinnia

Fritillary on Zinnia

Monarch on Zinnia

Two monarchs made a stop-over on July 29 followed by a couple of caterpillars who disappeared.

Monarch Caterpillar on Common Milkweed

What happened to them, we can only guess. It could be wasps, spiders or even those coveted lady bugs. It could be the cardinals, but the jury is out as we have no evidence. The solution, according to Monarch Watch is to plant more milkweed to encourage monarchs to lay more eggs. According to Monarch Watch, a habitat should include at least 10 milkweeds of 3 different species in addition to a variety of nectar plants. Our habitat currently has 8 including swamp milkweed, common milkweed and butterfly weed. Plans are being made to add more milkweed in the fall. And there might be an experiment or two on the horizon. Stay tuned.

As we strive to have a healthy and fulfilling life in retirement, we feel it is important to engage in a purpose, to keep active, and to continue to gain knowledge. For ABN, creating a backyard habitat fulfills these needs. And it keeps Captain active as he checks off the to-do list.