The best news I have is how many butterflies I've seen this summer. I have had years where I could count on one hand the number of monarchs and swallowtails I've seen. A few years now where I could probably count them on two hands. This year I've lost count!
I've seen monarchs (sometimes as many as four) almost every day for a month or so and I'm finding multiple caterpillars out on the milkweed plants. I haven't seen a chrysalis yet, but maybe if I put that in writing I'll see one on my way to the house this evening ;-).
Not only are the monarch visits up, I've had more swallowtails than I've ever had here. Stella used to get pretty ones on the butterfly bushes at her house, but I'd never seen a zebra down here and I've seen two this summer.
We've also had many, many smaller butterflies of all shapes and sizes, several hummingbird moths and more hummingbirds than normal as well. I put in some salvias this year and they love those big blue blooms.
The bats have been happy this summer too. We've been overrun by mosquitos, so the bats have been busy.
Today has had just a hint of fall in the air so maybe the end of this horrible summer is in sight. In the meantime, here's a new fun and easy puzzle for you.
Speaking of puzzles, I'd LOVE to know who works all the puzzles at 300 pieces :-D. If you don't want to use your name online, shoot me an email if you'd like to raise your hand.
8 comments:
I am really enjoying the cooler temps here in Kentucky. I am ready for the change of season.
Good news for ALL of us if the pollinators are doing well!
We've had very very few birds of any kind here this year. It's been sorta sad for me. Even the swallows! Sigh. The heat has been horrid, but I have hope for a cool down soon ( I HOPE_
Yes, I've noticed more butterflies here in my Ontario spot this summer, come to think of it. But fewer hummingbirds. I thought I was the only one enjoying online puzzles...I use free Jigidi. Great post, SheepLady!
less butterflies here. I enjoyed seeing the bats go in for their daytime rest. When we had the resort we had huge windows in the bedroom, I would sit on the edge of the bed open the windows and enjoy the bats coming and going...they lived in the attic and got inside by the chimney. They uses to freak people out on the lake at dusk flying right above the boats. They are tremendous insect eaters! That was a hard puzzle...either that or I need more practice:)
Our yard is new to us, and we've been surprised at how many butterflies we have had. We had a Monarch form it's chrysalis on the latch of the gate. We couldn't use it until it hatched!
ha ha I just posted a swallowtail photo today. We usually have tons of butterflies in our yard but not this year.
It"s wonderful that you have had so many butterflies, bats and birds.
It's been so hot and dry here I honestly don't spend enough time outside. We have had a great number of all sizes of bumblebees on the lace cap hydrandeas , bee balm and lavendar. I'm happy to have fed so many.
It's very nice to see Pinot exploring other areas of the farm.
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