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Bear Country
American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) I live in bear country. During normal years, during spring, summer, and autumn, I see a bear every few weeks. During the winter when they are doing their “cold weather slumber,” I won’t see a bear for perhaps 2 or 3 months. And sometimes it is not just one bear…
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Canadian Owlet Caterpillar
Canadian Owlet Caterpillar (Calyptra canadensis) I can count on caterpillars impressing me in a big way. So often they come in brilliant colors and occasionally one will look like a cartoon character. And this one certainly fills the bill with its colors. The mature Canadian Owlet Moth is what some think of when it comes…
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Fourth Year In A Row
Many days ago a friend let me know that Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were migrating through. I’ve been watching for them ever since. Today, finally, I spotted one or more females. Several times at the feeder. Each time a single female. I’m delighted to see them. Now if only a male would show up. As is so…
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Paulownia
It’s quite eye catching right now. Along roadsides, with no leaves on its branches, but lavender trumpet shaped flowers contrasting with the newly emerged leaves of the trees that surround the Paulownia tomentosa. Native to eastern and central China. Here is it a fast growing exotic invasive which generally wins in competition against native plants.…
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Winter Aconite Seeds
Ah, geometry in nature. I love it! Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) blooms in the cold, cold of February, much to the delight of those that miss warm weather. And now in spring the seeds are developing, creating geometric patterns in the flower bed. How beautiful.
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Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle
Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle (Labidomera clivicollis), quite a large name for a beetle that is just half an inch in length. These beetles with the long name have a defense tactic for warning potential predators to stay away, Aposematism. It’s unusually bright coloration is used as a way to avoid being attacked or eaten. This…
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A Violet That’s Yellow
“Normal is not something to aspire to, it’s something to get away from.” – Jodie Foster. Downy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens). A violet that chooses to be yellow rather than the normal purple. It can be found in the eastern and northeastern United States, and southwestern Canada. The flowers are pollinated by bees, flies and…
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Blackhaw in Bloom
Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium) in bloom in the woods now. Its nectar and pollen attracting both bees and flies. Caterpillars of the Spring/Summer Azure Butterfly feed on buds and flowers of Blackhaw while later instars of Baltimore Checkerspot will occasionally nibble on the leaves. Lovely to see this small tree/or shrub blooming in its native eastern…
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Trumpet Honeysuckle Blooms
Much to the delight of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), has started to bloom. It seems designed specifically to the needs of hummingbirds with its long, tubular red-orange flowers. Trumpet Honeysuckle is native to the eastern United States including East Texas and Oklahoma. It’s adding some lovely color to my yard. And much like…
