Butterflies, Moths, and other Pollinators
We arrived home from a long weekend of training and field trips to a blooming shrub (I thought it was called a snowball bush, but I'm not sure what it is. I purchased it about 20 years ago from the Antique Rose Emporium) full of Monarchs, Queens, Red Admirals, and a host of other pollinators.
It is hit or miss with this shrub. Some years it blooms at the right time for the butterflies. Other years the weather/bloom/butterflies do not coordinate.
I still remember when the shrub first bloomed. I found a neighborhood child with a large glass pickle jar carefully capturing monarchs to take to school. She was surprised to see me coming out of the house and apologized for taking my butterflies. We talked for a while about leaving nature in nature. I told her she could take those she already had caught, but that she probably had enough. I also told her she was welcome to pick flowers from my garden any time she wished (because that is why one plants a garden - right?).
We learn from them and they learn from us.
So I will think about her as I continue to photograph the pollinators that come to this bush over the next couple of days. I may try to capture more moths in the evening. They were not settling long enough for photos yesterday. We are expecting a cold front in two days and that could change everything.
[This shrub has a tendency to try to take over the space here with long brittle branches. I regularly snap off those that get to long and shade out other plants. I might have to rethink that behavior. I also may have to attempt some propagation. The scent is a bit overwhelming, but the butterflies are worth it.]
Observations
Photos / Sounds
What
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)Observer
alflinn329Description
I love this snowball bush - when it blooms the pollinators have a field day. There are loads of butterflies - not all photographed (some moved too fast) and flies and other insects. I suppose we will get to monitor here for a few days.
Photos / Sounds
What
Monarch (Danaus plexippus)Observer
alflinn329Description
I love this snowball bush - when it blooms the pollinators have a field day. There are loads of butterflies - not all photographed (some moved too fast) and flies and other insects. I suppose we will get to monitor here for a few days.
Photos / Sounds
What
Ailanthus Webworm Moth (Atteva aurea)Observer
alflinn329Description
I love this snowball bush - when it blooms the pollinators have a field day. There are loads of butterflies - not all photographed (some moved too fast) and flies and other insects. I suppose we will get to monitor here for a few days.
Photos / Sounds
What
Queen (Danaus gilippus)Observer
alflinn329Description
I love this snowball bush - when it blooms the pollinators have a field day. There are loads of butterflies - not all photographed (some moved too fast) and flies and other insects. I suppose we will get to monitor here for a few days.
Photos / Sounds
What
American Snout (Libytheana carinenta)Observer
alflinn329Description
I love this snowball bush - when it blooms the pollinators have a field day. There are loads of butterflies - not all photographed (some moved too fast) and flies and other insects. I suppose we will get to monitor here for a few days.
Photos / Sounds
What
Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)Observer
alflinn329Description
I love this snowball bush - when it blooms the pollinators have a field day. There are loads of butterflies - not all photographed (some moved too fast) and flies and other insects. I suppose we will get to monitor here for a few days.
Photos / Sounds
What
Queen (Danaus gilippus)Observer
alflinn329Description
I love this snowball bush - when it blooms the pollinators have a field day. There are loads of butterflies - not all photographed (some moved too fast) and flies and other insects. I suppose we will get to monitor here for a few days.
Photos / Sounds
What
Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus)Observer
alflinn329Description
I love this snowball bush - when it blooms the pollinators have a field day. There are loads of butterflies - not all photographed (some moved too fast) and flies and other insects. I suppose we will get to monitor here for a few days.
Photos / Sounds
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