a place where nature, photography and writing meet
A couple of days ago, I mentioned that I’d be posting about something that has occupied a bit of my time for the past week. This was the “suspense” that I talked about. Those of you who know your invasive species and are familiar with the dastardly Glossy Buckthorn bush (Rhamnus frangula), will understand the […]
This morning, while doing some yard work, I noticed this moderately large moth clutching a leaf in the garden. I thought, “I should go and get my camera,” but was soon distracted by my work. I noticed it again a little later in the morning, and realized I’d forgotten all about the moth. I finally […]
Dogbane Beetle (Chrysochus auratus) on Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium) Yesterday, robin from Dharma Bums commented: Someday, if you haven’t already done so, maybe you could tell us what you planted to attract all these incredible spiders into your spider garden. You do have such an inspiring diversity of species there. Shortly after I began this […]
Eight-spotted Forester moth caterpillar (Alypia octomaculata) Some of you may remember that, for a few weeks last summer, I raised Monarch caterpillars, then tagged and released the butterflies after they eclosed. I considered doing so again this summer, but we had plans to do a bit of traveling, so another Monarch rearing project seemed like […]
Banded Hairstreak butterfly (Satyrium calanus) On Monday, we visited Mill Pond Conservation Area with the intention of taking a long, slow walk along the Lime Kiln Trail. Unfortunately, that was not to be. Shortly after setting out, we met a family coming down the trail leading from the forest. Everyone had their sweaters pulled up […]
Last Friday night, I noticed a large moth outside one of the windows of our house (click on the above photo for a much larger view). In such cases, I generally invite the moth in for a brief visit and portrait photo session before releasing it back outdoors. My usual modus operandi is to turn […]
At this time of the year, I feel myself slipping behind when it comes to posting about the many insects encountered here at the farm. My efforts to ID spiders, moths, and other creatures also suffer as I keep adding photos at the rate of a few dozen per day. One consequence is that I […]