I was extremely sad today when partner Leon came in and let me know that the neighbor to the North of us was having her entire yard sprayed for bugs! This is just devastating because I’m trying so hard to invite nature back into the neighborhood. I think I’ll drop a copy of Doug Tallamy’s book off on her patio–who knows, maybe it will make a difference.
To offset the sadness, the universe sent me into the greenhouse and there, while puttering amongst all the plants, I was startled when a bird flew out of the giant hanging Coelogyne cristata orchid near the back. Taking a quick look, I saw this:
The bird was a female dark-eyed junco and she was sitting on her nest with two eggs! I’m so excited to add them to the list of breeding birds in the yard this year. We have the nesting spotted towhees near the front door, and now the juncos, who may well be starting their second brood of the year.
I’m hopeful that our yard will provide enough bugs and seeds the the juncos and towhees don’t have to venture into the poison zone next door!
I noticed that the big leaf maple saplings that I keep along the driveway in a pruned, shrubby state, are becoming part of the food web.
I am guessing this is leaf-cutter bee damage, but it cold be other critters, as well. I’m just so happy that the critters are dining on the buffet that is growing here.
This scene caught my eye with the evening light:
I just love the way these native grasses catch the light. They light up so much! I hope the skipper butterflies and other bugs find them as attractive as I do.