Bluebird Nestbox Update

On Sunday I accidentally caught a bluebird in my nestbox trap. He squawked up a storm. I really didn't think it was a bluebird making that sound. I was a bit worried it may have been the mate of the pair in the garden. Today I checked their box and both parents were present when I opened the box. I was surprised to find 6 eggs in the nest. That seems like a lot of mouths to feed. We will see how many hatch.

Bluebird Nestbox

I have four nestboxes in my yard. The one in the garden has a bluebird nest with 5 eggs in it. This is the first time in many years that bluebirds were able to nest in my yard. The problem every year is house sparrows chase them away or take over the house. This year I bought a house trap to catch the house sparrows. Finally success with the bluebirds. House traps can be found at Van Ert Traps.

Dusky Skipper Visits Garden

There was a dusky skipper laying eggs on my Canada Milkvetch plants. I knew this was a host plant for them, but had never seen them laying eggs on it.

Ohio Buckeye is blooming

My Ohio Buckeye is only 3 feet tall but it has a bloom on it.

American Toads

The American toads are filling the night time air with their song. I love this time of year. I recorded this "video" at dusk to record their calls. I hope you enjoy.

Tiger Swallowtail

Yesterday, while doing yard work, I saw a Tiger Swallowtail butterfly visit my yard. It went straight for the chokecherries which were leafing out. Black cherry is another host for the Tiger Swallowtail. I have one of them in my yard as well. This happens to be one of its host plants. Host plants are plants that butterflies lay their eggs on. Each species of butterfly has specific plants that the larva eat. For example Monarchs only use milkweed plants.

Butterfly Gardening tells about my experiences with butterflies in my yard.