Rusty Blackbird

What a surprise to find a Rusty Blackbird in my own back yard. There was only one.

I think it was eating cracked corn that I had scooped off the back patio. Hard to tell in the picture but his head is rusty. What a great bird to have visit my backyard.

Partially Albino Junco

This little misfit showed up in my backyard on Dec 1, 2009. Took this picture on Dec 3. I originally named him Wacko Junco (after Michael Jackson). But he is sort of a Rudolph because the other Juncos shun him. Anyway, hopefully he suvives the winter.

Seeds Galore

I've been harvesting and cleaning seed from my garden to sell on my native landscaping website.  When I saw these, I thought they were gorgeous and grabbed my camera.  They are Rough White Lettuce (Prenanthes aspera)

Starry Campion

This is a gorgeous flower that likes to grow in part shade.

I have these growing in my backyard. Aren't they attractive. GO NATIVES!

Another very attractive native wildflower. This one is similar to Cleome that many people grow. It's common name is Clammy-weed (Polanisia dodecandra). Insects love the flowers. It's an annual and reseeds nicely. An interesting characteristic is that the foliage smells exactly like green peppers!

Elm-leaf Goldenrod

One of Kansas' coolest goldenrods. I love the dainty flowers that form on long spires. These grow right in front of the house and they like shade.

Willow-leaf sunflower

Is this the most incredibly cool looking plant or what? The tips look like little fireworks displays. It also reminds me of something from Dr. Seuss. It's one of many Kansas sunflower species. These are growing along my driveway.