Beautiful monarch butterflies
Here are more images of the monarch butterflies we watched develop from caterpillars on our milkweed plant, to chrysalises to adults. We...
The monarch butterflies are out and on their way
Hooray! Hooray! After 17 days, the monarchs emerged from both chrysalises! We just weren't sure anymore if the chrysalises were okay and...
Leaf cutter bees having a feast
I've never seen so many leaf cutter bees in the garden before this summer. Somehow the combination of native plants we have growing in...
The monarch chrysalises are still hanging around
Well, it's been 14 days and the monarch chrysalises are still intact, hanging in the mesh pop-up hamper. I hope they are okay and will...
Sleeping ivory banded male digger bee
This morning I observed a bee sleeping on a prom dress blossom. I've seen photos of bees sleeping on flowers, but this was my very...
Bees and flowers
The backyard is literally a-buzz with activity these days. So many bees, butterflies and birds! Above is an image of a honey bee flying...
The hairstreak butterfly and cabbage moth
This summer, ever since the naked buckwheat plant started blossoming, the hairstreak butterfly has been a regular visitor. And I only see...
The gulf fritillaries are back!
It's been at least a year since I observed any gulf fritillary butterflies Agraulis vanillae in the area. Walking around the garden on...
So much bird activity in the garden
This weekend there were so many birds around the garden, and especially in the early afternoon there is so much singing, chirping, and...
California towhee fledgling
I observed this California towhee fledgling sunning itself on the backyard fence today. You can tell with its still fluffy feathers that...
