Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

 

Today, I saw my first of year Eastern Tiger Swallowtail in my yard.  That means I have had 4 species in my yard in April which is much better than 2023 where I didn't have any until mid-May except for Cabbage Whites which seem to fly most of the year.  Hoping for a great butterfly seson here with an increase in the number of species and numbers of butterflies within those species.I have seen 37 lifetime butterflies so far in my yard.  Later in the afternoon, I saw a Spring Azure in the common space near the benches in my community.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

 First of the season male Ruby-throated Hummingbird on 4/23 in my yard. Now, seeing more than one hummingbird at a time the past several days though no females yet!

American Lady

 Excited to have 3 FOY butterflies in my yard in Cochranville. Red Admiral, Cabbage White & this American Lady laying eggs on 3 patches of pussy toes. Moved here spring '22. Last year only one butterfly before May 30th. If you plant it, they will come!

Red Admiral & Gray Catbird

 First butterfly I have seen this year in my yard in Cochranville. It's a Red Admiral. I, also, saw my first catbird of 2024. They enjoy fruit so I guess it's time to get some oranges to put out. The orioles love oranges and grape jelly.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

 I didn't realize that there was such red under the eyes and throat of Red-bellied Woodpeckers during breeding season.

Great Southern White

 I sure love this image of a Great Southern White with pink overtones and turquoise antenna. Since the winds were blowing 18+ MPH I was happy the butterfly was crisp in focus.

Roseate Spoonbills

 It's mine! No, it's mine! Let it go! LOL Roseate Spoonbills colleting branches to build a nest.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

 It's so hard to get good pictures of Green Jays due to the facial coloring around the eyes. Today, I got it right at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.

Yellow-breasted Chat

 Cooperative Yellow-breasted Chat at Laguna Vista Nature Trail

More Recent Butterflies

Reakirt's Blue

Gulf Fritillary

American Lady

Checkered White

Dun Skipper

Checkered White

Dainty Yellow

Sleepy Orange

Orange Sulphur

Sleepy Orange

Red Admiral

Northern Cloudywing

 

Lodging off the Beaten Path

I've been staying at this cool place the past 4 days. It's quirky & off the beaten path. It's several acres. You can climb to the top but the hills are pretty much straight up with lots of loose rock so I'd never be able to climb them. Over 20 species of butterflies, lots of birds especially black-chinned hummingbirds. I've had up to 8 hummers at the feeders on the porch on & off all day.

 

Great Butterflies ~ Variegated Fritillary & Juniper Hairstreak

 Lots of good butterflies here. Good numbers of Variegated Fritillaries plus I found a VF chrysalis out by the driveway. it's really gorgeous. Also, found Juniper Hairstreaks which I never expected to find. There is lots of variations of color on the wings.

Variegated Fritillary

Variegated Fritillary

Variegated Fritillary Chrysalis

Variegated Fritillary Chrysalis

Juniper Hairstreak

Juniper Hairstreak

Juniper Hairstreak

Pipevine Swallowtail's

There are many, many pipevine swallowtails in this area.  I have seen so many pipevine caterpillars on walkabout looking for a place to pupate. Here at my airbnb the garage wall has at least 5 chrysalis's and other caterpillars walking up the wall