I moved here to Honeycroft Village in May '22. There was a pre-existing garden behind my home. I changed non-native plants for natives adding host plants. I've seen total 41 butterfly species in 4 summer seasons but only 25 species in '25. 8 species of butterflies reproduced here including 5 Red-spotted Purple caterpillars that overwintered in hibernacula on 2 of my seedling cherry trees. 72 species of birds from my deck. Many in old growth trees that separate us from a cornfield. I document birds in eBird & all other nature in iNaturalist. 301 species documented at home; a few in HCV community space. Butterflies, moths, birds, bees and other pollinators, some frogs & a turtle, fox, deer with assorted other insects. I document trees, shrubs & plants, some of which are invasive and should be removed. It's getting to be time for the builder to turn over other areas the community/HOA will own. Our board is starting to decide what to do with the land. Meadows, gardening for Monarchs and beekeeping have been suggestions. A dog park somewhere has also been a suggestion. Of course, you all know I'd choose butterflies & nature.
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| Male & Female Eastern Bluebirds eating mealworms |
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| Pileated Woodpecker |
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| Long-tailed Skipper on Lantana |
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| Eastern Tiger Swallowtails on hyssop |
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| Some of the 40+ Monarch caterpillars on swamp milkweed in 2025 |
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| 2 Monarch Chrysalis |
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| Hibernaculum for Red-spotted Purple - this structure is a type of shelter where the caterpillar hibernates (enters diapause) during the cold months. Out of 5 caterpillars, 4 eventually eclosed and flew away. |
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| Giant Swallowtail |
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| Snowberry Clearwing Sphinx Moth |
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| Hummingbird Clearwing Sphinx Moth |
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| Rustic Sphinx Caterpillar |
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| Ruby-throated Hummingbird |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird
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