It's been really fun to see how many butterflies are taking advantage of my feeder of rotten fruit. I have many Questions Marks, Red Admirals and some Mourning Cloak visit daily. The past 2 days the birds have been eating the gnats that collect around the rotten fruit but the birds have also tried to catch a butterfly or two for a tastier meal.
Yesterday afternoon I put the birds feeders out again for the winter. I have 3 feeders out - one with sunflower seeds, one with thistle and one with safflower. Early this morning the thistle and sunflower seed feeders were mobbed by Pine Siskins who were fighting for position on the feeders. Not to worry there's plenty of food for all of you. The Pine Siskins are both a new life bird and a new yard bird for me. That makes #36 for the species I have seen in my yard. I am so happy I took out the Autumn Olive trees 3 years ago and replaced them with gardens of native plantings.
There is a newly opened wildlife area in Lower Twp. The area covers 180 acres along the Cape Island Creek and encompasses a number of different habitats for birds. It is also a great area for butterflies. I recently met a friend there and we walked part of the property. While walking I saw many Common Buckeyes and lots of Orange Sulphurs. After she left I continued walking the perimeter trail. I found a set of 4 arbors, a bird blind that overlooks both the marsh and an Osprey platform and all 3 of the artist easels that are set up around the property. Along the green trail I found a field of yellow flowers that were filled with many Monarchs, Sulphurs of various species, Buckeyes and other butterflies and bees. I look forward to going back again soon.
