I love when the squirrels lie down on the branches. It is really important to me that the Rusty Patch Garden has lots of infrustructure – logs and branches, hiding spots, everything a creature could want to get around. When I see them resting, I know they feel safe. It’s the difference between a yard they visit, and one they live in.
Photographing the squirrels has helped me understand their physiology. They are pretty fearless leaping from trees, knowing they will be cradled by the branches on the other side.
I think the branches, or porch railings in this case, also cool them down on hotter days.
Early spring was so bird-focused that it’s hard to believe how challenging it is to spot them now. They’re well hidden in trees within the canopy, so the only time I really spot them is in the dead trees.
No hummingbird feeders anymore – they love the bee balm, wild bergamot, blue vervain, and especially the jewelweed. And they also appreciate some infrastructure – a branch to perch on. I feel so lucky to see them perch.
First time seeing this weirdo. My mom was so sad to learn it will eat bumblebees. That’s an ecosystem, though. Can’t get too attached.
Not exactly sure who we have here, but I see them regularly, experiencing the world through their antennae.
Some bees, not as many as other years, but a bigger variety. Leafcutter, Bumble, and Honey all pictured.
The Four-Lined Hornet Fly being a treasure.
Wasps, some classic, some exotic.
Some caterpillars crawl, some drop from trees on thread (or whatever?)
Just a few more butterflies and moths than last week (when there weren’t any at all). The Admiral really likes the hydrangea.
Dragonflies being superheroes. I have no idea what the bug situation would be without their guardianship.
The massive Canada Darner – took ages to get a photo of it at rest.
The Pond Spreadwings are just so elegant.
Beetles large and small. The last two are a male japanese beetle – I know it’s male because of the ‘antlers’, pheromone sensing antennae that many male insects sport. Got a cool photo of it with its carapace open and wings out. Their mechanical-esque bodies are so interesting.
In this house, we love flies.
The only grass spider that chose to make a nest at eye-level so I get to check up on her. She picked a good spot for a web and she is becoming a beast. But I think it’s better to know where they are because then you don’t get surprised.
THANK U FOR LOOKING BYEE
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