Bees, Leaf-footed Bugs, Luna Moths and More

Top Photo: Eastern tiger swallowtail nectars on coreopsis. Though they’re more obvious during spring when the white-faced males emerge to patrol areas around suitable nest sites for females, carpenter bees are active all season long. Spring, though, is when you’re most likely to run into one and perhaps be buzzed by the harmless males. Later in the summer they’re much less noticeable, but still around. You’ll probably see more females at this time of year and they’ll be more passiveRead more

Pretty Flowers or Weeds

Boneset is blooming at various locations around the Wetlands. The flowers should be fairly easy to locate. Look for clusters of small white flowers atop a straight 2-4 foot plant growing close to the water. The leaves of the plant are opposite. The bases of the leaves are joined at the stem of the plant, surrounding the stem (perfoliate) – an interesting configuration. Boneset is also called Thoroughwort, Fever-weed, and Sweating Plant. Besides some lingering Black-eyed Susan, Coreopsis, and QueenRead more

Coreopsis and a Treat for the Birds

Top Photo: Cedar waxwing grapples with mulberry. Coreopsis is in bloom. You can see these yellow flowers with the fringe-tipped petals growing around the Sailboat Pond in Catch the Wind. Much to the delight of many bird species as well as some Museum guests and myself, Red Mulberries are ripe – they’re very tasty. There are a number of Red Mulberry Trees growing along the Explore the Wild and Catch the Wind Loop. One particularly prolific specimen is growing onRead more