The common name for Vanessa cardui, Painted Lady, was given to this beautiful wildlife butterfly because of its colorful past…and not one from the butterfly itself.  It is said the early miners out west called this abundant butterfly, Painted Lady, after the “working girls” in town. The hint of rose on the forewing reminded the miners [...] […]

We’ve talked about Purple Martins and migration, but at this time of year many birds are migrating to their wintering homes. Warblers, Orioles, Tanagers, Vireos, Swallows, raptors, ducks and geese, Thrushes, Sparrows, and more are all on the move, and may be passing through your wildlife garden. And what they need most of all is [...] […]

Nashville has marvelous local parks and greenways.  We are lucky folks. We can play, see beautiful native plants and experience nature in all its glory. What many Nashvillians don’t know is that Middle Tennessee is home to a rare and endangered ecosystem. I’m talking about our wonderful cedar glades. Cedar glades are like nothing you’ve [...] […]

and the birds will flock to your garden.  (Sorry, couldn’t resist the pun.)  A pond is nice but not necessary, as even a small fountain will attract birds.You never know who might show up. For more on my adventures in waterfowl photography, see here. Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via [...] […]

As fall arrives in the northeast, are you still noticing pollinators active in your wildlife garden? If you have aster, goldenrod, sedum or even some black-eyed susans blooming, check out which insects are visiting them right now. You’ll probably see an assortment of bumble bees, hover flies, parasitic wasps and beetles. Maybe even some newly [...] […]