I found this plant outside the picture window underneath the bird feeders.  I've only seen one like it in the yard once or twice before.  Obviously, it germinated from something in the millet mix I use.  It's pretty big: the center stalk is at least 18" and the total diameter is easily 30".  It had been growing in the shade of a small sunflower ( Read more... )

I think I found out what species is bothering us:  Ochlerotatus trivitatitus.  It is described as being a pest because adults will attack anyone or anything intruding into their territory as a giant swarm.  They're persistent and their bite is painful.

Yup.  That pretty much describes our experiences in our own backyard.

Two references for your ( Read more... )

Well, I've gotta say that Spring is now officially here.  I've heard Robins for the past few days, and yesterday I saw one in our back yard.  He was VERY red in the breast.  It's kinda nice to hear the birds singing their spring songs, even if they're a block away at the creek.  Those are the songs I remember from every summer we've been here.  It' ( Read more... )

Yesterday I saw a new visitor to the yard:  a Pipevine Swallowtail!  I coudn't get a photo of her as she was fluttering about trying to decide where to land, then fluttered away.  I did get a close enough look at her to make specific mental notes for identification.  Even then it took a while to identify her.  I scoured my books and searched ( Read more... )