Birds and Butterflies

Over the course of the summer, my wife and I have had the pleasure of observing some of nature’s fluttering and flying wildlife up close and personal in our backyard. Having a mature Butterfly Bush in the garden and a couple of bird feeders outside our living room window, is like having a flashing neon light that says “Eat here” to the wildlife in our area.



In almost every house we have lived in my wife has planted a Butterfly Bush (Buddleja Davidii).  Because its flowers are generally rich in nectar and often strongly honey-scented, they are attractive to Butterflies, Bees and Moths.  These are a few I was able to photograph. 

If you've been following OC LOOK, in an earlier post, I commented on how we set up a couple of new bird feeders in early Spring.  Since that time we’ve been enjoying the sights and sounds of Blue Jays, Cardinals, Sparrows and yes, an occasional squirrel perching on the feeders nourishing themselves.  Believe it or not, bird feeding is the second most popular hobby in the United States after gardening.  More than 55 million adults feed birds around their home.

Though a hobby to some, in cold weather areas like Orange County, bird feeding plays a very important role.  Birds that depend solely on nectar from plants and insects will migrate south to warmer climates in the winter in order to survive.  However, birds that eat seeds or insects that live under tree bark, usually will remain as long as they can find food.  As the winter progresses, keeping your bird feeders filled will help these wild birds survive the cold winter months.

Every February, The National Bird-feeding Society sponsors National Bird Feeding Month, which encourages people to provide food, water and shelter for wild birds.  Why February? February in the United States is one of the most difficult months for wild birds to survive.

You can go here or more information on planting butterfly gardens and here for more information on bird feeding.