Large Praying Mantis
Catbird sitting on her nest (which has 3 blue eggs in it)
It is amazing to me how many animals, birds and insects visit and live in our small yard! When we first moved here we tended to only see squirrels and robins. Of course there wasn’t much here for the wildlife, except for a few bushes and trees. We have not used any chemicals in the yard in years (with the exception of wasp spray for some ground wasps next to the patio and a patch of poison ivy about 5 years ago). Although our grass is not particularly lush, I feel like we are getting paid back in wildlife. Last week I was pulling some weeds out of a shrub and almost took out a Catbird nest. Fortunately I saw the 3 beautiful blue eggs and proceeded to very carefully put the vine back on the bush (so much for the front yard looking nice). On Monday we saw a huge Praying Mantis on the deck (sitting on the tomato plant). The kids loved it. It moved around for them and then pretended to be a branch. We have also been seeing lots of butterflies, bumble bees and hummingbirds (partially thanks to my plantings of Native Honeysuckle, Bee Balm, Butterfly Bushes and Butterfly Weed). I just came in from running errands and as soon as I opened the back gate I saw the bunny munching on the lawn (definitely a mixed blessing) a robin, a little gray bird and a finch flying around. It makes me very happy that I can provide a home for some of these little animals. We also have a bird bath for the birdies and the squirrels (especially important in the hot weather). I also have a bird feeder which I am forgetful about filling.
Who are you sharing your yard with?
Jim found a hummingbird that got trapped in the garage yesterday morning. Unfortunately by the time he found it and got it outside it was too far gone to save it. We tried to cool it down with water and it tried to fly but must have injured its wing. I did take some pictures of it.