The Three "Bs"

What are the three “Bs”? Birds, Beetles, and Butterflies of course! Wait, beetles?? Yes, if you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you’ll know that I love bugs! And I have a couple of cool pics of some super handsome beetles. Additionally, this will be a special list because I will add some butterflies to it. Oh, and I guess we should add a “W” to this for all the wildflowers that are blooming!

So let’s start with the beetles…

This handsome devil is a Pleasing Fungus Beetle. Not to be confused with a Burying Beetle who is also bedecked with striking orange and black markings. The elytra (the fore wings which have hardened in the beetles and are generally not used for flying) in the burying beetles does not extend down to the end of the abdomen. The pleasing fungus beetles have elytra that do extend all the way down and cover the entire abdomen.

Next, is a real beauty. This is a very large female Blister Beetle. Just like the burying beetles, her elytra do not extend to the end of the abdomen. She is also the most exquisite metallic blue color. Seen in the sun, it is amazing! As the name suggests, when defending themselves, they can release an irritating substance from the rear. Handle with care!

The next “B” is for Butterflies. Several species have been sighted now that the weather has moderated. Here they are:

Question Mark/Comma (didn’t have binocs to confirm which one!)

Mourning Cloak

Dusky Wing sp.

Tiger Swallowtail

Spring Azure

Okay, on to birds! Lots of things have been moving through and so we’ve seen and heard several species one day, then they were gone the next. Some examples of this are the Black-throated Green Warbler, Black and White Warbler, and Palm Warbler. Some of the birds are “our” birds that nest here. Just this weekend we’ve identified two different Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher nests! Also back are the White-eyed Vireos, and Brown-headed Cowbirds. Lots of things keep appearing, and our facebook page is a great place for updates. If you haven’t seen it yet, there is a neat video of a Cape May Warbler at the feeders!

Alright, next up are the flowers. Now I have to let you know that I’ve been trying to get this post completed and up for over a week and a half! Consequently, some things, like the Serviceberry and Trout Lily have bloomed and finished already. I hope you were able to see them some place else. Here is the list of current new flowers in bloom, followed by a few pictures. Enjoy!

Large Flowered Bellwort
Large Flowered Trillium
Toadshade Trillium
Marsh Marigold
Pale Violet
Long-spur Violet
Braun’s Hybrid Violet
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Virginia Bluebells
Celendine Poppy
Wild Blue Phlox
Yellow Violet
Swamp Buttercup
Thyme-leaved Speedwell
Flowering Dogwood
Redbud
Crabapple sp.
Bishop’s Cap

 Spring Beauty

 Virginia Bluebells

Celendine Poppy

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