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Butterfly Houses in the Garden
Do they really use butterfly houses?According to the Butterfly School, yes! And they even have simple, detailed directions to make your own butterfly houses. There’s tons of great information on the site pertaining to all things butterflies and moths. Copy and paste this address to check it out: http://www.butterflyschool.org
One great way to attract butterflies to your houses is to add their nectar inside. Using a small dish, with a new sponge or pot scrubber to absorb the liquid, place it in the bottom of the house. This acts as a fantastic attractant for these flying flowers! And…the nectar is a simple solution of sugar and water. The same mixture used for hummingbirds. One part sugar to four parts water. Never use any substitutes for the sugar, plain, table sugar is best.
Here’s to spring and the butterflies!
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Milkweed and a Butterfly House
Time-lapse close up of Monarch caterpillar pupating and later the butterfly braking out of its chrysalis. Notice how the wings expand as the belly fluids are pumped into them. Save a Monarch, grow a Milkweed! Add a butterfly house for shelter from weather and predators too.
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Bat Houses Help Offset Pandemic
A common and recent disease found only in brown bats threatens to wipe out entire species. In terms of ecology and the food chain in general, this is a serious concern for scientists. Insect populations may grow wildly without control from brown bats. Confused bats are being seen in broad daylight, during hibernation cycles when food sources are not available. Their cycles are interrupted and whole colonies are dying off at an alarming rate.
Erecting bat houses may help some of the stray bats find adequate shelter in hopes of survival. The following video explains further about the bat’s disease known as White Nose Syndrome.
The Battle for Bats: White Nose Syndrome from Ravenswood Media on Vimeo.
Birding Tips, Information & News
