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butterfly feeders and these!
It may be a little difficult to spot in the photo, but to butterflies that gentle spray from the leaf mister is absolutely irresistible!Versatile for placement almost anywhere in the yard or garden, the rubber tubing is actually wrapped around a simple plant stake here. Our other mister extends over the railing of the front porch, coiled around a metal deck bracket.
The butterfly feeders in this yard are mostly natural. Consisting of host plants, like milkweed, butterflies may feast on nectar from perennial flowers like lantana, trumpet vine, and native hibiscus. There is also a staked glass butterfly feeder, and sometimes we’ll add over-ripened fruit. Melons, bananas, oranges and strawberries are a few of their favorites. The thing with fruit is to be sure it does not mold, which can be tricky in hot and humid Georgia summers. When the glass flower does not contain fruit, it’s easily moved near the leaf mister, and creates a small pool of water. This bath is frequented by the butterflies as well as hummingbirds and other songbirds.
If you’re not having such great success with butterfly feeders alone, definitely try a leaf mister. By creating an enticing butterfly habitat-you’ll be amazed at the bustling activity of these winged jewels!
- Bats & Butterflies, Bird Accessories, Butterfly Houses, Misters and Birdbath Drippers, Uncategorized
cool butterfly houses at the birding show
Last week in Atlanta, the Merchandise Mart hosted its annual gift show, with a whole floor dedicated to backyard birding. Spending a whole day there just wasn’t enough, I felt like a kid in a candy store and wanted everything!Unfortunately, that’s far from possible, so the search was narrowed to very unique birding products, namely one, butterfly houses. Many of the standards were there, in cedar construction from small to large. A few recycled plastic (or poly lumber) butterfly houses were shown in some fab colors.
This one caught my eye however, likely because of the mod curved entrances. The copper accents were nice too, so I inquired. Upon learning these butterfly houses are hand crafted in solid cypress, and included the tall mounting poll, I was pretty much hooked.
At home I don’t have a butterfly house, but last summer there were tons of butterflies. Planting the host plant (milkweed) helped, but the leaf misters are what kept them around daily. Butterflies absolutely love the gentle spray from a leaf mister, whether they really use these houses or not…you can attract them with mist! By the way…Hummingbirds and others really love that mist during summer’s sweltering temperatures too!
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Bat Houses for Natural Insect Control
A most interesting phone call came in the other day, concerning natural insect control. While the person was explaining the yard set-up and pond, you could tell they had researched and done their homework. It was really a pleasure to hear someone first-hand, on their admirable endeavor of natural pest control.Not only serving their own agenda, the two bat houses ordered were beauties. Shown here, it’s The Colony Bat House, complete with a triple chamber that will house a whole colony of bats and their offspring. Lots of little brown bats may be calling this roost home very soon!
One birdhouse, and one purple martin house, in hopes of enticing these avid insect-eaters, were also added to their order, making the yard a very wildlife-friendly habitat. The pond is already there, serving as a water source. Mature trees and shrubs line the yard offering protection from predators and the elements. Numerous native plants adorn the area as well, providing food sources for feathered and furry friends. So, with food, water and shelter readily available, local wildlife should this yard very inviting. Can’t wait to see pictures of the new bat houses too!
Birding Tips, Information & News
