Everyone Needs Their Greens

Posted on July 1, 2025 by Tina

I guess in this case, certain critters need their pinks and yellows.

This female House Finch, Haemorhous mexicanus, eschewing the protein offerings of sunflower and safflower feeders, opted for some fresh veggies in the form of the flower parts of Red Yucca, Hesperaloe parviflora.

I observed her for quite a while as she contentedly fed at the yucca blooms. She snitched bits of petals as she worked her way along the stem, her weight (such that it is) on the stem causing movement typically seen only by strong winds.

Birds and mammals often dine on flowers and foliage, along with insects and plant fruits. After all, a diet with variety is healthy, and who doesn’t like diversity in their meals?

Bloom-n-Bird

Posted on June 13, 2025 by Tina

Flowers bloom, birds appear.

This blown glass bird perched atop its metal limb, keeps company during the day with a crew of Henry Duelberg Sage, Saliva farinacea, ‘Henry Duelberg’ and one White Tropical Sage, Salvia coccinea. At night, fueled by the light of the sun from earlier hours, the bird and three of its kind light a pathway in the dark.

Lurking

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Tina

Purple Coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, is an excellent pollinator plant. But where pollinators feed, predators lurk.

This white crab spider, front legs outstretch for maximum grabbing ability, waits with supreme patience for a pollinator to appear, hoping for nectar and pollen, naive about what other dangers might lurk.

And so it goes in nature: food is provided for a variety of wildlife.