It's August, and daylight is a bit less each day, nearly an hour lost since the Summer Solstice.

However, it seems there is more activity in this condensed time frame.

There is always something going on in a native garden!

7-31-22 Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

We were having breakfast one morning when I noticed the spicebush (Lindera benzoin) near the pond had a folded leaf. Caterpillars! I found quite a few on the different plants in the east beds.

7-30-22 Spicebush Caterpillar leaf tent 7-30-22 Spicebush Caterpillar in leaf tent 7-30-22 Spicebush Caterpillar 7-30-22 Spicebush Caterpillar 7-31-22 Spicebush Caterpillar and egg debris

8-4-19 Spicebush Swallowtail female laying eggs on Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Here is a female Spicebush Swallowtail laying eggs in 2020. I've been seeing one around, they're quick about it.

7-26-22 Eastern Wood-Pewee 8-2-22 Eastern Wood-Pewee immature 8-8-22 Eastern Wood-Pewee

Eastern Wood-Pewees have been busy catching flying insects in the woodland and near the pond.

7-31-22 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 7-31-22 Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated Hummingbird numbers are picking up.

8-6-22 Northern Cardinals 8-7-22 Northern Cardinal juvenile 8-7-22 Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinals are still feeding their begging young. The two males look a bit worse for the wear as they are losing feathers in summer molt.

7-26-22 Red-bellied Woodpecker juvenile 8-8-22 Red-bellied Woodpecker juvenile

A young Red-bellied Woodpecker has been teasing sunflower hearts out of the feeder with its tongue.

  8-8-22 American Robin and Northern Flicker 8-8-22 Blue Jay

Dan's weather station has recorded 17.67" of rain since 7-1-22. Our whole yard is basically a rain garden, but this has been really challenging. It has been so hot, birds are still coming in to cool off, bathe and get sips of water. An American Robin and Northern Flicker were in the basin today, and a Blue Jay drank at the bubbler. 

7-9-22 Pawpaw Fruit (Asimina triloba)

There are some bright spots. Our little grove of Pawpaws (Asimina triloba) now has one tree with fruit. 
 

8-5-22 Ironweed (Vernonia Arkansan)

Ironweed is blooming, and the hummingbirds have been drinking nectar from the purple blossoms. 

8-8-22 Syrphid fly at Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinals) is a favorite of the hummingbirds, too. But look carefully and you'll see a tiny syrphid fly hovering on the right side of the brilliant red spire.

8-8-22 Tiger Swallowtail on Marsh Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Today, a Tiger Swallowtail was on the Marsh Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). But when will we see the officially endangered Monarch? 

Take care, stay cool!