Spring Is In The Air With Birds, Butterflies, and Bees

I’ve got lots of news to share (especially since it’s been so long since I have posted), but only 1 picture.

Let me start with what all is occurring in the backyard.

The Monarch Butterflies have arrived, but unfortunately I’ve only seen 1-2.

The Ruby Throated Hummingbirds just arrived today (March 19).  There is one mature male, and I’m not sure on the other one.

The pair of Eastern Bluebirds continue to visit the yard for mealworms, but no nesting activity, at least in my birdhouses.

I have one nest, some type of Wren, and I’ve never had a Wren nest before.  So far I have been unable to determine what type of Wren.  No eggs yet, and I haven’t seen them working on the nest in a few days.  Not sure if they abandoned it, or something else is occurring.

Cedar Waxwings continue to hang out in the trees just behind my backyard, although in smaller numbers than before (around 30 previously).

A few American Goldfinches remain.  I see them bathing and drinking in my disappearing bird stream.

The male Northern Cardinals are singing day and night and chasing the females.

Around 25-30 Purple Martins.  No nests yet, but I think close to 10 of the rooms are being used at night.

I have lots and lots of Honeybees feeding on the fruit plants, nectar plants, and my hummingbird feeders.  One even stung Maggie, my 11 year old Golden Retriever, in the ear which required surgery (that will be another post).

Most of my fruit trees are blooming (2 Orange, 1 Lemon, 1 Blackberry, 1 Mulberry) so the backyard smells wonderful.

Besides the Monarch Butterflies, Giant Swallowtails, Gulf Fritillary, and Eastern Black Swallowtails have all made numerous appearances.  My Fennel is covered in Eastern Black Swallowtail caterpillars.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my nightly backyard invaders which include Raccoons, and a very large Possum.  So far, no Skunks or snakes:-).