The Daily Bucket is a regular feature of the Backyard Science group. It is a place to note any observations you have made of the world around you. Rain, sun, wind...insects, birds, flowers...meteorites, rocks...seasonal changes...all are worthy additions to the bucket. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment. Include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located. Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the patterns that are quietly unwinding around us.
Pacific Northwest
March 21, 2014
(All photos by me. In Lightbox...click to enlarge)
My viburnum is in full flower right now. Yesterday when the sun came out, there was a lot of activity there, insects flying between flower heads, feeding on the blossoms and crawling around amongst them. These are my earliest butterflies and bees. There are very few native plants in flower yet, so I'm happy the viburnum can provide them with fuel. The nights are still a bit chilly, and sun is occasional at this time of year.
Two butterflies. On looking them up, I see they are both common and widespread, so you may have them too.
This orange one is the Satyr Anglewing (Polygonia satyrus).
more pollinating and feeding below...
The underside of the wings has a whole other pattern, like an intricate leafy brown paisley, with the white comma-shaped mark characteristic of its genus, Polygonia. This butterfly is also called the Satyr Comma. It overwinters as an adult.
The other butterfly was Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon). It flitted around bright blue, and then folded up its wings when it landed, hiding the blue, while it fed on the flowers. I caught it mid-fold.
There were also several bees. I don't know my bees. Hymenopterists might be able to help out here?
Correction! this one is a fly:
And this one below is a fly too. Thanks billybush!
Some flies too. I think these are all flies, even though a couple have bee colors. One pair of wings, big eyes, bristly not furry? Feel free to correct me!
~
Spring insect activity in your neck of the woods or flowers out for hungry pollinators? Or if yours are still cloaked in snow, do these look familiar? What sorts of pollinators call your backyard home and have you noticed any changes?
And -
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