Birdfeeding: Friends of a Feather Flock Together

I found a giant silk moth caterpillar crawling around a can on the patio. I love Saturniid moths. They get huge, and many look spectacular. Even their caterpillars are big and interesting. This one is about the size of my pinky finger, so it's probably a middle instar and still has a lot of growing to do. I'm really excited to see one of these guys. I expect the birds will be excited too -- these are the Polish sausages of the caterpillar pantry.

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Today is partly sunny and mild.

We walked the prairie garden again so I could point out where I wanted the last strip mowed. My partner Doug is out doing that now.

I fed the birds. I've seen a few house finches and a mourning dove. The dove was actually clinging to the hopper feeder, which is a bit too small for comfort.

EDIT 6/9/24 -- I sowed moonflower seeds in the barrel garden and telephone pole garden. I've gotten them to sprout before -- there's at least one in the barrel garden from a previous planting -- but never to bloom. The first morning glory bud is visible though! :D

EDIT 6/9/24 -- I watered the moonflowers.

I've seen a grackle at the hopper feeder.

EDIT 6/9/24 -- I raked the new strip, which parallels the west edge of the prairie garden, but a little farther east than the previous one.

EDIT 6/9/24 -- I watered the septic garden and the patio plants.

EDIT 6/9/24 -- I watered the picnic table plants, telephone pole garden, grass patch, and notch in the prairie garden.

There is a black swallowtail caterpillar on my dill! :D 3q3q3q!!! I'm so excited. This is a volunteer dill plant from last year's 'Mammoth' dill, growing in the telephone pole garden especially for baby butterflies to enjoy. This year's dill is barely sprouting.

EDIT 6/9/24 -- I trimmed brush along the paths in the prairie garden.

Fireflies are coming out.  :D

As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.