Wildflower Update: Late summer / fall nectar flow has begun. Leading the way are yellow wingstem and ironweed. Several species of goldenrod are starting to bloom. We have had several good rains recently to overcome a long dry spell. Everything is turning green again. Our dutch white clover fields are blooming and our bees are back to work. Above, a rattlesnake master is bloom ... unique and interesting. Below, along our walking path, pollinators were busily working the ironweed and wingstem.
Pollinators and Wildlife: Below... a Great Spangled Fritillary, Speyeria cybele, nectaring (from the picture above). We have been seeing 3-4 Monarchs pass by each day this week. The migration has started and I am hoping for the best. Also this week, the green darner migration started. On Thursday, our ridge overlooking Long Creek were covered by a few hundred green darners flying just above the plants. Above the green darners were three nighthawks enjoying the feast. I tried some pictures but, too fast and too far away.
http://www.xerces.org/dragonfly-migration/
Work on the Farm: I put in another food plot on Saturday .. over an acre of austrian peas, winter oats and sunflowers. It is part of the conservation cost-share project. Milkweed pod harvest will begin soon.
Hiking, wildflower/wildlife photography, birdwatching and native plant research available on request. The Kentucky Wildflower Farm will be offering seed from locally collected native plant species in 2015.
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