A somewhat wounded pollinator visited this morning, spotted first on a sunflower out back. Not much later, they did a fly-by of the hollyhocks and pomegranates out front.
Considering that wing and tail damage, and my somewhat rudimentary butterfly identification skills, I would suggest that this individual might be a tattered Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) On the other hand, they could be a Two Tailed Swallowtail (Pterourus multicaudata). Or something.
The garden is full of predators at the moment, asserting position in the food chain, myself included. Most of the apricot tree has been wrapped in deer netting today, since birds discovered the ripening fruit is greatly to their taste. Top predator must protect its food.
In the interest of sharing the garden’s bounty with all living beings, one tall limb bearing a reasonable number of saffron globes, has been left unwrapped.
The jury is still out, however, on exactly how successful my wrapping is going to be. I’m almost sure this fruit, pictured above, was unmarked when it was netted a few hours ago. Hmmm.
I had wanted bird netting (smaller I believe) but the local feed store only had deer netting. However if you want a starter BB gun which looks like an assault rifle, behaves like an assault rifle (firing 1400 rounds per minute), but technically isn’t an assault rifle, the shelves right by the checkout desk are loaded. Candy for the kids. Strategically placed at 10/11 year old height .
Ayyyye. It all starts with Daisy. Indeed.
America, my county ‘tis of thy people you are dying.
Hambe kahle to all those killed by guns.