Sunday, May 11, 2025

Drosera binata Blooms!

 

Drosera binata
     This carnivorous plant Drosera binata is blooming.  Just like the other carnivorous plants in my collection, it's blooms that attract the pollinators are well above the sticky tentacles that attract and digest other flying insects.  

Drosera binata Blooms

     This is the first time I have seen this plant bloom and I think it's interesting how it compares to the other Drosera (sundews).  Here multiple blooms open at the same time where the Drosera capensis blooms open one at at time (see picture below).

Drosera capensis blooms open one at at time

     Both types of Drosera catch and digest plenty of flying insects.  Below you can see some flying insects stuck in the sticky tentacles of the Drosera binata.

Drosera binata

 

Friday, May 9, 2025

Hummingbird Iridescence

So far the BirdCam hasn't taken a picture of a Hooded Oriole yet this year, but there are plenty of pictures of hummingbirds.  

Anna's Hummingbird

I like how it captures them flying in and hovering.   
Anna's Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird

The picture above illustrates the iridescence of the feathers on this birds head.  Light bounces off the feathers, resulting in shimmering hues that shift as the bird turns it's head.