A Lurker at The Bird Feeder

When I was going through the pictures taken by the BirdCam, I noticed something unusual in the background of this one picture.

It's head is turn so that you can't see it, but the lower body and feet are definitely a bird of prey.  I see and hear hawks all the time.  

The Hooded Orioles Have Returned

I've heard them and watched the nectar levels go down in the feeders, but I haven't seen a Hooded Oriole yet this year.  However, the BirdCam got some pictures of them today.

Hooded Oriole

Hooded Oriole

Hooded Oriole

My Hero!

Gulf Fritillary Butterflies lay their eggs on the passion vines and the resulting caterpillars devour the plant if they are not removed.  Their bitter taste protects them from birds and anything else that might eat them.  However, today I saw a ladybug eating the egg of a Gulf Fritillary Butterfly!

A Ladybug eating the egg of Gulf Fritillary Butterfly

Caterpillar Phacelia

The caterpillar phacelia  (or Phacelia cicutaria) is blooming on the hillside.  I think the flowers are very interesting.

Phacelia cicutaria

Phacelia cicutaria

Phacelia cicutaria

Phacelia cicutaria

Phacelia cicutaria

Agave Salmiana Bloom Stalk Keeps Growing!

The Agave Salmiana bloom stalk keeps growing.  It looks to be about 20 feet tall. Its hard to be accurate as it is in a tough place to measure.  It's almost the same height as the balcony railing.  The bloom stalk emerged about 6 months ago and it continues to grow.  Here are pictures of it in previous posts http://birdcamoncheltenham.blogspot.com/search/label/Agave%20Salmiana 

Ornate Tiger Moth

Yesterday I was heading out the door and stopped to tie my shoes, when I looked down on the door mat and saw this Ornate Tiger Moth crawling around.  I thought the wings were striking.  This moth has a range from southern British Columbia to Southern California.

Ornate Tiger Moth

Ornate Tiger Moth

Monarch Caterpillar!

Today we say this Monarch caterpillar in Irene's garden.  I'd like to stick around and watch it become a butterfly.

Monarch Caterpillar