Archive for June, 2006

Liatris spicata bulbs flowering

Friday, June 30th, 2006

liaspi1The bulbs of liatris spicata that I planted last year have begun to flower.  These flowers will attract many types of valuable insects to the prairie.  From bees to butterflies, there will be alot of valuable and beautiful insect attracted to this native plant.  The bulbs that I planted this year have flower buds on them as well, but have not yet flowered.

Robin’s nest day 7

Friday, June 30th, 2006

robinnest7The robins are getting quite large now.  The eyes are open even more and the parents appear to be working non-stop to feed these little guys.  I filled the little bird bath/drinking pond with fresh water today.  The pond is just below the nest.  With the heat we have coming up, I want to help these birds stay hydrated.

Big Bluestem (andropogon gerardii) forming large clumps

Thursday, June 29th, 2006

andgerkestrel1The big bluestem in the prairie is forming some massive clumps.  Just last year these plants had only a few small sprigs which grew and formed seed.  This year, they are almost as big as Kestrel.  Later this fall, I will be able to see how many plants actually grew from the seed I through down earlier this spring.  Right now though, it is hard to tell which is which with the foxtail grass growing along side the big bluestem.  Hopefully, there will be many small clumps growing, and then next year, the prairie will be full of big bluestem grass.

Robin’s nest day 6

Thursday, June 29th, 2006

robinnest6Wow!  What a change a day has made with the robin chicks.  They have opened the eyes now for the first time and are starting to look a robin now.  The beaks and head have gotten larger, plus their calls for their mother is a lot louder too.

Robin’s nest day 5

Wednesday, June 28th, 2006

robinnest5Not much of change in the robin’s today.  Still a little bigger, and their eyes are still closed.