Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

On the Button

The deciduous shrub known as Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) for its round flower heads is a fantastic pollinator-magnet. The plant loves its feet (roots) wet, and, as we discovered recently at the edge of Beaverdam Reservoir in Virginia, it also attracts hummingbirds. Who knew? Well, everybody in the pollination biz, but it was a lovely discovery for us. This Ruby-throated (Archilochus colubris) was supping at the last remaining flower head.

4 responses to “On the Button”

  1. Cool! You are really getting some beautiful bird and insect action! I love your blog! Very informative on a variety of different topics. ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

    1. Ditto!

      1. Thank you!

    2. Thank you! I blame luck and perseverance.

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