My first sighting of a Fifteen-spotted lady Beetle/Anatis labiculata. Only a handful of these have been reported in Brooklyn on iNaturalist. On Common Milkweed…

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With their ample leaves, Common Milkweed plants are a convenient place to rest, recoup, and clean up.

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Now for some hunters found on Milkweeds, waiting for visitors. In this case, the wait is over…

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Northern Mockingbird trying to dislodge male American Kestrel. American Robin trying to do the same thing to female American Kestrel.

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Big poops on a Common Milkweed leaf underneath a seriously chewed-back leaf? That’s a sign! Ah… not on the Milkweed, but down in the grasses, perhaps in retreat from all the rain. Two days later at the same patch, more eaten leaves, more poop. And ah-hah again! Was this the same individual? Maybe, but as…

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One. Two. Three, or just another view of No. 2? I’m not sure; this tree was rather thickly leaved.

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At least one more Northern Mockingbird.

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Dogbane Leaf Beetle/Chrysochus auratus is one of the most spectacular beetles found in our parts. Their specific epithet means golden, but as you can see they’re something of an iridescent rainbow. Their common name comes from their association with Hemp Dogbane/Apocynum cannabinum. I found my first beetles of this species last year in a patch…

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