Tiger, tiger.

Tiger, tiger burning bright

In my garden, a delight!

Birds and butterflies abound in the garden of 2010. I've witnessed the fledging of a brood of bluebirds, and an industrious wren couple has recently set up housekeeping. Chipping sparrow babies are to be found all over the yard, flitting after their parents, noisily demanding to be fed.

A mockingbird has graced us with its presence, singing at all hours of the day and night--even at 3:30 a.m! I followed a crested flycatcher pair around the yard as I attempted to identify them. Obviously, I finally got close enough to do so. Barn swallows have put a nest on our front porch. It's inconvenient to have them swooping defensively at anyone who braves the front door, but they eat insects, so we're happy to have them.

I've seen tiger swallowtails, like the one pictured above on a buddleia, sampling nectar in the garden, and also ruby-throated hummingbirds. I try to plant flowers known to draw hummingbirds and butterflies. Coral bells, nepeta (pictured below), salvia and buddleia are all magnets for these colorful and entertaining garden visitors and they do well in my sun-drenched, zone 5 garden. Photos by JulenaJo.