Spicebush swallowtail

This caterpillar is such an amazing and interesting creature. Today it turned yellow and emptied it's gut, which means its getting ready to become a chrysalis. The cartoon looks have helped endear this species to me. This is what it looks like tonight. It has attached itself to the side if the cage already. 

I hope I am able to watch it change but something tells me, it will happen over night. I will post photos of the chrysalis soon. I am lucky enough to still have 4 more cats of different sizes and will continue the search for more!  Thanks for visiting and hope you check in again soon!  Take care }!{

House wrens

I have always had a special place in my heart for wrens. The connection comes from a poem my Grandmother wrote for me when I was a teen, entitled "Jennie Wren"!  She always did spell my nickname wrong, but that's okay. This year, I have been fortunate to have 2 nests of wrens right on my front porch. This first nest was made in a decorative little birdhouse I picked up at HomeGoods. 

The second nest was made in a hanging basket filled with fuchsias.  

The first nest isn't accessible to take images of, but luckily I should be able to get some nice shots from the second one!  Stay tuned for more images of their progress!

Thanks for stopping by and have a spectacular weekend!

Spicebush Swallowtail Rearing!

I started rearing butterflies a few years ago and until recently, I have only reared Black Swallowtails and Monarchs. This year,  after careful searching, have started rearing Spicebush Swallowtails!  I found 4 eggs so far, 3 of which have hatched, and one caterpillar. I love this particular caterpillar because of it's whimsical appearance. Initially, it looks like bird droppings but as it grows, it changes its looks as it has several instar stages. Here are some images I have taken ~

Keep posted for more images as this adorable cat continues it's journey to become a beautiful butterfly !