Saturday, September 7, 2013

Life as a...

...critter caretaker
I'm hoping the link to Camera Critters opens up today~it'll be my first time there & I got some critters...

...and how

There are 4 generations of Monarchs-these are 3rd generation as they were born in July/August. 
 These critters eat and poop, eat and poop until my milkweed is depleted:

Everything had just grown back from the 40 Monarchs I released a few weekends ago
AND
I spied an itty bitty critter this morning as I was assessing the milkweed situation & that is already the 4th generation...which lives the longest for the migration back down to Mexico.
had asked if the critters eat just the leaves or the stalks too.
 Well D, I'm here to show you that they eat what ever they can!

These were pretty decimated from the last round of critters but is growing back healthy...

...and fast, but not fast enough. (for me)
So...
...as soon as the seed pods open I plant everything that comes out. I now have 100's of tiny seedlings-
-EVERYWHERE there is soil! 
But it's worth it cause they're so stinkin' cute.

And besides...

...THIS is my reward!
Happy (butterfly) snapping!
xo
Kelly




Camera Critters

17 comments:

  1. What you're doing is SO WELL WORTH it! And I love every one of your caterpillar/butterfly pictures.

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    1. I am so glad somebody out there appreciates my critter pics as much as I do! Thank you Roban! Xo

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  2. Wow Sis ... that is ALOT of milkweed in their bellies!!!! LOL
    I just can't imagine keeping up with them .... but you are doing one heck of a job!!!!
    I'm so proud of you.
    xoxoxo

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  3. Hi Kelly,
    Oh your Pictures of critters, and the beautiful butterfly are awesome! I have never seen that colorful critter - hvor pure and clear the yellow, white and black stripes are! Worth all the effort for sure!
    Nina

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  4. You are one of several bloggy friends doing this monarch thingy. I find it fascinating -- I never knew about this until this year.

    We have wild milkweed that pops up hap-harzardly. Most of it was infested with aphids. Sigh.

    Amazing photography Kelly. xo

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    1. Hi Nancy-
      I'm a bit obsessed to say the least-I actually go out twice a day with a surgical glove and a good spray bottle and kill aphids-they suck the life from the milkweed. I bought lady bugs thinking they'd eat the aphids-apparently the ladies don't like "those" kinds of aphids. It's a battle all summer. Always glad you stop by!

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  5. Wow that seems like a lot of work but well worth it. Great shots thanks for sharing.

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  6. I'm just amazed at the whole process - like a kid, I am glued to the screen and like with fireworks - oh and awe at the finale.

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  7. Wonderful capture of this whole process.

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    1. Thank you Sarah. It never ceases to amaze me.

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  8. All your hard work pays off in the beauty of these butterflies as they are set free. Absolutely amazing process and so glad you share it with us...

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  9. These are really beautiful, Kelly, and you hard work pays off for sure.

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  10. miss kelly, i have to tell you. this thing you do...well it is nothing short of captivating for me. i can only imagine the responsibility and obligation you must feel towards these magical creatures. i am in awe of how you keep up with them and nurture them. and oh my gosh...what a blessing it is so behold them as they transform. how beautifully you capture this. thank you for sharing this miraculous process. xoxo

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  11. You are amazing, simply amazing to grace this earth by caring for these beautiful creatures.

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Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. Your comments always put a smile on my face. Hope to see you again real soon.