6 birdsandblooms.com SEPTEMBER EXTRA 2020
FROM THE EDITOR
Backyard Treasures
KIRSTEN SCHRADER, EXECUTIVE EDITORFOLLOW US
Join us on Facebook for a photo of the
day from readers like you and for the best
seasonal stories from our recently updated
website. Find us: facebook.com/birdsbloomsIt’s a fun and exciting time in the garden. Flowers are in full bloom,
plants are at their peak, and countless creatures are stopping by: birds,
butterflies, moths, bees, bugs and more.
I’m thankful that my husband likes to gawk at all of the happenings in
our garden as much as I do. Recently we watched a bumblebee visit every
tiny white bloom in one of our window boxes. And earlier this summer
we noticed a pair of cedar waxwings (the first ones we’ve seen
in our yard!) stealing material from an abandoned robin nest.
We always reflect on those moments, noting how much
there is to see when you just pay attention. The photos in
our special Backyard Tales section on page 19 are definitely
proof of that. Readers like you captured some truly amazing
snapshots of all sorts of wild things in their backyards. Cliff
Beaver submitted one of my favorites, which shows a bluebird
peeking out of its owl decoy home—see it on page 28.
Also in this issue, learn about a few of the day-flying moths
you might spot lurking around your landscape in “Day-Shift Moths”
on page 46. These unique fliers are take-your-breath-away beautiful.
Spoiler alert: One of them is neon pink!
We’d love to see what’s been flying or crawling in your backyard lately.
Share your sightings at birdsandblooms.com/submit.KEEP FEEDERS UP
Attract late-migrating hummingbirds by
keeping your sugar-water feeders full until
October. Another bonus: Rare species are
more likely to show up later in the season.Be a native bee landlord
with the new Beestra nursery
by BeeFoster. Recycle or
compost this eco-friendly
product after a year of use.
$20 at beefoster.comLisa Ferrigno of
Baytown, Texas,
created this simple
bird feeder setup
out of an old
teacup and saucer.birdsblooms@birdsbloomsbirdsblooms