SEPTEMBER EXTRA 2020 birdsandblooms.com 61
ASK THE EXPERTS
Q I have found butterflies feeding on my
hummingbird feeders. What’s the best way
to provide food for them? Kathy Eppers ALEDO, TEXASKenn and Kimberly: Some kinds of butterflies
occasionally come to sugar-water feeders, especially
those where the feeding port is close to the contents
so the short proboscis of the butterfly can reach the
sweet stuff. However, this same style feeder is more
likely to attract bees, wasps and other insects. It’s
better to feed butterflies by putting out pieces of
overripe fruit, like banana or watermelon. These will
attract some butterflies that seldom visit flowers, such
as commas and goatweed leafwings. If you buy a butterfly
feeder, we recommend that you put just a few pieces of
fruit in the spaces provided and don’t bother filling the
feeder with sugar water.Painted lady
butterfly on
Indian blanket
flowerQ Which plants thrive in
dry conditions and attract
birds and butterflies?
Cara Washburn MCALLEN, TEXASMelinda: Look to native plants that
tolerate your climate and bring in wildlife.
Black-eyed Susan, bluebonnets, Indian
blanket, Indian paintbrush, golden
tickseed, mealycup sage, Mexican hat,
prairie verbena, Texas lantana and yaupon
holly are just a few plants that survive
in hot, sunny conditions. For even more
options or to see if a specific plant will
grow in your yard, contact your local
university extension office, which will
ABOVE: KITTY WARNER have first-hand knowledge of your area.