Spring Bugs, Birds, and Besties

It has been an early, hot, and dry spring in the Okanagan, so it was wonderful to get the much needed rain. I have been on a couple of hikes, and the bugs are active and up and about. Mining bees, bumble bees, and honey bees are all actively foraging and collecting nectar. The cottonwoods … Continue reading Spring Bugs, Birds, and Besties

At the Rabbitbrush

I was down in Osoyoos for a hike on a beautiful fall day in September. The morning started off a bit cold, so we left Kelowna later than planned, but it warmed up quickly by the time we arrived. We heard unusual bird calls when we got there and a quick recorded sound check on … Continue reading At the Rabbitbrush

The Leafrollers and the Wasp Enemies

I saw a lot of leafrollers on ornamental plants including wild roses, snow berries, chokecherries, Saskatoons, dogwood, Oregon grapes etc. this spring. As their name implies, leafrollers are caterpillars that roll up leaves. The leaves provide a home, food, and some protection from predators and parasitoids. The caterpillars are greenish to yellowish, have dark heads … Continue reading The Leafrollers and the Wasp Enemies