You Need To Do This

Cruising has taken an extended break from posts. That was unintended. However, it does not mean that there hasn't been plenty going on to do and to see, including taking part in the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program, an Oiled Bird Workshop and much more.

Today, we want to encourage you to go to the Pascagoula River Nature Festival's website and have a look around. This year's festival will take place April 18th - April 25th at various locations in Gautier, Pascagoula, Moss Point, Ocean Springs, Lucedale and, of course, at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center. So many events are planned that one of them is sure to please each member of the family. Some of them are free and some are for-fee. Events include marsh boat tours, a library lecture series about some of the creatures found in the area here, a Swallow-tail Kite Safari, a River City Bridge Run & Singing River Biathlon and more. Go to http://pascagoularivernaturefestival.com for details. You'll be glad you did.

Our Little Visitor

The photo above is of our tiny little visitor. This little tree frog was near our glass front door. Our guess is that he hoped to snag a bug attracted to the lights inside.

Orchard Spider

A better photo is above of the Venusta Orchard Spider who hangs upside down waiting for a stray bug.

Butterflies And A "Fancy" Spider

Venusta Orchard Spider

Gulf Fritillary rests on the grass at Audubon Center

The Butterfly Enclosure at Audubon Center

Expect the unexpected at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center! This week five Monarch butterflies each emerged from their chrysalis. Host plants with larvae were placed in an enclosed area, and when each emerged as a gorgeous Monarch butterfly, a very tiny sticker was placed on the underwing of each one. The four females and one male were then released to begin their trek to Mexico. If any of these butterflies is ever found, each sticker has an identifying number that can be traced by contacting MonarchWatch.org, a program sponsored by the University of Kansas dedicated to education, conservation and research of these beautiful creatures. MonarchWatch will be able to trace the track (beginning of the journey and end of the journey) by looking at that number.

Monarches and Gulf Fritillaries abound in this area right now as they migrate to their winter destinations.

Another interesting critter was found at Cruising's home today. Research shows it to be a Venusta Orchard Spider. This spider is non-poisonous and eats various insects. Hanging upside down in its orb shaped web, it is beautifully marked with almost fluorescent orange markings on the underside of the abdomen. Cruising will do daily checks at the Sago Palm where the spider is currently hanging out. A photo of the Orchard Spider near our home is above, and we located more photos that show detail of this spider at: http://www.spiderzrule.com/venusta.htm .

(Photos above can be viewed on a larger scale by double-clicking on the photo.)

Who's At The Hummingbird Feeder?

A Wasp Enjoys The Hummingbird Feeder

Hummingbird feeders are a terrific source of food for these tiny birds. Nectar from flowers is the food of choice, but these feeders are a great addition to any home or garden. It isn't necessary to purchase packages of nectar for the feeders. You can make your own by mixing 4 cups of water with one cup of sugar. Do be sure to change the water weekly to keep it fresh.

Hummingbirds aren't the only ones who will enjoy your feeders. The photo above shows a lone wasp sipping the mixture. As a matter of fact, while he ate, a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird came to feed. Although the wasp is tinier than the hummingbird, apparently she had encountered a wasp before, and perhaps a sting from one of these little insects. She left quickly with the little wasp chasing after her. He returned, having the feeder all to himself.

Wildlife Abounds!!

The Great Egret Roosting Tree at Sunset

Cruising does a bit of catching up today on sightings:

Sunday afternoon: a dolphin very near shore at Front Beach in Ocean Springs.

Monday evening: two exceptionally handsome Black-crowned Night Herons and a stately Yellow-crowned Night Heron at the Inner Harbor. Dozens of Great Egrets settled in at sunset at Inner Harbor. These gorgeous birds croaked and fretted as they picked spots in the trees for roosting for the night. As the sun set behind the roosting trees, it was a most majestic sight!

Homemade Suet!

Cruising has always liked the idea of putting out suet for the birds, but seems like going to the store to get it, ordering it from a catalog or from an online supply store isn't always convenient.

We have learned from Audubon a way to make homemade suet. Here's the recipe:

1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup vegetable shortening
3 cups regular cornmeal

Mix all the ingredients. Though messy, it is much easier to mix with your hands. After it's thoroughly mixed, it helps to roll it into fist size balls and store in a container. It does need to be refrigerated. We recommend refrigeration for a time before placing the suet outside, as it's much easier to work with. It doesn't matter if you have a suet feeder. This suet can be pinched off in small pieces and pushed into small hollowed-out areas of trees, on pine bark, on pine cones or on rough surfaces that birds have access to, like the old piece of wood above. Hung on a rope from a tree, this piece of wood has dips and grooves on the surface and is perfect for holding the suet. Remember the little feathered folks this winter with homemade suet. They'll reward you with frequent visits to your yard!