Who knew that starlings line their nests with scented flowers and herbs like marigolds, and I guess basil, too, because all of the marigolds and basil you see in this picture are gone, decimated by the beaks of starlings. I even watched out the window as a starling broke off the marigold head and flew away with the flower in its mouth. Steve was okay with it until they started harvesting the basil as well. I think the problem is that the raised bed is right next to a bird feeding station. And while I remember planting marigolds last year I think it was later in the spring and there was no feeding station and maybe nesting season was done. I don’t know. We’ll see what the rest of the spring holds. Meanwhile I AM pleased about the herbs “hidden” on the side of the house doing well.
Posts Tagged ‘backyard gardens’
who knew
Posted in Nature Notes, tagged backyard gardens, basil, birds, Inspiration, marigolds, nature, Photography, starlings on April 26, 2021| 2 Comments »
Perilous Beauty
Posted in Guest Contributor, Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged backyard gardens, bees, flowers, insects, nature, Photography, photos, pictures on August 13, 2011| 2 Comments »
As my cousin stated, it’s “probably not smart to follow bees,” but what beauty she captured by doing so in her back yard. 😉
Pictures by Lorraine