Relaxing! Only a solitary Milk Thistle blossom within a large area of many plants emerged a few days ago and it was quickly found by a large number of hungry Pipevine Swallowtail Butterflies and bees leading to a rare and beautiful feeding frenzy. All thistle is generally considered an invasive weed, but Milk Thistle is not unattractive due to its large colorful blossoms and is a choice food for butterflies. The extract of the dried seeds is purported to be good for the liver.
Swallowtail Butterfly Rule The Hummingbird Feeder!
No Room For Hummingbirds Here!
Aerial Battle For Nectar Feeder Dominance - Won By The Butterfly!
I'm not sure this phenomena has been well-documented before, but it is amazing on at least two counts - one the butterfly is hovering by rapidly flapping its wings like a hummingbird to drink nectar from a feeder, and two - the butterfly is totally dominating the nectar feeder and chasing away the hummingbirds with deliberate acts of aggression. I observed this odd behavior and fortunately it continued for some time - allowing me to get my camera set up nearby on a tripod without disturbing the actions. This Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly pushes around both male and female Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds at a small nectar feeder. Very surprising since the hummers spend the day violently fighting each other for dominance of the feeder. I know they are the smallest birds in the world, but they should remember they are indeed birds and not let insects push them around. Perhaps the amazing cheekiness of this Swallowtail has thrown them for a loop - they don't know what to do - it wont even share the feeder with them! It is also possible the butterfly it is under the influence of the high octane artificial nectar and acting out of character!
Video: Butterflies and Hummingbirds Love Crimson Bee Balm
Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly on Crimson Bee Balm Wildflower
Its late summer wildflower and butterfly season and I found a nice colony of Crimson Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)in a mucky area along a mountain stream. Pipevine Swallowtails with the characteristic 7 orange spots on the underside of the wings and a few Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds were feasting on the nectar. Bee Balm is called many things including: crimson beebalm, scarlet beebalm, scarlet monarda, Oswego tea, or bergamot. It is in the mint family and has a long history of medicinal use - usually in tea form. To find a large wild natural colony of this striking wildflower is quite a treat. More HD videos every week. Please Subscribe at: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=MyBackyardBirding
