Sunday, June 11, 2006

Yellow bird, yellow bird

This yellow bird fed yesterday in our garden in Northwest Missouri. I have not been successful in identifying it. It has markings very similar to the male Yellow Grosbeak; however, that bird is from Mexico and Arizona. It has a beak that is black.

Another choice would be a Baltimore Oriole. The Baltimore Oriole Female is a small oriole with olive-brown upperparts, yellow-orange wash on the head and breast, and gray to white underparts. Wings are dark with two white bars. Adult male is mostly bright orange with black hood and back, black wings with orange shoulder patches and white-edged feathers, and black T-shape on tail. First year male is similar to female but has black throat patch. Immature resembles female. The Baltimore Oriole is not nearly a vibrant yellow as this bird.

The Prothonotary Warbler is indigenous to our area. It is a medium-sized warbler with olive-green back and gray wings and tail. Head, neck, and underparts are vibrant yellow; undertail coverts are white. Female and juvenile are duller and have olive-green wash on heads and faces. This could be the female because of its head markings. However, the beak on the warbler is black.

Although I am uncertain my choice would be the Yellow Warbler. The Yellow Warbler is a small warbler with bright olive-yellow upperparts and brilliant yellow underparts with rust-brown streaks on breast and sides. Wings are dark with two white bars. Tail is dark with yellow-tinged edges. Female has fewer streaks on breast. It doesn't seem to have the coloring on the head. It's beak is black, as well.

Yellow_Grosbeak_Breeding
Prothonotary_Warbler
Yellow_Warble
Baltimore Oriole
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Friday, June 9, 2006

Lilies

The lily is easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soils infull sun to light shade. It is best in moist, humusy soils in fullsun. Mulch helps keep root zone cool. Plant bulbs 5-6" deep in fall.The Michigan lily is native to Missouri where it occurs in wetmeadows, low woods and swampy prairies throughout the state. Typicallygrows 2-5' tall. Elliptic to lance-shaped, lower leaves (to 4" long)are arranged in whorls around the stems. Downward-facing,orange-red,Turk's cap-type flowers (to 3" wide) with densely-spotted,broadly-reflexed sepals and petals. Flowers (usually 1-8) appear in aloose inflorescence atop upright stems in early summer.See http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=W910 Posted by Picasa

American Redbud or Eastern Redbud


American Redbud or Eastern Redbud are sometimes referred to as the Judas tree because it dates back to biblical times.

Redbud is a small to medium-sized tree that is virtually covered with tiny purple flowers in early spring before the leaves appear. Redbud leaves are arranged alternately along the twig.

It is a very handsome, small tree with gracefully ascending branches; it grows to 20 to 30 feet. Perfect reddish purple flowers open to a rosy-pink in March or April. Heart-shaped reddish purple leaves turn yellow-green in fall. Zones 4-10

The tree is great as a single specimen, in a group, in a shrub border, and especially nice in woodland and naturalized type landscapes. The tree standouts among others because of its uniquely red blossoms in the spring and its large heart-shaped leaves during the summer and fall.

A gallon size tree is 2 years old . It is fast growing up until about 12', then growth slows somewhat. Excellent for use under canopy of large trees and should have afternoon shade in southern zones.

See a description of the Cercis canadensis or 'Forest Pansy' at
http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=R400