Pollen, pollen

It’s everywhere right now. People always think of spring as prime time for pollen and pollinators, but at least around here the season lasts until it freezes. Autumn brings lots of flowers out for hungry insects over here in Milam County, Texas. I’ve shown you lots of tie vines, or wild morning glories.

Another popular plant is the southern annual saltmarsh aster (Symphyotrichum divaricatum). They will be blooming until frost. Many tiny insects flit around them, probably wasps. I can’t get them to hold still. But I can catch a few butterflies (these are from today).

Today I spent a few minutes on my way to the mailbox dawdling around the big pollen producer of the moment, goldenrod. We have a patch of tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima) on the dam that creates our driveway. It’s literally buzzing with activity right now, predominantly bumblebees and wasps, but there are also a few honeybees, butterflies, and bonus insects. It’s fun to watch them darting around.

I can see why Texas has its Pollinator Week in October each year, because even though it seems late, there’s still pollination to be done! I enjoyed focusing my time outside on these fall plants and insects (and arachnids). It takes my mind off how little it’s rained lately, current events, and the warm air rising to our bedroom every night.

But wait, there IS good news! The electrician people came today and got our big fans installed on the screened porch. It was a bit of work, especially putting the fans together. I had planned to take some calm fan photos, but instead got to record a rare sight, our usually dignified Alfred being playful with Penney. I’ll treasure these images!