Nature

Dec
10
2023
23 Comments
By Hugh Pinckard
Overwintering in Louisiana Early December Update

Overwintering in Louisiana Early December Update

Garden, Monarch Butterfly, Nature
Here we are into the second week of December, well past the Monarch Butterfly Migration period.  After rescuing several Monarch Caterpillars last month from passing Monarchs,  we are having quite a bit of success with this trial of "LA OverWinter Project.”  Of course, previously I mentioned the mating of “IhHabitat"  The butterflies are thriving in the large habitat.  Female FeedingMale Climbing WallHealth MaleCaring for MaleTransplanting MilkweedMilkweed TransplantedInDoorHabitatLgIndoor Butterfly Habitat Eggs have hatched, caterpillars are eating and growing.  The potted InHabitat Milkweed plants seem to survive the act of being uprooted from the “Butterfly Garden” and placed into pots and inserted…
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Nov
28
2023
1 Comment
By Hugh Pinckard
Arrival of mid Autumn

Arrival of mid Autumn

Garden, Monarch Butterfly, Nature, , , ,
With the arrival of mid Autumn our weather has changed from the warm temperatures suitable for the arial activities of the Monarch Butterfly north of the 29th latitude, much less the 32nd of the “Pinckard Monarch Butterfly Ranch’s Garden”. All of the Monarch supplies and habitats have been cleaned, sanitized, and stored for the “Off Season.” We started working on the Gardens, both the Butterfly and Pollinator.  All of our “Potted Plants” are moved into the security of the garage for their overwintering, including artificial lighting, airflow, and watering. Thorough weeding and  deadheading of the gardens are completed.  Many of…
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Oct
28
2023
1 Comment
By Hugh Pinckard
2023 Season is Ending

2023 Season is Ending

Garden, Monarch Butterfly, Nature
Autumn is here; the weather is changing and our Monarch Butterflies are heading to Mexico, the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico.  As I was tending to the chores of clean, disinfecting, and storing our butterfly gear, I took some time to look over the “Butterfly Garden”.  First to catch my attention were several “Bumble Bees” sheltering under flowers and leaves. . Then I notice Monarch Butterfly frass (dropping) and with that I found two(2) caterpillars eating.  I walked around the “Butterfly Garden” and the “Pollinator Garden” and found and rescued seven(7) caterpillars.  They were moved into the habitat.  Add to…
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Jul
06
2023
3 Comments
By Hugh Pinckard
New Season: More Monarch Butterflies and Gardens

New Season: More Monarch Butterflies and Gardens

Garden, Monarch Butterfly, Nature, , , , ,
Time, attention, care, and love; this combination helps transform a bed into a haven for Butterflies, Bee (Bumble & Honey), Hummingbirds, and other animals. We are in our third year/season of raising Monarch Butterflies.  Our garden is comprised of “Butterfly Milkweed,” “Swamp Milkweed,” “Showy Milkweed,” and “Common Milkweed” for the purpose of the Laying of Eggs and the Feeding of Monarch Butterflies and Caterpillars.  We have planted over one hundred (100) plants, both in the Garden/Beds and in Pots for use in the habitats.  During the “Over Wintering” period, we germinate and sprout our harvested seeds; providing “naturalized” milkweed plants…
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Jul
10
2022
1 Comment
By Hugh Pinckard
Tiny Tim our “Special” Monarch Butterfly

Tiny Tim our “Special” Monarch Butterfly

Garden, Monarch Butterfly, Nature,
Tiny Tim is our "Special Needs" Monarch Butterfly.  He is one of the five(5) of our second batch of sixteen(16) Monarchs.  More on the others later; this is Tiny Tim's Story. <img width="360" height="240" src="https://pelicanprose.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/IMG_1717-360x240.jpg" alt="Underdeveloped Monarch Butterfly" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/pelicanprose.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/IMG_1717-scaled.jpg?resize=360%2C240&ssl=1 360w, https://i0.wp.com/pelicanprose.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/IMG_1717-scaled.jpg?zoom=2&resize=360%2C240&ssl=1 720w, https://i0.wp.com/pelicanprose.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/IMG_1717-scaled.jpg?zoom=3&resize=360%2C240&ssl=1 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /> Good Morning and Happy 4th of July.  The day started off just as any other in the live of a Monarch Butterfly Rancher.  We have five(5) Chrysalis hanging in the "outdoor habitat" and five(5) in the "indoor habitat."  These fellas did not get the predawn start of their six(6) predecessors…
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Nov
30
2021
0 Comments
By Hugh Pinckard
Lazarus the Monarch Butterfly

Lazarus the Monarch Butterfly

Family, Garden, Monarch Butterfly, Nature, ,
I'm just an Egg <img src="https://pelicanprose.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/MonarchEggCloseUp-150x150.jpg" alt="Monarch Egg" width="150" height="113" />  One November day,  my mother places me on the underside of a Milkweed plant leaf.  Monarch Butterfly eggs are only laid on the Milkweed plant; however, there are around one hundred (100) varieties.  I am only the size of the head of a straight pin.  I will stay in my shell for one to five days (1-5).  I will begin to grow and develop.  As I grow, I will break out and the shell will become my first meal; as I will eat it before moving onto eating leaves.…
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Oct
23
2021
2 Comments
By Hugh Pinckard
Pinckard Monarch Butterfly Ranch

Pinckard Monarch Butterfly Ranch

Garden, Monarch Butterfly, Nature, , , , ,
This all started back in July; every year I try to spend quality time with my grandchildren. My Mother and I try to plan "grand adventures" so that we have quality time and make memories. This year, after our ocean cruise was cancelled, we took a week, traveled to Branson, MO, stayed at a "Dude Ranch" in Northern Arkansas. We day tripped to "Silver Dollar City" and another to ride the "Branson Scenic Railway" and a short visit to the "Butterfly Palace". We stayed at the ranch for quite time, relaxing, game-time, and horseback/trail riding. I tell you all of…
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Oct
12
2021
0 Comments
By Hugh Pinckard
Monarch Butterfly Garden

Monarch Butterfly Garden

Garden, Monarch Butterfly, Nature, , , , ,
"Monarch Butterflies" lay "eggs on Milkweed" plants only.  As well the Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar only eats the Milkweed plant leaves.  Both the Monarch and the plant are disappearing from across the United States.  I have taken to planting Milkweed whenever and wherever possible.  There are several varieties and they differ  depending on the region. I am utilizing "Butterfly Milkweed" (pictured above) and "Swamp Milkweed" ("Swamp Milkweed photo").   I was fortunate, one day taking "B Roll" footage in the backyard, to capture a Monarch laying an egg. Granted the footage is shaky as I was utilizing the camera handheld and extreme zoom;…
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