Monarda, also called bee balm, horsemint, oswego tea, and bergamot, is putting on a good show this summer, in spite of the dry conditions. I seldom see the blossoms without pollinators buzzing about the explosive blooms. Pinch the leaves and you'll find hint of earl grey tea lingering on your finger tips. A member of the mint family, it is one of my favorite.
In botanical terms, a volunteer is a plant that grows on its own (versus being planted). Carried by wind, water or animals, seeds have a way of moving on and taking root in new places. I'm not sure where these came from, but I am delighted the daisies showed up in my backyard.
When I first moved here, it was not uncommon on my evening dog walks around town to hear eastern screech owls (Megascops asio) calling. It is a rare occurence these days. Granted, it is a secretive bird but I can't help but wonder if screechies are on the decline. I miss its call, a gargly whiney-like whistle, that prompted the titling of this sketch "the whistler".
