Butterfly Weed

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) 

Photo by Larry Halverson

This pretty milkweed is not listed in BC but is considered invasive. Unlike other milkweeds it can found in wetlands.   This one was photographed blooming on August 9th by the wetlands near Athalmer. 

Showy milkweed is toxic. It possesses moderate concentrations of cardenolides, and can poison or even kill grazing animals. However this weed has saved the lives of many Monarch Butterflies. Monarchs feed on the milkweed and toxins they ingest gives the  butterfly its defence. Most predators have learned that the monarch butterfly makes a poisonous snack. So the plant is also called the Butterfly weed.

Fall Migration Has Begun

 Greater Yellowlegs feeding on the shore of Lake Windermere,
July 29th , 2011    Photo by Larry Halverson

Greater Yellowlegs are one of the early migrants  passing through the Columbia Valley. Leaving their subarctic breeding grounds they’ll feed on small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, small fish, frogs, in wetlands as they move to their winter grounds in southern USA and South America. The autumn movement through our area peaks from mid August till September.