Wild domestic goose (Genus anser) “Gooses, geeses, I want my geese to lay gold eggs for Easter!” We have to admit this week’s crawly probably doesn’t lay golden eggs (even with eggs currently worth their weight in gold), not even for the upcoming Easter holiday, but they’re still nifty birds.[Read More…]

Orange-legged drone fly (Eristalis flavipes) This week we’ll meet a fab, fuzzy fly who’s worth taking a close look at. Meet the orange-legged drone fly (Eristalis flavipes).It’s quite likely you’ve seen an orange-legged flying around your garden but gave them their personal space because they do a masterful job of[Read More…]

This week’s crawly is a bird you just might see or hear any day now! Meet the evening grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus).What’s in a name?Honestly, on this one, we just don’t know. The evening grosbeak is a reminder that common names are confusing.You may recall we’ve previously met the black-headed grosbeak[Read More…]

Spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) This week’s crawly is a polka dotted critter you may not want to see in your garden. Meet the spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata).The good news is cuke beetles aren’t particularly pesty unless you are growing crops or have a vegetable garden with cucurbits (squash,[Read More…]

Black-chinned hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) As if you didn’t have enough reasons to watch the migration action at your hummingbird feeders this spring, this week’s crawly will give you one more. Meet the black-chinned hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri).If you’ve never seen a black-chinned, that’s not surprising. In Oregon they are more common[Read More…]

Genus Tenthredo sawfly What’s black and yellow and not a wasp all over? Meet the Genus Tenthredo sawfly.Honest, this really is not a wasp, but its scientific name doesn’t do it any favors; “tenthredo” comes from the Greek “tenthredon” which means “a kind of wasp.”Silly scientific name!That said, tenthredo sawflies[Read More…]

Thread-legged assassin bug (Empicoris culiciformis) There are so many cool facts about this week’s crawly, it’s hard to know where to begin! So let’s just start with an introduction: Meet the thread-legged assassin bug (Empicoris culiciformis).These wee assassins (just over one-eighth of an inch) look as if they’ve been Frankensteined[Read More…]

Varied thrush (Ixoreus naevius) The 2025 Great Backyard Bird Count took place over Valentine’s weekend. Having done this for many years now, I’ve learned that there are a few Oregon birds which are coveted by birders worldwide. This week’s crawly is one of those “Most Wanted” birds. Meet the varied[Read More…]

Leaf blotch miner moth This week’s crawly has an unfortunate common name which makes them seem more “pesty” than they are. Meet the leaf blotch miner moth. I did say the name was unfortunate.Of course, unfortunate doesn’t equal “inaccurate.” Their caterpillars do mine leaves and leave blotches.Let’s back up just[Read More…]

Genus Listrus soft-winged flower beetle This week’s crawly is bitty, blue and beneficial! Meet the Genus Listrus soft-winged flower beetle.These incredibly small beetles – just over one-eighth of an inch – pack a powerful pollinating punch.Adult listrus are all about flower power and spend most of their adult lives among[Read More…]