Pollinators Hard at Work

If you stand still a moment, you might just see some small but mighty creatures hard at work. With a variety of flowering plants present in just one small area, you have the chance to see many different pollinators while visiting Henderson Park.

While your first thought may be of bees, there are many pollinators here, including hummingbirds, flies, and butterflies. How many can you find today?

Pollinators spread pollen from plant to plant, playing a key role in plant reproduction. Plants have adapted special ways to attract pollinators. For example, a honeysuckle’s long tube of nectar is perfect for a long-tongued hummingbird with a sweet tooth. Check out some examples of the pollinators you might see while enjoying your hike:

Hummingbirds:

We have two species of hummingbirds on SḴŦAḴ | Mayne Island, the small, feisty rufous hummingbird, and the larger Anna’s hummingbird. Listen for the hum of their wings, and their short chirping calls.

Rufous hummingbird “Aggressive twittering, chatter and chip notes” © Cornell Lab of Ornithology | Macaulay Library

Anna’s hummingbird “Chip calls” © Cornell Lab of Ornithology | Macaulay Library

Butterflies:

Pictured above, the anise swallowtail is one of the more common butterflies you may see. If you’re lucky, you may glimpse the endangered propertius duskywing, a small brownish-gray butterfly. The duskywing feeds on the flowers of Garry oak trees growing along Vulture Ridge.

Flies:

Not all pollinators are flashy. Did you know that several species of flies and beetles are pollinators too? The hover fly, above, mimics the appearance of a yellow jacket to ward off predators, but like other flies, it has only two wings, not four like bees and wasps do.

Want to help the pollinators in your own backyard?

• Leave those leaves: many insects (like the endangered propertius duskywing) need leaf litter as warm shelter through the winter
• Say no to pesticides: these chemicals do not just target pests, but harm helpful insects too. Search for natural pest control methods to use around your home.
• Invest in insect friendly gardens: The Mayne Island Conservancy native plant nursery has a range of flowering plants available. Planting native plants ensures our native pollinators have access to their ideal food sources.