Like Moths To a Flame

Someone flipped the outside light on by mistake last night. When I stepped outdoors this morning to feed my feathered friends and the six flying Wallenda brothers, I not only discovered the light but many different kinds of moths attached to the side of the house • Moths are instinctually attracted to bright light, from harmless house lights to dangerous fires. They maintain a constant angle to the light source and continue towards it • Unfortunately all of the moths in my collage defoliate trees: brown-tailed, gypsy and winter varieties • This got me to thinking about butterflies and the differences between the two. They are from the same family but butterflies rest with their wings closed, moths open; butterflies gather food during the day, moths at night; there are a few others too • In case you’re wondering who the Wallenda brothers are, they’re a rambunctious group of young gray squirrels. They gallop, leap and tumble across the yard, through the lilac trees, across our patio, over the furniture, knocking down feeders, scaring the birds. It goes on all day long, drawn like moths to a flame.