A wasp nest in the coop that I sprayed a year ago finally fell down into the runs. I left it up because I read that if there is a nest, other wasps will avoid the area. Apparently people make all sorts of fake nests to psych out the wasps (yes, there are even crocheted decoys!) I just left the fumigated nest in place. We’ll see if I get new inhabitants this spring.
One of the yard squirrels came up to the window to tell me the feeder was empty. Bold. The dogs didn’t see her (him?), they were at the other window.
I think the local squirrels enjoy antagonizing the dog. Or it was trying to get attention because the feeder was empty. Still, the squirrel has some brass.
We usually have to buy a kit to see beetle metamorphosis, but an Asian Lady Beetle pupated on the fence gate and when it emerged, stayed on the fence. Yes, I know the Asian Lady Beetles are an invasive species, but it was still neat to see the transformation not under glass.
Yes, these photos are all of the same individual. Yes, it is December. 2020.
We were hanging outside in the hammocks when my youngest said that the puppy had something, and it was moving! This praying mantis was not happy to be snuffled. It looked like it was getting ready to molt, because its eyes were cloudy and the wings looked glued down. It was safely transferred to a nearby tree out of the puppy’s reach.
Critters and Craft 