Our second caterpillar in pupa form was placed outside in the event it would become a butterfly in our absence. It appear it wouldn’t be long as the outer layer was thinning.
One time when we returned to check on it, we found the exterior was transparent and the creature inside was black!
I set up a video camera and waited. This is a summary of the result.
On a recent walk along the creek, a particularly bright sunshine sparkle caught my eye from under some overhanging evergreen branches. From above on the river bank, the icy shape looked like a crystal angel suspended over the flowing water; on closer inspection, perhaps more like a bell.
Snow-laden boughs tossed about by wintry winds dip and sway sometimes breaking the surface of the water. Each bounce brings a thin layer of the dark liquid which freezes almost immediately wrapping a transparent skin on what it touched. Gradually, crystal clear baubles are built up on twigs and branches.
The clarity in the ice is remarkable. What do you see?
Did you notice in the two baubles on the left the background appears upside down and in the two on the right it is right side up!
Whether it’s the sound of angels or bells this Christmas, may you hear the Good News of the promised Messiah and receive His gifts of love, joy and peace.
While chasing this sweet family of mallards for a crisp shot, I snapped as they glided through a silky surface of reflected foliage. Their wake created a mesmerizing abstract of greens and yellows.
On a recent walk down our driveway, a bit of white on the dark ground of grass and dead leaves caught my eye. At first I thought it might be a feather but under closer examination I found it was a 4 inch/10 cm seed pod that had split open revealing the seeds still neatly packed. The slightest breeze would lift them up, up and away! I was mesmerized by the beauty of the intricate layers unfolding.
Note the gentle curves on the left end (dark drown exterior/white interior of seed pod) and the light brown spiral on the right that would have been a long edge of the pod.
Beauty in the details.
Having observed a male ruffed grouse drum off and on for the past week or so (see previous post), I was surprised when, this particular day, he changed his resting posture from the usual. He stood taller and extended his tail feathers straight back then began to fan them out.
Apparently he had spotted a hen who answered his invite to rendezvous.
I could hardly believe this was literally unfolding right in front of me and into my camera! Admittedly, seeing this face looking straight at me freaked me out a little! My heart was already pounding at an increased rate.
Look at this gentlemanly bow!
While I focused my attention for a moment on setting the camera to video, he disappeared off the far side of the roof. When I found him again, he was on his merry way to meet his mate.
I was able to watch, but not capture the pair as they waddled away into the safety and privacy of the underbrush.
What a treat to witness the courtship!
In the past week or so, we’ve been entertained by a male grouse perched on an out building in our backyard. (We recently acquired additional property across the street and apparently, he came with it). He continually performs a love song which he drums on his breast. We can faintly hear this all day long inside the acreage home!
I had only been able to catch him from behind – until this morning!
Having captured images of practically every position of his wings from behind during previous days of drumming, I was thrilled to get the show face on. Here are a few corresponding front and back shots from my image collection.
All that made for an exciting morning but there’s more! You’ll have to wait for the rest of the show….
Karen Greaves Photography & Fibre Art 