They were looking for open water to forage in, and there’s a wee bit on our pond. Continue reading “Visitors”
Snow clumps
The other day clumps of snow fell off the trees in lines, producing some interesting effects. More photos below the cut; click to show individual images. Continue reading “Snow clumps”
Nadata gibbosa
Met this little friend on the front steps today. It was pretty sluggish, so I was able to get some excellent photos. (Thanks for turning around so we can see both ends at the same time, buddy!)
It took me a little while to figure out what it was, but I finally determined that it’s the caterpillar of the rough prominent (or white-dotted prominent) moth. They like maples, so I put it on the nearest tree. I’ll keep an eye out after the leaves drop; maybe I’ll have another cocoon to raise this spring.
On the hunt

Hatching of a different kind
For some reason this spring I started finding cocoons and chrysalises. It started with the wonderful one I found in March, which I’d determined was likely the cocoon of a Ceanothus Silk Moth. It had been pretty battered up, so I didn’t expect much, but I put it in a huge glass jar with a piece of screening over the top, and left it outside the kitchen window so it was sheltered but I could immediately see if anything hatched. Continue reading “Hatching of a different kind”
Giant crane fly
Most of the crane flies I see, giant or otherwise, are pretty drab. This one must be quite newly out of its pupa.