Unexpected…

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Every day you can expected to find the unexpected in nature. At least it is always a hope to see something new, right?

This was nice to see, a Stinkhorn (Phallus impudicus) after the rains!
This was not unexpected as a Scissortail has been hanging out on the fence for the last few days.
Here was the opportunity for a series of shots of their flight.

Next.
Still it amazes me, flight!
The Turkey Vulture studied us carefully as we walked by. I wondered how long they could keep their wings open.
By the time we made it around ten minutes later, their wings were folding down. Of course we had no idea how long they had kept their wings open.

Opening the garage door I found a Daddy Shortlegs (Harvestmen – Opiliones) with a bug underneath them. They are carnivorous so no surprise there.
Then I flipped over the Daddy Shortlegs expecting it to run away. Gosh, I was surprised to find Daddy Shortlegs dead. And the Small Milkweed Bug (Lygaeus kalmii) nymph was the live one! “Adults suck nectar from flowers of various herbaceous plants, and also feed on milkweed seeds(?). Also reported to be scavengers and predators, especially in spring when milkweed seeds are scarce. They have been reported feeding on honey bees, monarch caterpillars and pupae, and dogbane beetles, among others. (Root 1986)” So now the Daddy Shortlegs can be added to the list!

Very cool to see and learn!

Experts have candid advice for national park visitors this summer Thanks Judy!

Mexican burrowing toad looks like a deflated balloon

Bizarre “Fairy Lantern” Species Discovered in Malaysian Forest

If You See This Creepy Fish, Cut Its Head Off

So far they have only been sighted on the East Coast and Arkansas on iNaturalist. Here is a link for distinguishing Bowfin vs. Snakeheads: Distinguishing Features

Stand Up for Science! Our lives depend on it.

Keep looking!

The more you know, the more you see and the more you see, the more you know

2 Comments

  1. Beautiful shots of the beautiful scissortail. Also love the vulture. Scary about that air breathing fish.

    Reply

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