Daily Musings, Page Two

Me, neither.

Try it again http://www.thisgardenisillegal.com/

With repeated tries I finally got some shots of the Monarch with it's wings open.
There were so many around today that I had to try again. They really like the Dahlias, there were 4 on one plant. I couldn't get all 4 in the shot though.
Andy P

He's looks so soft. I've been seen alot around too. I am guessing they should be on the decline soon. As much as I love the temperature this time of the year, it's sad that everything will be dying soon.

Anita - I love that gardening site. I am going to make some of the seed packets in the link - they are so cool. I wonder whatever made the artist think of that? Thank you for the link!

You can have it emailed to you - which is what I do and then I read it with my coffee in the morning. I laughed out loud about the deer!

"Look kids, there's a deer! Isn't it pretty? Is Daddy's hunting bow in the back? Pass it up to Mommy."


This message was edited Sep 26, 2006 4:58 PM

Anita ~ Loved the link! Unfortunately...that is EXACTLY what my DH says.

BTW Andy that is an amazing shot of the Monarch! Your patience paid off!!

This message was edited Sep 26, 2006 5:29 PM

I'll say, Andy! That picture is perfect! It's amazing ...

I found more than telltale wings today.
Miss Monarch was a bad girl.
Andy P

Oh my God! What a great yet repulsive shot!

Ditto what Dave said. Amazing shot.
I really never thought a mantis would eat a butterfly.

Andy, that is an absolutely brilliant pic. caught in the act!

Ditto what grampapa said. (I still think that mantis look like aliens in the movies.)

Andy,

Outstanding photo of mean Mr. Mantis.

(burp)

There was this story in Birdwatcher's Digest... http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/backyardbirds/hummingbirds/mantis-hummer.aspx

I've seen other stores of mantis vs hummer and the mantis wins! we only like it when they eat something we don't think is cute, but they are just trying to survive.

Thanks everyone. Everybody has to eat.
My girl found a little boyfriend today.
Film at eleven.
Andy P

I'm an hour early, lol.
Notice the size difference. The big female was the one I rescued from the door mat last July. I placed her in a Day lily bed of her own. She stayed there until she got her wings about 2 weeks ago, then I lost track of her. She popped up in the Butterfly bush last week.
This pic was taken early, during their warm up period. They were 'together' for 2 or 3 hours.
They were in a hard place to reach. I had to stretch in and shoot one-handed. I had a low 'save' rate for this series, but I had the time to take plenty of shots, lol.
I have other Mantis around, I hope I can catch another pair in a more visible location.
I've lost track of 2 other females. ???
This is so interesting, the next step is to find an egg mass. That would complete the cycle, one more pic will do it. Keep your fingers crossed.
Andy P

This message was edited Sep 28, 2006 10:19 PM

Andy, you'll be a grandpa!

Gram, should I buy some cigars? LOL
Andy P

LOLOLOLOL....look at her looking at you!!!!!!!! Almost as if she were saying...Excuuuuuse Meeee!

Andy,

You're too funny. And an amazing photographer.

So, when they're done, does the boyfriend meet the same fate as Miss Monarch?

Loretta, I don't know the grooms fate. I was busy fussing with my dying lawn mower to catch any 'parting glances'.
OK, the whole story has been posted in the Wildlife forum. http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/655932/#top
Don't look if you are squeamish, lol.
Andy P

Anyone have a ciggarette?

I did a census this morning, I can confirm 10 Mantis. Who knows how many there really are, they hide so well.
A second pair are at it today. I first noticed them at 10 AM, they are still 'together' as I type. That's 5 hours, my oh my! !
I'm keeping a close watch, I'm told the female bites the head off of him when they are done.
What I did see was the female catch and eat a bee while he was on her back. LOL
Maybe I should have been a botanist.
Andy P

I've never seen one. I wonder if I'm just missing them or is there something they love about your garden?

ps after 5 hours no wonder she's hungry lol

Gram, I just now checked. They are still there, on the dark and cold. Must be a marathon.

Here's a Monarch that your friends won't get Andy...

Here's one more

Anita, amazing pix! the monarchs in my yard just pass me by and tip one wing to say 'hi'

Very nice shots, Anita. They like Zinnias, don't they.
Andy P

Those are so pretty, Anita! Gorgeous colors, particularly outstanding against that blue background.

Outstanding Anita - very sharp and colorful.

I gotta agree. Amazing pictures!

Simply gorgeous Anita. ~~Blooms

Thanks everyone - he was so busy eating, that he paid me no mind. He is actually on Tithonia - Mexican Sunflower.

Lovely photos Anita!!
Here's a shot I like to think of as "Going towards the light".

These were taken as the sun came out after a horrible storm.

Such talent in the NE forum! Nice job Pixie!