Migration Mishap

Swainson's Thrush

These two birds flew into my windows within hours of each other.
I think they are Swainson's thrushes, but not sure.
Too bad they didn't make it to their winter destination.

Unaware

These two deer were unaware of me as they walked along the edge of a corn field.

 

 

 

Oops!  I've been spotted!

Birds of a Feather.....

A flock of Canadian geese arrive every morning for breakfast in our pasture.

Incoming

Landing

The buffet is now serving

You're bugging me!

Surprises come in the smallest packages

Have you really looked at a common bug?

They come in surprising shapes and colors.

Walking stick bug

 

Imperial moth

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Black & White moth

Big green katydid

 

Lovely Luna Moth

 

Wheelbugs

Named for the cog-like wheel on their back

 

Halloween colored Milkweed bug

Eerie Sighting

I took a late evening walk and noticed this silhouette in the tree.

It was a juvenile turkey vulture.

Oddly enough, I could see through its nostrils.

And it let me get some close ups.

Not Always Rosy

Nature has a dark side.

  We have lots of things that stick, prick & sting.

Cockleburs, nature's Velcro.

Who hasn't tried pulling one of these off of their sock, or dog!

This innocent looking plant isn't quite so innocent.

Notice the tiny spines on the stems.

Stinging nettle causes intense stinging & itching for about 30 minutes after brushing against it.

I know from personal experience it induces bucking in a horse!

 

Honey Locust thorns.

The scourge of lawn mower & tractor tires everywhere.

 

Canadian thistle, not only an invasive plant,

but not fun to step on barefoot either.

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Leaves of 3, let it be!

Poison ivy, 'nuff said.

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Hornet nest.

Approach with caution!

(better yet, run far, far away)

 

Paper wasp nest.

Do not disturb!

Harvest Surprise

I harvested red potatoes yesterday and found this potato head family in the mix.