Birds

I received a humming bird feeder 1 1/2 years ago, and I finally put it up earlier this summer. I have tried all summer to get pictures of the humming birds. Finally, I did! But as I was trying to get the lighting right, I also saw this. 2 doves sitting in the tree watching me. Probably waiting for me to leave so they could go down to the bird feeder and eat.

I was taking the picture into the sun, so the lighting isn't good.

I was hiding and didn't focus properly before snapping the shutter, but I did get some pictures of the little birds. Then sadly I scared them all away. I went outside a little later and saw the neighbors black cat sneaking up on the doves, they were on the ground by then. Fortunately they saw the cat and flew away. They'll be back as the blue jays and little finches scatter the seed on the ground. My latest count is: 5 humming birds, 6 doves, 2 blue jays and 5 finches.

Couldn't, shouldn't, didn't want to!

I just have to share this tid bit. My SIL and BIL are bird watchers, not only that ~ they can recognize a bird by it's chirp. On our recent trip to Oregon they took us to a bird refuge near where they live. Really, we were driving very slowing looking, watching and hoping to catch a glimpse of a bird. During the drive we came upon a turtle crossing the road, 1st picture. As we drove by, very carefully and slowly, so as not to harm or scare it. Well, we were wrong, we must have terrified it. It began to run (as fast as a turtle can) across the road and it peed all the way across.
I hope it recovered soon after this ordeal.

Skinny dipping Gecko!

Even gecko's like to take a dip on a hot day. She was sitting in her water bowl. I had to give her more after she climbed out of the bowl. 102 today, YUCK!

What a day!

Today we had an on site field trip. The firemen talked with the children, covering various areas concerning fire safety and what to do ~ and how you proceed to get out of a burning house. One of the firemen put on his protective gear, so the children could see he was just the same and not some monster. The children touched him and asked questions. They then proceeded to crawl out of the classroom and explained why you crawl. The children then went outside to the firetruck where they were allowed to get inside the back then the front. I think their line (waiting for their turn) was one of the best lines we've had all year. They also got to see all the equipment. Several parents came at the appointed time also. They were impressed with the children's responses.
I was beginning to wonder if the praying mantis were every going to hatch, we got the egg in March. Well today this is what one of the children found when she came to class this morning. It was very exciting for them, and me, also.


Your guess is as good as to how many there were. We let them go in a corner of the yard, next to the field the cows and horses occupy. I am sure there are plenty of little bugs there.
I did put the egg back in the container in the room, just in case there were more. I'll find out in the morning.

Yard Art

Dad's newest additions to our front yard, via yard sales and paint.

I forgot to take in mulberry leaves on Friday for the silkworms, yes they are eating that fast now, so I had to make a special trip in on Saturday to feed them. I took my camera and snapped a current photo. They grow so fast now. There are more but they are under the leaves.

Photos of Dahlia

I have now had her for 1 year. She is 1 1/2 years old.

Ladybugs and silkworms

Here is a close up of a ladybug cocoon, on a fence post. I took this picture on Monday April 21. Today, the ladybugs were emerging from their cocoons. The wings are extended so they can dry.

the silkworms are finally getting big enough to see. They grow so fast!

And the children can see them without help now.

Looking good!

Today I gently lifted the lid off the container and attached it to the side. The cocoons are now in proper position. I layed the small container on it's side so the other cocoon is in its proper position, too.
They should emerge as butterflys by
Friday. I will keep you posted.

Growing critters in class!

The caterpillars are growing fast. I expect that they'll cocoon before Friday.
This isn't very clear, but this is a praying mantis egg. Large isn't it? Many praying mantis will hatch from this egg and they will be similar to mosquito's in appearance at first. I will let them go after they hatch for several reasons: 1) they eat a lot of little bugs ~ which I do not have and am not going to try and get. 2) they have fierce appetites - making for bad roommates for my silkworms and butterfly's. 3) the instructions that came with them recommend release after hatching.

I have no new pictures of the silkworms as they haven't hatched yet. I think by Friday, so I will have to make a new bouquet of mulberry leaves. It must be mulberry leaves or they will be unable to spin silk, that would be sad.
The trees have numerous clusters of ladybug eggs. I am going to try and get some clear pictures, but don't know. They are bright orange which means the ladybug larva are ready to hatch.

Alex came over tonight to show me the skin from his boa, she shed today, about 6 feet long. He will let me borrow it and take it to school to show the kids. I will need to find something to put it in so they don't destroy it. It is intact in one long piece. Amazing.