Category: fauna

Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Hyphantria cunea


The good thing. Eagle was on overwatch while I pushed the lawnmower.

On the ground, trees are defoliated by some variety of tent caterpillar. They seem to be partial to walnut and pecan trees but they are munching on the yearling oaks as well.

Silhouetted.

Hoping someone can help me with critter ID.
RMH says:
The fall webworm feeds on just about any type of deciduous tree, where leaves are chewed; branches or the entire tree may become defoliated. Worldwide, it has been recorded from 636 species,[6] and is considered to be among the most polyphagous of insects. In the eastern U.S., pecan, walnut, American elm, hickory, fruit trees, and some maples are preferred hosts; in some areas persimmon and sweetgum are also readily eaten. In the west, alder, willow, cottonwood and fruit trees are commonly used.–Wikipedia

bucket of bugs

I left a five gallon bucket filled to the rim with water outside overnight in Slabtown. The next morning the water level was two inches lower and this drama was occurring. What's up with the green v black thorax? Fashion, class, sex? What is the dragonfly up to? Need an entomologist. Easier to see in color

water

A passerine is a bird of the order Passeriformes, which includes more than half of all bird species.
I've been putting water out for the birds in a stainless steel dog bowl. Holds about a quart. The birds are thirsty. They've been drawing the bowl down daily. The weather is hot and dry. Birds walking around with their beaks open. Birds that normally don't tolerate each other, standing side by side, drinking.