Squirrel Flet and Sunflower Heads

Branches have fallen all over the yard from recent storms. Today I started picking up some of them, and noticed that there was a fallen squirrel flet. A squirrel's nest may also be called a drey.

Also today, I started harvesting dry sunflower heads. The small to medium ones I have hung as bird food. Those with big heads or good multiflora form I am putting in the septic garden, hoping they will reseed like the 'Autumn Joy' did last year.

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Polyphemus Moth Caterpillar

I found a giant silk moth caterpillar crawling around a can on the patio. I love Saturniid moths. They get huge, and many look spectacular. Even their caterpillars are big and interesting. This one is about the size of my pinky finger, so it's probably a middle instar and still has a lot of growing to do. I'm really excited to see one of these guys. I expect the birds will be excited too -- these are the Polish sausages of the caterpillar pantry.

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Locust Shells

Locust husks on maple tree with lichen

Locust husks on maple tree with lichen


Locust shells on my front yard maple tree, with yellow lichen. Some people insist on calling them "cicadas", but these are the same people who call buffalo "bison".

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