Botswana and Namibia - Here I come!!

In a few hours I am headed for the wilds of Botswana and Namibia in Southern Africa.  If all goes as planned I should be back home July 14.  Looking so forward to seeing lots of critters like the two below.  And if the internet gods allow, I will try to post intermittent wonders along the way.  Take good care until then.

Kingbird Takes a Ride

The redtailed hawk was screeching for what seemed like hours yesterday in Valley Forge.  He was not happy with me or anybody.  And the rest of the animal kingdom had had enough.  Finally the kingbird took matters into her own hands, dive-bombed the loudmouth and then took him for a ride. (Click to see that ride!)

The Lovely Lacewing

My New Friend - The Indigo Bunting

I heard this little guy's "chip" or "spit" sound high in a tree in Valley Forge.  The sound got louder as I got closer.  I started chipping back and he stopped chipping and was very quiet.  I waited but I could no longer spot him, so I started to walk away when he flew to a branch much lower and closer to me and started the chipping sound again.  I spotted him and chipped back and he chipped back and we had just a wonderful photo session.

The Eye of the Dragonfly

"I think I have a bug on my nose."

The Shy Milkweed Borer

The Cedar Waxwing in Valley Forge

And see that red blob?  That's an out of focus stop sign on Route 23 in Valley Forge National Park.  How about that???

Skeptical Satin Moth

Bored Baby Robin Waiting for Mom in Valley Forge

Blue Grosbeaks today in Valley Forge

The Field Sparrow in Valley Forge Today

Cheiracanthium Spider on the Peony

I had just cut the peony that had fallen over in the rain and was about to put it in a vase, when the beautiful Cheiracanthium spider came out of the petals to say hello. Click on him to get a better view of that wonderful face.

The Inchworm

I saw this little inchworm drop from a leaf onto a branch and thought  it might be a tent caterpillar, but when I got closer I could see he had that famous inchworm crawl - bend and stretch.  I looked up what exactly is an inchworm and leaned it is a caterpillar in the Geometridae family of moths.  Who knew????

Photo Shoot with The Wonderful Black Male Jumping Spider

Take a close look and you will see the reflection of my macro lens in his four front eyes.  Then he does a little dance and gives me his side view.

My Favorite Bug (today) - The Nymph Katydid