This post isn't all about spiders and snakes but I wanted to give my more delicate readers fair warning.
Spider and web in the orchard
By day, the Halloween Spider hides in a cluster of cedar leaves.
I've photographed Jewelweed flowers before, but not the seed pod. This is an extra-special pod.
When fully ripe, the slightest touch makes the pod explode, dispersing the seeds. It's no wonder its nickname is Touch-Me-Not.
I tried like heck to get a photo of this Argiope's back but she was snuggled in a shrub and every attempt disturbed her. I settled for a belly shot - note the silk coming from the spinnerets on her rear end.
The Red Squirrels have been busy squirreling away Black Walnuts.We have a number of nest boxes around the yard, meant for Great Horned and Screech Owls, Raccoons and Flying Squirrels. Some have fallen into disrepair over the years
and now serve as walnut storage facilities.
and now serve as walnut storage facilities.You may recall there was only one snake sighting all year, and it was a sad one. I was thrilled to see not-one, not-two, but THREE snakes on Sunday.
This large(ish) Garter was in the driveway.
A wee snake was in the back yard. Its markings were indistinct so I'm unsure of the species.
A Midland Brown Snake was sunning at the back door.
Asters are thicker in the orchard than in previous years. They remind me of a springtime bed of Virginia Bluebells.Fall color in the countryside is superb this year. Most of our yard is still green but there are patches of gold.
Sycamore on the bank
11 comments:
I have arachnophobia, but these pictures are beautiful. I've never seen a Halloween spider and never hope to see one, but I like the photograph.
:) ron
Just found your blog and I'm psyched to have found it. Love the snake photos big time, only see them once in a while here in NJ.
Asters seem to be thick everywhere around here this year. I received a comment from a man in New England that said the purple aster had mostly replaced goldenrod. That was interesting considering their proliference this year. I am assuming it has something to do with the relatively wet summer and wonderful spring/early summer we had for growth.
I noticed the Hocking river was up on my way to Athens Sunday.
nellie
Your squirrels are very creative with thir walnut storage and the orange spider is colored perfectly for the season. Our asters did well too this year, but you saw more snakes than I did, only 2 black snakes were seen here.
Enjoy Autumn, Jain!
I love the walnuts in the nest box. That made me laugh!
Very nice, Jain. Unfortunately, we have many squashed garter snakes around here--they seem to be everywhere on pavement. We must have a healthy population, but it's so depressing to see so many flattened ones. This morning, as I was was pulling into the preserve's driveway, returning from an early morning meeting, I scared two crows. "How odd!" I thought, until I read your post and realized they were scavenging a garter snake that had been squashed over the weekend.
We've got so many black walnuts around that the squirrels don't even seem to be bothering with them--or, they're simply overwhelmed.
HI Jain...I am sad to say I am not a spider and snake person ....I just can't do it!!
I tell the Garter snakes ..if they mind to there business they can stay ; }
Your right though I had not seen one snake until a few weeks ago..a Garter in the garden sunning on some rocks...the others I have seen where unfortunately run over in the road ...perhaps they where looking for the heat!!
I hope that Squirrel has good teeth ..how funny!!
I still love to pop the jewel weed ..or touch me not's...that's what we called them to !!
Have a great rest of the week!
Grace
...cool post! I loved the photo of the spiders...and snakes too. Perfect for Halloween! :-)
Billy, an endorsement from an arachnophobe is the most I could hope for. Thanks for visiting!
ONG, I’m glad you found Bankside, too!
Nellie, I credit the wet spring and summer with the aster explosion, too. I’m guessing the trees will have exceptionally wide rings this year. What a wet year it’s been! I’ve been referring to last week’s 8 days with no rain as the Drought of 2011.
Wanda, it’s still early; you may see more snakes yet! Happy Autumn to you, too.
Jennifer & Steve, I laughed out loud when I first noticed the nuts in the box, too. Glad you enjoyed it.
Scott, it’s a shame to see squished snakes and other creatures, but knowing they’ll be a meal for someone else somehow softens the sadness.
I’m imagining a cartoon squirrel: “Oh no! More nuts! What to do! What to do
?!?!”
Grace, I know of your reluctance with spiders and snakes; I wrote my disclaimer just for you. ;o)
I don’t imagine that popping touch-me-nots will EVER get old. Have fun! And have a good week!
Thanks, Kelly! 2 1/2 weeks till Halloween so maybe we’ll see some more spooky critters!
I simply love the patterns on the orange spider !
O, the intricacy is fascinating, isn't it? And for what purpose, evolutionarily speaking? I hope to get a better photo before the season is done.
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