.
There it is…
.
.
Our fully cocooned Polyphemus moth on a piece of stone siding on our not quite finished front porch.
.
.
According to my research, it will hatch in two weeks.
.
.
I’m really hoping it’s a male.
.
.
Because that’s one bad *ss moth!
👍
.
.
Polly is almost fully cocooned.
.
.
And it looks like we won’t be able to move that piece of stone siding anytime soon .
.
.
Why it picked that particular spot I don’t know, but now I feel responsible and will have to make sure it’s safe.
.
.
The metamorphosis is pretty spectacular.
.
.
And with a six inch wing span, it’s one of the largest we have in Maine.
Though I can’t say I envy it…
.
.
Mother Nature can be harsh.
🥺
.
.
I’m tickled pink.
Or should I say green?
.
.
Our visiting Polyphemus caterpillar has decided to build his (her?) cocoon on our front porch!
.
.
The process has been fascinating to watch.
.
.
In and out.
.
.
Curling up and straightening out.
.
.
I’m completely enthralled with Mother Nature.
.
.
Lord Dudley Mountcatten was fascinated by something on the front porch the other day.
.
.
Upon further investigation….
.
.
I discovered a Polyphemus caterpillar on a section of our stone siding.
.
.
Strange creatures indeed.
.
.
The close up photos are reminiscent of a Hollywood space alien.
.
.
How cool is that!
It would be nice if he sticks around after his metamorphosis…
.
.
With a six inch wingspan, he’ll be quite impressive.
😊
.
,
Dusk in our backyard. Slightly pink sky…
.
.
And a pair of foxes.
.
.
We know they live in the woods behind our house, but haven’t seen both of them at the feeding station for quite a while.
.
.
Such lovely creatures.
.
.
.
.
💕
.
.
Our Cooper’s hawk was back on the deck railing yesterday and this time he was in full hunting mode.
.
.
The dreaded red squirrel pair were spotted and my fingers were crossed.
.
.
If anyone can rid me of that menace, it’s the hawk.
.
.
On high alert, scouting the bushes where they were hiding.
.
.
The hawk sat there, patiently waiting for movement.
.
.
And then, a strike!
.
.
That sadly came up empty.
Hawk – 0.
Red squirrel demons – 1.
🥺
.
.
Woodpeckers that is.
.
.
There was a nice pileated at our suet nugget feeder out back …
.
.
And another on our choke cherry tree out front at the same time.
.
.
It’s rare enough to see one of these large beauties on the property… no less two.
.
.
Like I say..
.
.
It was a banner day for peckers.
😉
.
.
Our Coopers Hawk is back..
.
.
And has staked out the bird feeding station.
.
.
His Lordship kept a close watch.
.
.
As did I…
.
.
.
.
.
💕
.
.
Our Coopers Hawk returned yesterday and hung out for almost an hour, which is quite unusual.
.
.
His Lordship was fascinated and kept a close eye on the visitor this time.
.
.
I’m not sure what held this beautiful guy’s attention for so long… but I’m not complaining.
.
.
I enjoyed watching him almost as much as Dudley.
.
.
💕
.
.
I spied someone on the deck railing recently, and as you can see… the royal feline was clueless.
.
.
The someone was a juvenile Coopers Hawk.
.
.
There’s good hunting under our bird feeders and this beauty was seriously interested.
.
.
After ten minutes of me taking pictures and saying hey, there’s a big bird outside…
.
.
His Lordship caught on.
.
.
Hullo gawgeous!
.
.
Raptors are fascinating creatures.
.
.
And seeing one this close is a special experience.
❤️
.
River's world..... 