The Nature Photography Thread

[count dewclaw]

It is sad that some people kill snakes on sight. I may not like to be in close proximity to venomous snakes, but I know they have their place and would not kill them. I hope she does move to a safer spot.

[stonyloam]

Hay Stefan! It’s that time of year again, made new solitary bee/wasp house. Was going to clean out the old one but it looks like something was using it already. For those who do not know me, I love these little solitary wasps and bees that make nests in holes. There are thousands of species all around the world, and each likes a specific hole size. Some are bees, some wasps, each has a favorite pray, I have seen ones that bring in only green spiders, some yellow spiders and some little green caterpillars. There are even little green parasitic bees that sneak in and lay their eggs in other nests. Most plug nests with mud, but some use leaves (which they cut to fit) and others use fibers. And best of all they are harmless, most are very non aggressive because they are not defending a nest. Just fun to watch.

Here is the new house all holes vacant


This is after a few days, some new tenets have moved in already.

[guidofatherof5]

Terry,

Is everything you do Cool? I think so.

[Stefan-A]

Hay Stefan! It’s that time of year again, made new solitary bee/wasp house. Was going to clean out the old one but it looks like something was using it already. For those who do not know me, I love these little solitary wasps and bees that make nests in holes. There are thousands of species all around the world, and each likes a specific hole size. Some are bees, some wasps, each has a favorite pray, I have seen ones that bring in only green spiders, some yellow spiders and some little green caterpillars. There are even little green parasitic bees that sneak in and lay their eggs in other nests. Most plug nests with mud, but some use leaves (which they cut to fit) and others use fibers. And best of all they are harmless, most are very non aggressive because they are not defending a nest. Just fun to watch.

Here is the new house all holes vacant


This is after a few days, some new tenets have moved in already.

I almost forgot about that. I had one last summer, but it ended up housing only one wasp, but everything from earwigs to spiders in the other holes.

[Stefan-A]

So, I made a feeble attempt at herping today. Found nothing.



Flipped some concrete.




Found this guy on a rock underneath.



Dead and dried up, probably died sometime last year, would never have survived the winter in that spot.




The terrain where I found it.




Another photo I took today, which I decided to post just so that would have a reason to look up the English name for Anemone nemorosa; Wood anemone / windflower / thimbleweed / smell fox.

[Snake lover 3-25]

great pics guys!!!! love that bee thing neat idea!!!

[anji1971]

Finally got some pictures from the garden uploaded! Here's a few of the spring bulbs up and at 'em. (This is where I've been when I'm not busy with everything else lately!)

[anji1971]

A few more..........

[Stefan-A]

Nice flowers, Anji.

[anji1971]

Thanks! It's something I enjoy as much as my snakes.