The insect world was buzzing today with spectacular moths, dragonflies and damselflies, and the continuing exhibition of periodical cicadas. For the latter, we went to a field where there was a deafening concentration of cicadas flying about and laying eggs on small oak saplings. We also saw a Swamp Darner catch and eat a cicada. Courtesy of Mike Crewe's wildlife catching skills, we inspected a Carpenter Frog, a Garter Snake, and a Mourning Cloak caterpillar. We also had close-up views of many moths, including Imperial, Io, Wavy-lined Flannel, Rosy Maple, and Southern Pine Sphinx. Dragonflies and Damselflies at Tar Kiln Pond included Slaty Skimmer, Blue Dasher, Lilypad Forktail, and Violet Dancer. Despite our best efforts not to focus on birds, the following insisted on being noticed by singing or perching in full-view: Summer Tanager, Great-crested Flycatcher, Indigo Bunting, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Eastern Bluebird. Join us next week before the Cicada phenomena ends! Leaders: Mike Crewe, Bert Hixon, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Hugh Simmons, Mike Hannisian, and Lisa Ryan.
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| Imperial Moth [Photo by Catherine Busch] |
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| Mike Crewe and a Garter Snake [Photo by Catherine Busch] |
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| Periodical Cicada [Photo by Catherine Busch] |
