May 12, 2012

Mockingbird, Turkey and Snowy Egret Sightings

Finally spotted a mockingbird here. There have been mockingbirds in the neighborhood at work (Bridgeport) for a few weeks now. Or at least I believe they are by their singing. I haven't heard or seen one here at home until today.

Also spotted a lone female turkey walking across the field and a snowy egret wading the the pond!

May 9, 2012

Wrens and Catbirds Are Here

Got back from Nashville last night. This morning saw that the wrens are here now. They (or he) are/is building a nest in the new house that Bob built for them and hung up last month. I also see that the catbirds have arrived. They are perched in the viburnum beneath the leaves, giving them great privacy and protection.  I wonder if they are building a nest in there.

May 1, 2012

Cocoon Identified

The cocoon I discovered last fall, hanging from a branch of a hazelnut hung on all winter. I came across it again the other day and finally remembered to do some research to see what type of creature made it. I believe it is the cocoon of a Promethea or Polyphemus Moth. Both are in the silk moth family. I do have a dead, ragged specimen of one of these moths found here a few years ago.






I'm really intrigued by how the leaf is wrapped with silk to form the cocoon.  It looks like an embossed pattern. It is also impressive how it has survived this long. When I first came across it late last fall, it already had the opening on top, so I am not sure when the moth emerged. I hope this summer and fall will bring new opportunities to see a cocoon in the construction stages.
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