What's outside of your picture window today?

Posted by John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop, Nov 25, 2020

As we get ready for the real winter to show up and COVID-19 still playing a major part in our lives I like to spend moments of my day de-stressing about what's going on in the world today. All I have to do is look out the window and observe some of natures beautiful creatures, how they interact and ponder how small it makes my troubles seem. Sometimes I may even get the opportunity to take a photo or two. How about you? Anything going on outside of your window(s) that you want to share?

For those members that have the ability to size your photos before you upload them to the discussion, may I suggest using the following sizes:
– 500 x 335 pixels (landscape)
– 210 x 210 pixels (square)

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avmcbellar | @avmcbellar | May 29, 2021

In reply to @loribmt "Dragonflies!! These ugly little 'ducklings' in the first photo turn into beautiful dragonflies within minutes of..." + (show)

Hi @loribmt Dragonflies can have very colorful wings. I didn’t know they eat mosquitos. That is awesome! This little guy caught my eye early this morning just sitting on the wall of our house. What can we do to attract more?

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | May 29, 2021

In reply to @avmcbellar "Hi @loribmt Dragonflies can have very colorful wings. I didn’t know they eat mosquitos. That is..." + (show)

What a beauty! I love dragonflies and you’re right, there are so many different varieties! We have some enormous ones that I always call the Blackhawk raptors!! We can actually watch them catching mosquitos. We always thought they were just flying randomly in the air. But watch closely next time! You’ll actually see them swooping and diving in pursuit of a mosquito or bug...it’s not just random flying!
They use their legs like baskets. Dragonflies actually scoop up the mosquito and ingest it in flight! Then go back for more. When we’re at the lake and there’s huge mosquito outbreak, we can tell when the dragonflies finally hatch out! Within a day there a thousands of dragonflies and the mosquito population drops significantly!!
So the next time you see a dragonfly, bedsides being so whimsical and delightful, remember they’re voracious feeding machines! ☺️

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | May 29, 2021

In reply to @IndianaScott "What a delight to see these babies checking us out. This tree is right outside our..." + (show)

Awww they’re so adorable!! Those huge peepers just checking you out! Lucky to have these babies so close!!

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | May 29, 2021

In reply to @IndianaScott "What a delight to see these babies checking us out. This tree is right outside our..." + (show)

We had four adults and 9 baby Canadian geese goslings parading around outside just about sunset last night!
Ginger

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 29, 2021

In reply to @gingerw "We had four adults and 9 baby Canadian geese goslings parading around outside just about sunset..." + (show)

Ginger - Those you can keep. Both of my daughters were attacked my Mama geese as youngsters, and they are so rampant here they need regular removal. Besides, one family can destroy my yard and garden in one morning. I'm glad we have 2 lakes nearby so they aren't attracted to our pond. My friend had to remove hers to get rid of the geese who kept attacking her dog!
Sue

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 29, 2021

In reply to @avmcbellar "@IndianaScott how wonderful! I started appreciating owls more 3 years ago at our new home. We..." + (show)

I too love the owls. We have a screech who nests near our Texas tiny house, and I love it when the weather allows for the windows to be open so I can hear her.
In MN we have several different ones in the neighborhood. I can always tell when they're hunting because the songbirds hide. We find owl pellets along the path in our nearest woods quite often- can't wait to dissect them with the grands when they're a little older.
Nature is so amazing!
Sue

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 29, 2021

In reply to @loribmt "Dragonflies!! These ugly little 'ducklings' in the first photo turn into beautiful dragonflies within minutes of..." + (show)

I took a naturalist course a couple years ago called dragonflies and damsel flies - it was fascinating!
Sue

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | May 29, 2021

In reply to @sueinmn "I too love the owls. We have a screech who nests near our Texas tiny house,..." + (show)

Owl pellets are fascinating to dissect. Your grands will love it! When my daughter was younger I’d collect the pellets to do a little search and discovery session in her (and other) science classes in elementary school. Each student got a face mask, small magnifying glass and toothpicks or wooden swizzle sticks to separate the pellets and discover the little bones as well as insects and other oddities. They’d try to assemble the bones and identify the parts. 😊 We also raised monarchs for years which was so cool! Nature is truly amazing.
Today we’re in another flurry of dragonflies hatching. My daughter had about 20 on her back and arms. There are literally thousands in the air, hanging on the trees and grass...all sparkling in the sun! Simple pleasures.

Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | May 29, 2021

In reply to @sueinmn "I took a naturalist course a couple years ago called dragonflies and damsel flies - it..." + (show)

Hey there Sue......I finally was able to capture the meditation trail with what moss we have trying to cover it. When do you want to go moss hunting?

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 29, 2021

In reply to @artscaping "Hey there Sue......I finally was able to capture the meditation trail with what moss we have..." + (show)

It's beautiful. Moss hunting before or after TKR? Might be a fun road trip in June while my daughter is recuperating. There's a great pizza place in town there too.
Sue