Wildlife & Related

[buffalobo]

That's like a school bus for little spiders! Now I feel like things are crawling all over me. Great photos.

2008 before I realized mom carried babies. Showing off for the minions, I coaxed one slightly larger than that one off of a board and onto my hand. When I slowly lowered my hand for the grand kids to see one of them let out a shriek and I flinched. Momma spider deposited hundreds of babies on my hand and arm. Did a little shrieking of my own.

We still laugh about it. Stills gives me heebie jeebies when I think about it. I don't pick up spiders any more.

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[Mazin]

2008 before I realized mom carried babies. Showing off for the minions, I coaxed one slightly larger than that one off of a board and onto my hand. When I slowly lowered my hand for the grand kids to see one of them let out a shriek and I flinched. Momma spider deposited hundreds of babies on my hand and arm. Did a little shrieking of my own.

We still laugh about it. Stills gives me heebie jeebies when I think about it. I don't pick up spiders any more.

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Spiders cost me close to $1,200 this year in vet bills so F them. Spiders, snakes and crows are the only real thing I kill for just the sheer enjoyment.

[Bailey Guns]

Spiders don't bother me much...except black widows. Those I'll kill. Others I try to leave alone. It's amazing how many insects they kill here.

This area is also known for rattlesnakes. I saw the first one yesterday. It had been run over and killed on the little side road we live on. I'm really worried about the dogs getting bit. The little blue healer pup has had the vaccine but not the other 3.

[Bailey Guns]

Somebody help me identify this little guy. A youngun, about the size of a Robin, just sitting/sleeping on a stack of pallets. He let me get very close before reacting. Not sure if he was hurt, ill or just too young to fly away.

I thought it was a young Osprey chick but now not so sure after looking at some photos.

Anybody know for sure?

[newracer]

Nighthawk

[Bailey Guns]

Perfect! That's exactly what he is after looking at photos. I guess he was just sleeping. Thanks!

[Irving]

Look at that evil eyeball!

[flogger]

Thats a great shot BG!!

[EvilRhino]

UPS driver told me a rabbit got tagged in the driveway maybe 2 months ago. I took a few pics and later confirmed it was an Osprey (seahawk). Apparently they've been brought in for pigeon control.

In the circle of life, there's a baby bunny now in the territory the old one was in. (that my dog didn't eat yet)

[Hummer]

Somebody help me identify this little guy. A youngun, about the size of a Robin, just sitting/sleeping on a stack of pallets. He let me get very close before reacting. Not sure if he was hurt, ill or just too young to fly away.

I thought it was a young Osprey chick but now not so sure after looking at some photos.

Anybody know for sure?

Nighthawk

Yes, it's a Common Nighthawk, an adult. Beautiful photo of a great bird, BG!

Nighthawks aren't hawks but are insectivores related to swifts. They nap during mid day and fly at dawn and dusk and some after dark. The best mosquito control! I sometimes find them roosting on fences, on the ground or on a graveled road. They're often approachable because they are confident in their camouflage. In the evenings we watch them swoop low around the yard and over the farm along with swifts and swallows. Nighthawks show off their graceful flight with a 24" wingspan and large white patches on the slender wing.

A similar bird, smaller and less common is the Common Poorwill. Sometimes you can spot them in flocks of nighthawks. Here's one I photographed sleeping on the ground in our yard. They can be easily overlooked because of their cryptic camo plumage.