Let's put on our 'sunnies' and check out the fig tree.
The way things are right now we may even need a
full beekeeping suit!
So many over-ripe figs now, especial high in the tree.
As much as I try to shy away from insects - especially
biting and stinging ones - watching them from a distance
and photographing them close up is quite fascinating.
Every now and then a beautiful butterfly stops by - this is the Monarch
who apparently loves to feast on fermenting figs.
The tree is full of life all day long. The birds still come however the
noise from the insects has now taken over.
The Figeater beetle (Cotinis mutabilis) or June bug.
There are many different bees, wasps, hornets, beetles enjoying the figs.
Handsome Anthophora plumipes (Hairy-footed flower bee)?
Not certain, but perhaps this is such a bee.
Anyone know for sure please?
Leaving you with a sweet American robin. . . . . . . .loves the figs too!
Busy/noisy week here in North Carolina. Started with an earthquake Sunday morning
adding to the recent hurricane and tornado. The heat is oppressive as is normal in
the month of August in the southeast, and the 17-year cicadas are active!
Along with donning face masks, some North Carolinians may also be wearing earplugs!
After nearly two decades underground, a wave of periodical cicadas have emerged and
they are a noisy bunch! Last spotted in 2003, hoards of 17-year cicadas referred to as
Brood IX have arisen from the soil and they are deafening. When one whizzes by your ear
you are startled at the noise it makes. Then, when several thousand start 'singing'
together in the trees in the early evening, you really could use ear plugs!
The earthquake!
A 5.1-magnitude earthquake hit about 2 miles from the town of Sparta, North Carolina, early Sunday, along the state's border with Virginia.The strongest quake to shake the state since 1926, according to the North Carolina Geological Survey. The quake, whose epicenter was in Alleghany County, was felt as far away as Washington D.C. and Atlanta, according to reports to the USGS. It struck about 8:07 a.m. ET.
I didn't feel a thing!!!!!!!!
.png)
