Thursday, June 12, 2008

Pray

Last week when Thursday's theme was announced (wildlife) I didn't think I'd have anything worth sharing. I have older pictures from the zoo, but I like to use theme Thursday as an exercise, so I try not to use old photos. However, ever since we had the backyard done we've had an abundance of wildlife, from chipmunks to crazy birds and bugs.

This is what the yard looked like in April. We had a 75 year old maple cut down back in the fall. The rest of the yard was covered in ivy so when we (and I use that term loosely because SOB did all the labor) killed off and pulled up the ivy, this is what we were left with. We affectionately called it the mud pit.

But then we had some top soil and sod laid down and a flower bed mulched along the back and Ta da! A lovely new back yard! (Ignore that brown spot in the back. It didn't rain much while we were on vacation, hence the hose.)

So as I was outside watering the other day, I happened across a baby praying mantis. I ran to get my camera, hoping but doubting I would be able to find him (or her) again. Luckily I did! I must have taken 50 shots of this little bug because man are they quick! The big ones don't seem to move too quickly, but the babes can really haul ass! And jump! I kept missing by just fractions of a second, but finally I got one shot that was in focus!

Visit The Land of K.A. for a walk on the wild side!

Stumble Upon Toolbar

9 comments:

Killlashandra said...

The landscaping looks great!

Preying mantis are such cool insects. I like the fact you have to kind of focus your eyes on them to make sure you see them before they blend in with the blades of grass.

Definitely a great bit of wilderness in the yard. :)

Jen said...

Your yard looks great. Praying Mantis are so cool. Great capture.

Arizaphale said...

Great job! I can't remember the last time we had lawn that green. Looks like a good practical yard now.

Stacy said...

Great landscaping, and what a cool shot! I don't think I've ever seen a praying mantis in real life before. Glad you were able to find him again. :)

mandaroo63 said...

Your yard came out great. Those are such cool bugs. I havent' seen any around here....just mostly earwigs and pill bugs! ugh!

Anonymous said...

Nice yard tending y'all did there. Way coolie wee mantis, now that I think about it, the big ones do seem to move sslloowwllyy--I'm not sure I've ever seen a wee one.

~~

Anonymous said...

OOo... mantis! Nice capture. Sometimes it takes me 50 shots to capture one of my kid! hehe

Maggie said...

Wow - what a great shot! I never can get anything like that...I'm either not paying enough attention or they move away too fast. I'm sure that it couldn't have anything to do with the toddlers that are trying to grab at everything...

Unknown said...

From mud pit to gorgeous! Good work (hubby! :-) )!!

The praying mantis shot is great, too!