Dragonfly Ranch

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When I checked the nest three days ago, there was no change, except that the five eggs had been moved around — presumably while the mother was fussing over them.

This afternoon I saw an unusual amount of activity — both parents flying to and from the nest box — so I decided to check when I was sure they were both absent, and this is what I found. The chicks are presumably hatching in the order in which the eggs were laid, which would account for the three different sizes.

I’m being careful not to disturb the parents. The nest box has a hinged front, so it’s easy to check. I open it, stick the phone in, click, and close the box. It takes five seconds.

Moving a pile of bricks today proved to be an eye-opening experience — Toad, skink and a couple of other kinds of lizards, and lots of creepy crawlies of the worm and insects and larvae types. They all scampered away at varying speeds, but I still felt guilty for disturbing their habitat. (You might need to zoom in and play “Where’s Waldo” in some of these pictures.

Got the birdhouse up yesterday. Maybe too late for this season, but at least it looks terrific down by Arlin’s office.

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Eggs

Nest box

We all finished the 5k. Slowed Phil down ’cause he was kind enough to stay with me. Those gentle hills will get me every time!

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Finished the project from the latest SMQA workshop!