Tuesday, July 26, 2011

hay, a web and a gift



Because of the drought, crops all over the state are failing and ranchers are having to sell off their stock because there is no feed. Consequently, hay is going for a very good price. The 13 acre field behind us was mowed about two weeks ago and yesterday it was raked and baled.


Last night about 10 PM I took the trash out and saw this spider finishing up her web just outside the garage/shop. It was at least 5' in diameter.


It was a little breezy and she was constantly moving. The flash reflected off the strands nicely though.


This morning when I looked about 7:30 AM it was gone. She'd packed up the whole thing and moved on. Amazing how they do that...spin a web and then take it down.


Every time I see a blue jay in the yard I ask it to leave me a feather. This morning this was sticking straight up in the grass.


19 comments:

  1. The web is extraordinary - so consistent structurally - wow! Spiders, too, are working animals (like we are).

    Love the feather, presented to you, it seems, with a flourish. I love my blue jay feathers, too. The season of molting is here. I'm scanning the sidewalks. Usually just find pidgeon feathers - which by the way I love. A few years ago I found a huge feather that my bird expert friend said was from a seagull. Very cool.

    ReplyDelete
  2. those 'tree spiders' are amazing, aren't they? tis the season to be extra careful when walking out into the yard at night. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. how wonderful that the blue jay left a gift :)

    the web is amazing
    I adore spiders and would love to see a web this large!!

    your comment on my latest post is so sadly true ellen, thanks for the visit

    try to stay cool

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's what you see if only you look. Eyes is all it takes.

    And a camera, of course.

    ReplyDelete
  5. That spider web is breathtaking. Wow!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love the spider's work- HUGE! They are so zen...so installation-y.Great artists all even is it is the wolf spider who just makes a mess of tangles on the ground. I could be a wolf spider...
    Hey that hat is tidy! Looks like it might be good in milk.

    ReplyDelete
  7. don't think I've ever seen a 5' web...WOW!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. The drought is scary.

    Loved the web. I always hate to have to take them down on our deck. But they have to share the deck with me in the summer. The rest of the time it is all theirs.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love the hay roll - it just makes me happy to see them. And that web is pretty magnificent!

    ReplyDelete
  10. This web is absolutely awesome!! 5 feet!?! omg! I collect feathers whenever i find them. :) Great post...thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. That spider was amazing, doing all that work and then undoing it again.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Spiders can be very quick with the move. I always feel like picking up feathers when i see them.

    ReplyDelete
  13. AMAZING. Never have I seen a web so large. Let alone the way it disappeared!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Amazing! I've never seen one that large but then I don't venture out a lot in the summer considering our over 100 degree days.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love the web!!! And what a precious gift...the feather...so special!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

    ReplyDelete
  16. Beautiful web. Did you know that you can search for spiders in the dark by holding up a bright flashlight right beside your eye and if a spider is in the grass or trees the light will be reflected by its eyes.

    I recently learned this on a guided night walk through the Bastrop State Park. I saw two spiders just sitting on the ground in the pine needles.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Looks like you might be getting some relief with the tropical storm heading your way! That's some spider and web!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wonderful shots. I love that the jay gifted you with a feather. I have a few blue jay gifts in that wonderful feather keeper you gave me. I think of you every time I add a new one.

    ReplyDelete

I opened my big mouth, now it's your turn.