arielflorentino's Favorites

Jumping spider with (I think) a long-jawed orbweaver. The jumping spider was barely moving and the orb-weaver was dead. I'm assuming the orbweaver managed to inject the salticid with venom at some point prior to its death. I kept the salticid for several hours and it slowly regained some ability to move its legs, but I don't think ever enough to have a meaningful life. Eventually disappeared from the leaf I released it onto. Probably now inside some spider-provisioning wasp nest, reparalyzed. What a terrible day.

Observation for the victim spider is here: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/13636274.

The best views of a Green Heron I've ever got! They're smaller than I expected.

It stayed by the side of the pond, waiting for fish to pass by. Eventually, the hungry bird got its wish, snatching a tiny fish out of the water and eating it.

The Magic Of Rain Pools
Spring thunderstorms can leave enchanted small rain pools in low lying meadows & fields. Sometimes concealed on all sides by spring vegetation. They can be magical & worth putting on your water boots and exploring. You never know what you will find.

I was asked to accompany this family to the lake, on account of a cat. Thankfully, the only “danger” mom perceived was a little girl, who approached quickly with a high-pitched “AWWW”—wanting to hug them. 😍

Added to the Bird With Its Parent project.