Rhino!

I met up with my nature group this morning for a walk in the woods.  It was super humid and quite hot so the bird activity was light, but we did managed to see some interesting amphibians and insects.  The star of the day was this big male Rhinoceros Beetle, though.  None of us had ever seen one here, so he quickly became one of the most photographed beetles of the decade.  He was transferred from hand to hand (his little feet were surprisingly soft) and eventually to the forest floor where he tried to bury himself in the moss.  Although this large beetles can fly, they usually go for the "roll over and play dead" means of protection.  I have read that the females lack the "horn" and that the males use them to fend off other males when they are trying to mate with a female.  They are herbivores and considered to be gentle creatures.

We also found what I think may be two Fowler's toads, although I'm awaiting confirmation on that.  If so, a first for me.  The skinks that were sunning on rocks near the trail scurried off before anyone could get photos - too bad because they are striking with their bright blue tails.  

The second best discovery of the day (after the rhino) as the lake that we walked past which several of the group said is excellent for kayaking.  I plan to check it out within the next few days as it has all kinds of little nooks and crannies and was teaming with dragonflies.

I came home to discover that the Feeder Bandits had paid a visit sometime during the morning - both a hanging seed feeder and a suet cage are missing.  Crafty little  stinkers.  Once the vegetation in the forest dies back, I fully expect to retrieve about a half dozen feeders that have gone missing this summer.

Dark with chili today.  

And please continue to be careful.  MIL's facility is shut down for two weeks because two fully vaccinated staff tested positive for the virus (one symptomatic, one asymptomatic)  So far, all residents have tested negative, thank goodness.  But a strong reminder that this Delta variant is ridiculously contagious and those who received vaccinations early are in greater risk of breakthrough infections now.  

xo
Debbi