I think there might be a bounty of insect eggs on the forest floor in a remote spot at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs. I was at the park Sunday morning and spotted what looked as if someone snapped a pearl necklace and the pearls dispersed in the bed of dead leaves, twigs and branches. Maybe it’s the reproductive work of beetles? I’ll take a photo next time and post it here.
Passing by one of the lakes, a squabble broke out among ducks. Always comical to watch these otherwise serene creatures up in arms. There was a sudden din of quacks, and then one duck lunged at another, creating a splash. There were about 5 or 6 of ’em, having it out in this one tiny section of the water, even though the rest of the lake was empty. I saw mallards and American coots involved in the skirmish.
Speaking of tiny bugs, I happened upon a Bewick’s wren (see photo) near the spot with the suspected insect eggs. It was bouncing around on a decomposing tree scouting for insects, and I was lucky to get a shot of it. It was a pretty scrawny thing that moved quickly and blended perfectly with the color of bark. I initially thought it was a cactus wren but realized the delineations after consulting my trusty field guides.
the prickly pressed 