Filmy Dome Spider

My parents have a group of spiders living in a large hedge that separates their yard from the neighbor's yard. The spiders build dome-shaped nest and are possibly Filmy Dome Spiders (genus Neriene). I was able to get a photo of the web, but not the spiders themselves. My point-and-click camera wouldn't focus on them. The spiders are about an inch long including legs. There are several webs in about a 3 foot square area. The detail of the dome webs is incredible. The web shown below is about 8" across. The second photo is a zoomed in version of the first photo.

Shooting dragonflies with a gun

Note to self: Don't try to shoot a dragonfly. Check out the story here.

Birds mentioned on The Daily Show

Douglas Brinkley, author of a new book about Teddy Roosevelt, was the guest on The Daily Show last night.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Douglas Brinkley
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Spinal Tap Performance

Nesting

Sorry for the lack of posts lately - we're in full-blown "nesting" mode. Beth made a comment on Facebook about her being in nesting mode. Of course, one of my witty friends responded, "Do you find that Pat watches you from a distance with binoculars while you are nesting?" Baby Julian will be here sometime around Sept. 16.