Our nature adventure did not extend beyond our own front yard today. The kids have been playing in our Bradford Pear trees which line the streets in our neighborhood. Today while perched up in his "nest" Mitchell spotted the tiniest little yellow droplets. He seemed to know what they were instantly. "I found some ladybug eggs!" he exclaimed. He proceeded to search the web to confirm his findings. Sure enough, he was right!
Below is an up close photo I snapped while precariously standing on an old stool. The tree is barely big enough to sustain Mitchell's 80 lbs., so I figured it would not hold my, well, let's just say, more than 80 lbs.!
We will keep our eyes on them and hopefully will get to see them go from egg to larvae and then their metamorphosis into adult ladybugs.
It is so awesome to see the creations of God unfold everyday in a new way, through the eyes of eager to learn children.
Day 2
Mitchell was eager to check out the status of the eggs this morning. Much to our surprise, they had already hatched and were dining on their egg casing. The little bugs are so tiny!
The tiny white spec is what is left of the egg casings, which are covered with tiny, dark larvae.
These pictures were quite hard to get. The larvae are much tougher to see as opposed to the pretty yellow cluster of eggs. Once again I found myself dubiously poised among the small branches of our tree. My zoom lens would not capture the shot because I was too close and my regular lens was not magnified enough. I did not have the equipment or skill to get just the right magnification. I have lots to learn about photography. (another hobby of mine that takes a backseat)
Once the excitement of the hatch was over, we settled in the backyard to see what else we could observe. Mitchell went for one more look in the front yard. As I was sitting on my new swing (Mother's day gift!) Mitchell came running, noticeably upset. He did not have to say what happened. I knew instantly. He had inadvertently knocked the ladybug larva off the tree. Such a bummer for all of us, as we were hoping to watch them change and morph into ladybugs over a couple of weeks. Oh well. I reckon he will be more careful next time. And we will never forget such a wonderful find.
Wow your Mitchell is really observant! I don't think I would have seen them. But, isn't it neat when they come running in the house yelling "Mommy come look at what I found!" ...I love that.
I've been enjoying the pictures here! I must confess that I'm coveting your daughter's strawberries though, I've never been able to grow them. Good for her, looks as if she may have a green thumb :-).
I hope you all are having a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend!
Blessings, Julie
I am a wife and Mother who's brain moves too fast, in too many directions, at the same time! I am quite eclectic and dichotomos in my approach to most things. I love French Country, painted furniture, flawless, traditional wood finishes and chippy peely, old treasures.
Something old next to something new is so charming. Sparkly is great if kept to a minimum. Needing schedule and list to accomplish most things, I get bored quickly with routines. I love conservative talk radio!
Chocolate is a fav as is cheesecake, pizza and fish tacos. I enjoy baking, cooking with new recipes, reading, being outside with the family, camping and watching a good movie. Writing is fun for me and maybe, just maybe one day I will write a book!
I wish I had a library in my house and the time to read each book.
