A Day (or at least five minutes) In the Life of a Bug!

As I sat at the table today, I was pleasantly surprised at a visit from the Pileated Woodpecker.  The young bird flew into the dead Black Gum Tree that sits not ten feet from the window.  These are normally rather shy birds that keep to themselves.  They would rather be far down in the woods near the creekbed which made me ponder why he was visiting so close to the house.

I watched as the bird cocked his head from side to side as he held onto the rotting wood.  Then he rapidly plunged his beak into an existing hole.  I was not surprised that the woodpecker had his prize with just one try..this tree was full of all sorts of bugs!  Several more attempts and he, obviously, had his fill.  I marveled at the ease the wings were spread and he left my view.

As soon as the bird left, a bug scurried out of a hole in the tree. Hmm?  How had the woodpecker missed this one?  This was an Eyed Click Beetle and a rather large one at that!  Curiosity caught me so I headed out to watch the insect.  I wondered where in the world this critter was heading so fast!  Down and around the tree the beetle raced.  Once he hit the ground, his journey continued.  He sped as fast as his little bug legs could carry him on to the next tree.

There he climbed until I almost lost sight of him only to return within seconds.  Down and around this tree he raced until he was almost to the bottom.  Then he turned sharply and headed to a small hole right at the ground level.  Was this his whole intention from the start?  Had he left the dangerous hole at the top of one tree to the safety of a home on the lower level?  Would he be welcome in this hole or was there some large spider waiting to devour him as he entered?  These questions would never be answered as I never saw the bug again.  I waited but he never returned!

As far as a hole is concerned, I must admit this was a delightful one!  It did seem to be a welcoming abode for some critter.  There was a cluster of mushrooms growing above the entrance and a few small plants that waved happily in the wind on either side of the "door".  Not to mention..Santa (rescued from a past hurricane) stood watch over the area..guarding all creatures..large and small.  Especially, Click Beetles running from Pileated Woodpeckers!

The Lawn Gnome's Competition!

I have always thought that Lawn Gnomes are rather cute little additions to the garden..someone else's garden.  It is not that I mind the little guys dwelling in the yard but they could do something beside just stand there!  I mean, my goodness, pull a few weeds, turn on the water hose or even smack a few bugs now and again just to prove you are useful!  Nope, they stand or loll..depending on whichever type you have.  There are several Lawn Gnomes dotted around in the gardens near the Little Bayou House.  Most of these were gifted to the garden by well-meaning folks who thought that the whimsical little guys would feel right at home.  Obviously, the Gnomes did because these never did roam like that one in the commercial on television!  (Rats!)

Today, I was out weeding a bit in the zinnia bed when I spied the Lawn Gnome's competition.  I had forgotten all about this fellow!  The flood waters of Katrina washed many strange and wondrous things into my yard.  The hill was literally buried with debris but some of those things remain.  While we were clearing the junk, occasionally something would strike a chord and I could not toss it on the junk pile.  That is how I came it possession of the "Lawn Santa"!  Yep, there on an old tree stump sat the Lawn Santa in all his glory. This is just a plastic Santa used for seasonal decorations.  After Christmas, most folks would pack it away in some attic or closet and it would not be seen again for about ten months or so.  Not here!  Old Lawn Santa stays out year round!  He sits proudly on his tree stump perch and surveys the gardens!

I know visitors to the garden probably think either I am a tad loco or a good bit lazy since the Lawn Santa stays in the garden all the time.  Perhaps these folks are correct on both accounts but I just figure if the Santa can withstand the forces of the worst hurricane to ever hit the area, he deserves a bit of respect.  His colors are faded and he is missing one hand but he stands on..I do not have the heart to toss him.  So...Lawn Gnomes of the World...watch out!  You have competition!  The Lawn Santa is here to stay!