spicy

The ditch is amazingly still and quiet right. Now, there is still a lot going on, but it's definitely more subtle. The Summer air is hot and still, the water surfaces are clear and unruffled.

On the banks the bees are collecting pollen from the sweet clover and the hummingbirds are posturing to their reflections over the clear water of the wide ditches.

The clouds of gnats are slowing down, and the cicada killers are hunting our the few cicadas that are around. The lizards are all turning blue and turquoise as they mature.

There seems to be enless varieties of bugs using the vegatation. Some eating it, some hunting for pollen, or other bugs, others just need a place to rest. The cast of cicada shells show where the insects rested after casting off another life stage. 

The dragonflies and damselflies dart around in familiar and dazzling colors. The dragonflies keep their wings out to the side while resting.

And the damselflies fold theirs up. They seem to be about the same size as the small hummingbirds whose territory they share. There are many varieties of bats, but they are hard to photograph and need a lot of attention to see well. The spiders are easier.

Our "pet" jumping spider has finally migrated on from our kitchen window. There seems to be a lot of new faces around in the Spidey neighborhood.

This guy's shadow looks a lot more scary than he is!

Apart from the regular plants, some new buffalo gourd have started fruiting.

Apparently they are smelly, but I can't say I notice.