FW: Us and Them

[Anne Kilmer]

Mark Walker wrote:
> 
> 
> Chris Durden wrote:
> 
> <snip>
> 
> I pull out a net to take a sample the diversity seems to decrease and
> approachability recedes to just beyond handle length.
> 
> <more snippage>
> 
> Isn't that the truth.  Actually, though, there are those bolder species
> (certain Swallowtails come to mind) that seem to torment the net carrier in
> spite of the handle length or net radius.  I am convinced that certain
> butterflies will, once they spot you standing there like an idiot, fly
> directly at you, making at least two sweeps to within a few inches of your
> nose, and then fly away "laughing" (that ought to get John Grehan smiling).
> If it had only happened a few times, it would be anecdotal.  This happens
> ALL the time (especially the standing there like an idiot part) for me.
> 
> Mark Walker.
They do that to photographers, too. 
So do birds; I had a pileated woodpecker once who deliberately stayed
too close for my long lens; just too far away for my close lens, moving
back and forth five feet to taunt and frustrate me. He was a park
woodpecker, who had obviously had lots of practice. 
Butterflies also like to sit on a nice flower, nectaring, until you have
fiddled with the light, and focused, at which point they leap joyously
into the air. Pheromones, I imagine. We probably make a predator-type
"now I'm gonna getcha" smell to which they react. 
When not hunting, we don't make that smell. Or radiate that aura or
whatever. 
The Irish weather people have 50 words for "rain". "Misty sunshine" is
my favorite so far. 
This morning there is no lake beyond the mountain, and the sheep down
below are sleeping in. 
As for the speckled wood that called me out to play yesterday, he said
nothing of the midges. Thank God for Lyric Radio; classical music 24
hours a day. 
Today perhaps I will turn out the bureau drawers and clothes closets and
put together a bundle for St. Vincent de Paul ... anybody need any
clothes moths?
And somebody is eating my cabbages, but I haven't inquired too closely.
As I hate cabbage (the strong-tasting, bug-resistant sort) I am not
interfering. 
I expect few leps today ... but enjoy your wanderings, whether it be
through Bt-laden cornfields or Monarch-hung woodlands. 
Anne Kilmer
Co. Mayo
Ireland

Timeo Danaiids et dona ferente
(Don't take any gift Monarchs)