Orb Weaver At Silk Creek

I almost walked right in to that web as I wanted to get a closer look at some lilies and why they weren't blooming.  That spider was about thigh high while the tops of the goldenrods were nearly chest high so she wasn't really visible.  I had to hold the goldenrods to one side while dipping the camera down and close to the spider.  It took 3 trys but there you have it.  I had an opportunity to watch a different kind of spider spin its web after dark (with the outside overhead light on).  I watched it through a magnifying glass and could see it secrete the sticky beads as it tied the strands together with its hind legs.  By the time it was finished, the total diameter of the web was a good 12 inches.  A moth came by and tore out a large hole and the spider came out when it was safe to mend the damage.  I will always remember watching a spider in action during a windy storm.  A wind driven falling leaf came into a web on the porch and like a sail, was literally capturing the wind and tugging hard at the primary anchor lines of the web.  The spider came out amid the commotion and released the leaf by removing web strands one by one from the wildly moving leaf until the leaf flew away.  It was a remarkable thing to watch.

Scott Carter

Happy New Year

When I arrived at Clam Beach Dec. 30, I saw a short shaft of color stretch out into a beautiful full rainbow, arching between the ocean and the land. It seemed symbolic of my hope for a good new year for all.