Noisy Neighbors

- Seasonably warm this morning in Stone Creek, with showers here and there.

- We had about 3.5 inches of rain in this area last week, and more is forecast for the next 2-3 days.

- Attached are two common residents of our mountain properties. Anyone who lives in our area and has a deciduous canopy anywhere near their home site is well aware of the nocturnal sounds made by the Katydid (Family Tettigoniidae). The injured specimen shown in the photo, which is the True Katydid (there are other similar species), was about to be attacked by several Yellow Jackets. The din created by these Arthropods is so loud around my cabin at night it has caused me to close all doors and windows! With first light, the scratchy rendition ceases, only to begin again at nightfall. Their sounds will continue through most of August, and then will gradually decrease with the coming of fall.

- Also attached is a recent photo of the male Spicebush Swallowtail (Pterourus troilus) on, of all things, a Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa). There are several species of the Swallowtails, and all of them are endearing to those who love and appreciate the beauty of nature.