That's what all the birds are saying. Today as I was driving home, I saw tons of birds all swooping around the parkway. I didn't know what was happening until I noticed my windshield. Swarms of bugs!!! The swallows were having a grand old time, and I also saw about 40 gulls with entirely black heads! Since they were moving so quickly, I couldn't see the beak color. They looked a bit smaller than the usual seagulls, exactly the same color, except the entire head was black (not just the top like a terns). Any ideas?

I hope they're there again tomorrow, and I'll bring my binocs and book.

Marian

Yummm bugs lol...here are a few Gulls that have a black head but I am thinking that it is the first one <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

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And that's what I think my backyard cardinals are saying, too. Last week I was still spotting at least five praying mantises on a regular basis at a variety of locations around my yard. This week I saw just one, a few days ago, and now I'm seeing none!!!

I haven't done any scientific research, but I think it's the cardinals who are responsible for the mantis demise. I keep catching the cardinals hanging out in spots where the praying mantises are usually found, and this is not normal cardinal behavior in non-mantis season.

I think the cardinals may look at praying mantis somewhat like humans regard lobster tail. Plump, juicy, and delicious, and much more of a treat than say a skimpy little shrimp which has more shell than meat. I still have a very vivid visual memory of a cardinal tearing into one of my mantises two years ago, and seeming to enjoy every little morsel.

Oh well, I guess that's just the way Ma Nature works.

~~Leequi <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />