Slugs

An earlier post titled "Slugs Snails and Spittle bugs",see June 17,did not have a picture of a slug since I couldn't find any willing to pose for me in my garden that day. But a few days later I found a dandy specimen on the move with a baby slug taking lessons. I had to hurry in to get my camera when I saw him early one morning and it didn't take him long to get down to the green fern he was eye-ing. Sorry fellah...

There have been far fewer slugs this year than in previous years and I'm not sure what it is. I put no slug bait down but depend on my trowel for instant results-no slimy messes. I'm still seeing holes in my hostas, but not as severe, so I know they are around. I also read that some birds, such as robins, starlings,jays and crows, which frequent my garden, will eat slugs, although I've never seen it happen. This year too, we don't seem to have as many birds as usual. I read in our local paper today that there are 20% more crows in the area than normal. These crows feed on smaller birds and songbirds, and snatch fledglings out of the nest. They are even known to "gang up" on an eagle or hawk and bring it down, as happened in our area last week. I've heard very few chick-a-dees with their sweet "fee-bee" song this year, so prevalent in the past....hmm I'm missing them.

And so the cycle comes and goes...ebbing and flowing, waxing and waning...(nice sound to those opposites)...such a great big world of little creatures living in families just inches away from where I live and walk and sit every day in my garden and yet a world apart. (This last thought is profound and I can't take credit for it. I read a poem earlier online with this idea in it and I've adapted it).

Earthworms on the next posting and then back to food...please stay tuned.