On the Manawatu Gorge Track, this long-dead lacebark caught my eye (I'm fairly sure it's a lacebark, Hoheria sp., judging from the distinctive texture of the wood beneath the stripped-off bark). Clearly, the trunk had been a feast for someone — probably pit weevils — but what fascinated me was the way the tunnels had been commandeered by something else, perhaps one of the parasitoid wasps. Here, I thought, was an example not just of recycling, but re-using.
[9 June 2011, Panasonic Lumix GH1, 14–45 mm at 14 mm, ISO 400, 1/3 at f5.6]
All content © 2011 Pete McGregor
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6 comments:
Beatrix Potter knew what she was talking about when a bumble bee tries to take over a mousehole. (see The Tale of Mrs Tittlemouse, if you don't already know it!)
RR, Beatrix Potter was an astute observer of natural history — her anthropomorphising at least had a touch of reality, unlike the Disney abominations.
Hard to find a good place to live. I suspect a lot of birds do this, since they so readily take to spaces in human built edifices.
Zhoen, I like the way some birds take advantage of us, and I like the knowledge we're providing opportunities for them, often unintentionally. The opposite's true far too often.
Some days all I want is hole to crawl into. Other days, just a 'room and a kitchen'.
My wife's former work colleague (retired) lives in Coto de Casa, CA. It's just her and her husband now (their one daughter has grown and moved on) and one day my wife asked her if they would ever consider downsizing -- the two of them live in a six bedroom, five bathroom, 5,500 square foot home. To my wife's surprise (well, after having known this woman for more than two decades, maybe it wasn't so much of a surprise) she responded, "Oh, no. I'd want a bigger home, never smaller!"
Go figure.
Paul, I guess some people simply equate bigger with better. On the other hand, maybe she's expecting large numbers of grandchildren, or visits from friends, or ... maybe not. She'll have her reasons, even if she can't articulate them. I, however, would probably feel trapped by the responsibilities of a monster like that.
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