North America's Largest Native Moth

When Gretel told me there was a huge butterfly in the yard, I asked her if she was sure it wasn't a bird.  She didn't think my comment was very funny either.  I'm glad she convinced me to look for it with her, as I observed (and recorded for you) my first sighting of North America's largest native moth species: Hyalophora Cecropia, or the Cecropia Moth.

This female's wings stood off the tree about 3.5 inches, which means her wingspan was probably close to 7 inches.  Her abdomen was huge, and probably full of eggs.  We noticed a cocoon-like structure on the tree a few feet below her, so she may have emerged shortly before Gretel found her.  Wikipedia claims the lifespan of these moths is only 7 to 10 days, so we consider ourselves fortunate to have witnessed her appearance.

This is the only shot I have of her wings hesitantly spread slightly so I could see the markings on the back side.  This shot was helpful in identifying the species, even if it is out of focus.  I don't suppose we'll have another chance to spot this female, or the males she attracts, but we'll keep our eyes open nonetheless.

Corn in the backyard 2011, week 6

 

June 26

Height = 51 inches

Last week's growing degree days = 142

Historical average growing degree days = 159

Growing degree days since planting = 892

Historical average since planting = 811

Even though the first three days of the week were warmer than average, the remainder of the week was cool enough that we recorded a growing degree day deficit to the historical average.  While the plants grew more than they did the week before, total growth for the year is only three inches ahead of 2009.

I thought you might enjoy a look at a corn stalk from the top while we're still able to access that view easily, and before the tassel makes its appearance.  I think the funnel-like shape of the plant is interesting, and I wonder how much rain is absorbed by the plant through the stalk.  Anyone care to educate me?

Thanks for visiting!

Corn in the backyard 2011, week 5

June 19

Height = 38 inches

Last week's growing degree days = 133

Historical average growing degree days = 148

Growing degree days since planting = 750

Historical average since planting = 652

I think last week's cooler-than-average weather was responsible for the slower growth rate since our last measurement. Growing degree days are still well ahead of the historical average, so it's no surprise that the corn is off to a strong start. Even though the growth rate slowed this week, stalk height is still 11 inches ahead of where it was at this time in 2009 when the stalks topped out just two inches short of ten feet tall. Forecasts for this next week indicate we may see slightly fewer growing degree days than an average year, so although it may be more comfortable for us, this may also be the week that the corn falls back in line with 2009 totals. The sixth week of growing that year saw an amazing 222 growing degree days, which added an equally amazing 21 inches of growth in one week! Check back next week for more corn growing excitement!

Good news, bad news, part 2

The good news is... since Karen sews most of her clothing she can add pockets wherever she wants.

The bad news is... sometimes things fall out her pockets.

The good news is... it's usually facial tissue that falls out of her pockets.

The bad news is... this time it was her wedding band and engagement ring.

The good news is... she could narrow the loss to a 4-hour window of time.

The bad news is... she was in several locations during those 4 hours.

The good news is... all those locations were on our property.

The bad news is... searching all those places involved moving a good bit of stuff in the basement; searching the couch to the point of removing the dust cover on the bottom, examining the interior of the couch, and stapling the cover back on; and combing through about 80 feet of grass in the front yard.

The good news is... we enjoy a good hunt for lost treasure.

The bad news is... this hunt lasted eight weeks.

The good news is... we felt confident we could eliminate some of the possibilities.

The bad news is... the yard still has a lot of places where a ring might hide.

The good news is... we had good success using a flashlight last time.

The bad news is... the flashlight did not reveal the ring.

The good news is... one of my friends has a metal detector.

The bad news is... the metal detector didn't seem to work.

The good news is... a fresh set of batteries brought the tool back to life.

The bad news is... the metal detector found a lot of metallic things in our yard.

The good news is... one of those metallic things was Karen's ring.

Here's my assistant, Gretel, holding the most valuable thing we found that evening.

After being run over with the lawn mower at least eight times, the ring is no worse for wear and safely back on Karen's finger... for now.

Corn in the backyard 2011, week 4

June 12

Height = 28 inches
Last week's growing degree days = 180
Historical average growing degree days = 136

Growing degree days since planting = 617
Historical average since planting = 504

Another warmer than average week resulted in greater than average growth. The plant height is 11 inches ahead of where it was at this time in 2009, but the 2011 corn has had 143 extra growing degree days this time around. The 2010 corn had been planted three weeks earlier, and had only managed 9.5 inches of growth by the fourth week of measurements. As this next week is forecast to be cooler than average most of the week, it will be exciting to see what effect that has on plant growth.

Thanks for visiting!

Let the discounts begin!

I didn't notice all the items on my receipt at Long John Silver's this evening. Evidently I'm officially part of the senior crowd now. I've underlined the line that says, "SEN04 10% snr" and then shows 10% of my total subtracted from my bill. I didn't ask for it. I don't think I was even dressed very seniorish. But the cashier gave me 10%, which I'm happy to accept.

It's one of those things that you expect to experience eventually, and since AARP considers me a senior now, I almost feel entitled!

I think my daughters are mortified.

Corn in the backyard 2011, week 3

June 5

Height = 16 inches

Last week's growing degree days = 170

Historical average growing degree days = 121

Growing degree days since planting = 437

Historical average since planting = 368

The corn had a pretty good growth spurt this past week, probably due to the warm temperatures. By contrast, the 2009 crop was planted about the same time, and only managed 5 inches of growth in the same week, but only had 109 growing degree days to help it along. It will be exciting to see how this year's crop progresses in the weeks ahead! Stay tuned!

Hottest day of the year?

By our unofficial monitoring of the thermometer in our backyard, today was that hottest day of 2011 so far.

As far as I'm concerned, we don't need any days hotter than this.

Corn in the backyard 2011, week 2

May 29

Height = 6.5 inches. Growing degree days for the week = 99; historical average = 105 growing degree days.

Growing degree days since planting = 267; historical average = 247 growing degree days.