Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

‘Till Next Time

magicicadaMany of the Magicicadas never had a chance.c3But those that did survive to breed have laid their eggs by now, setting in process yet again the long-term strategy of this genus of periodical cicada. The eggs are planted in branches. Once they hatch, the tiny nymphs will drop down to the ground, to burrow into the earth and grow for the next 17 years.cic1They will suck on tree roots, hidden away from us, by the millions, telling time by the seasonal changes in the growing trees. Counting down… where will I be in 17 years? Where will you be? exit
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2 responses to “‘Till Next Time”

  1. […] points north in all its glorious crunchy cacophony numerous times because it was so much fun: here here here & […]

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