Yesterday I was anticipating seeing the crescent Moon and Venus. But much of the day had been overcast with light rain. Then by 7:30PM the sky was clearing and I was able to go out and see both. Later in the evening both Ursa Major and Ursa Minor were easily seen before the clouds once again wrapped them like a blanket for the evening.
Venus (faint and below on the right of the Moon) and the crescent Moon. Now to todays art challenge – “under-appreciated.”
I’m not sure that the above photo deserves to be considered “under-appreciated,” since I have kept it since the early 1950s. This was my first pencil case. My aunt got it for me; every pencil had my name on it. I have been drawing ever since.
Spider drawings from the 1990s. Yes, spiders. Most people are appalled or even scared of them. Yet they are an under-appreciated member of the food web, as they consume an amazing number (in diversity as well as numbers) of insect pests.
.The above is a spider that I photographed in Panama.
Besides spiders, I feel that most people do not appreciate the beauty of most insects such as the long-horned beetle above. I sketched this critter for days when I had time in my lab.
Among birdwatchers (aka birders) there are many birds that are considered pest. For instance, the cormorants are rarely viewed with the same admiration as ducks, grebes or loons. Yet, when you take the time, closely looking at them they are quite beautiful. Over the years I have managed to see most of the North American cormorants.
More tomorrow regarding the finned art challenge…
Michael's Place 