Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Sept 1, 2007 7:35:59 GMT -6
One Ugly Arachnid in my Backyard
On my way up the stairs to my garage two days ago, I nearly brush against this creature with my left elbow and I let out a yelp. Hell...this damned thing is about 2" wide! I don't want to kill it, despite it's horrendous appearance, so I scoop it with a broom and fling it into my neighbors yard.
The next day it is back...right back where I almost had it in my face. So I leave it alone, as it likes the location to cause me an acute heightened since of awareness of it's presence and I decide to take a few spider shots...
It was a windy day and hard to maintain a good focus, and I used the zoom to get in tight from a few feet away, but it wasn't close enough. So I decide to come within millimeters of the eight legged creature who was enjoying a unlucky fly for it's afternoon meal...
Nervously, I approach the giant web, (it's about 2x3 feet!), and hoping he is too busy devouring his meal to pay attention to me, I practically place the camera lens at his front legs ready to take the shots. To my horror, he senses me...and uses his front legs to push me away...actually places them on the lens!
I freak...
I'm fear that he's going to scale the camera and bury his fangs in my face...and I retreat.
Momentarily reacting like a little girl, I decide I must get the shot, so I regain my composure and slowly approach again...gingerly come within millimeters of the beast, snap a few exposures and retreat quickly.
We have come to an understanding that as long as he stays where he is, I won't mess with him. I keep a very close eye on him as I pass the spot on my way to and from the garage.
But if he breaks the treaty...off to my neighbors yard he goes.