Ant

Prolific Anemones bloomed about six weeks ago, monopolizing the back garden fence. I’ve been gathering them into bouquets every few days, then bringing them indoors. Little did I know that atop those crisp white blooms and their buttercup yellow centers there was a party going on.

Anemones line the fence

It wasn’t your typical, garden-variety party. In fact, I wasn’t even invited. Apparently you needed four to six legs to attend, and the invites are on the QT. I don’t think my neighbors even knew!

The party host wasn’t available for comment, so instead I snapped a few pics of the guests. Our host has an eclectic group of friends, including elegant grasshoppers, busy-body ants and even the low-brow house fly. I didn’t recognize all of the party goers. A few of their identities remain a mystery.

Mystery Guest

I don’t want to name names, but things may have gotten a bit out of hand. I saw a small spider chatting with a grasshopper, and in the next shot…the spider was gone! Do you think I should say something to the host? One of the spotted guests spent most of his time at the food table, while the ant kept darting in and out of the petals. I think he had too much pollen to drink.

A grasshopper and a spider chatting it up

Ant running laps. Too much pollen?

The house fly enjoyed making the rounds, but the others seemed to be avoiding her. It might have been her over-powering perfume.

Flowers and Flies

I’m no party crasher, so I finished taking my pictures and left. Back on the patio steps once again, you would never know there was a party going on.

Ants love sugar. They’re also incredibly resourceful. The mystery, however, is how they knew that a single Cosmo grew to just the right height this week, allowing them direct access to the heavenly meal above, out of reach just the day before.

Cosmo Meets Hummingbird Feeder

My husband fills the hummingbird feeders every few days, while I tend to the flowers below. The planter has assorted annuals, each just a few inches tall. The hummingbird feeder hangs a reasonable distance overhead. A self-seeded Cosmo popped up a few weeks ago, and quickly grew parallel to the feeder. Within a day, the ants marched up the side of the flower-pot, on to the leaves, up the stem and across the bottom of the feeder. Victory! Well…if you’re an ant.

Cosmo Stem: Bridge to Sugary Heaven

What else could I do but grab the camera and start taking pictures?

Have you ever tried photographing moving ants? It’s not easy. My patience, however paid off. As I stood to the side of the feeder, trying to get a good shot of the single Cosmo, I heard the hummers chit-chatting nearby. Pressing myself against the side of the house I stood stock still, camera poised. My shutter finger at the ready, a ruby-throated beauty came into view. What a joyful few seconds as I clicked away, sparkling red feathers catching the sunlight as the hummer sipped a meal.