Cutting off her piece

Kikipuff and I were eating lunch outside at a picnic table when she began to be vexed by a single persistent yellow jacket worker. The wasp was intent on sampling my friend's chicken sandwich. Kiki ripped a chunk off of a chicken nugget and set it aside as an offering. The wasp's behavior didn't change. I realized that while the insect had originally oriented by scent, now she remembered the location of the food source and was not to be dissuaded. We slid down the bench and Kiki left the chunk of chicken at her now vacant spot on the table. Immediately the yellow jacket landed at the meat and took her time cutting a piece, before flying off to bring it to the larvae back in the nest.

Soul window?

This photo was taken while the animal, a Baird's tapir, was being scratched and massaged by an affectionate keeper. The species is very nervous, and it was remarkable to watch her slowly settle into being touched in a friendly and gentle manner.

3:00 snapshot #1731: Tuesday

Passing Jamaica Pond on my way to the MSPCA. Did you know last week they waived adoption fees on adult cats and placed almost 200 cats in new homes?