Gardenias

I was admiring my gardenias this morning - they only last a few days - when I spotted something I'd never seen before.  I know very little (if not less) about insects, beyond a general awareness of bugs and their abilities to camouflage themselves. 

Spot the spider-ish creatures:

And here:

I have never seen white insects before:

Aren't they clever?

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I am sorry, I have some bad news too.  While I was out surveying the estate, I noticed a small bundle of grey feathers.  Definitely a deceased bulbul chick.  I don't know if it is the one we'd all been watching or not.  My cats have not noticed the little body and I think are innocent of its demise.  I wouldn't be surprised if its crazy parents hounded it to death with their exhortations to fly.  RIP little one.

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Update on the White-Eared Bulbul Chick

I have not seen the frantic family today - and my cats have not brought in any small trophies, so I am hoping the fledgling has made it back to the nest or some other place of refuge.

My cats are happy to enjoy their garden again.  I am relieved not to be a worrying surrogate parent (pulling my feathers out).

And the gardenia is flowering:

I wish I could capture the scent for you because it is heavenly.



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