Like aliens from some unknown realm
they dig their way to the surface
climb the nearest building, tree,
or truck tire.
There they latch on tightly,
and begin to split down the middle…
emerging as
For most of the summer they will buzz
in the heat of the day,
singing in waves across pastures
and through forest stands
till they find the response
they were looking for.
~*~
Cicadas lie in the ground for 13 years and then emerge en masse. Apparently, 2011 is the year! This year marks the Magicicada XIX!
Just for fun:
A recent news story out of Tennessee about Chocolate covered Cicadas
AND, possibly more info, and videos, than you ever wanted to know about the curious little creatures can be found… HERE!
*I took a drive to Collinsville, Alabama on a two lane highway (Hwy. 11) through the country. Radio on, windows up, I think, “What is that noise?” Turning off the radio and rolling down the windows I hear it… Imagine multiplying the call (linked in ‘calling’ above) by hundreds of thousands and you will know what I heard! Amazing sound for a little one inch flying bug!
Life on the Farmlet 
Wonderfully detailed image, Lynda, and perfect focus. I love the smooth bokeh. Interesting post as well. I understand that they are a different insect, but you’ve reminded me of a few years spent in Nebraska as a kid and the sound of crickets at night. Unforgettable.
Ha! I had to look that one up! I had never heard of ‘bokeh’ until today when you used it. So, to better understand the term, is the ‘smooth bokeh” on the edges of the main subject (wings) or is it referring to the total background? (Help me out here) Thanks!
As for crickets, well, I must say I prefer them to cicadas any day. They have a musical sound…
Thank goodness the cicadas don’t go on and on into the night! 😉
I’m referring to the blurred, out-of-focus area in the background. It not only helps to separate the subject, but has a lovely depth of colour and texture itself.
Thanks, I looked up photos to get a better idea and it was all so self evident then! 😉
Oh cicadas remind me so much of my mom. She told us kids about them for years and years. When they finally came back around I completely understood what all of the talk was for. Your photo is lovely as well as your post.
Ginger we didn’t have these in California! So this experience was all new to me too!