End of the Line

It's that time of year when some of the big Golden Orb Weavers are in their last days. They neglect their webs and do not eat very much. Males are not found and females descend to the ground to lay their eggs. In addition, Black Butcherbirds seek them out and pull them from their webs. During previous weeks, the spiders seem to avoid being picked off by the birds. Perhaps, the untidy webs are a giveaway for the spiders late in the lives of the orb weavers.

They are beautiful spiders when you see them up close. And they can see you. They are quick to dart to the we's edge when you approach.