u/Hawker172D

My photo - taken in Jim Thorpe, PA

My photo. Such a beautiful setting for this Cardinal. One of my favorite photos ~ NE PA

Tonight we saw something we’ve never seen before. A “fungus gnat larvae death circle.” Yes, a fungus gnat larvae death circle. 😳 This was in our driveway.

From Google:
You are witnessing a fascinating biological glitch known as a fungus gnat larvae "death circle" or
"army worm ring."

Why They Are Doing This
Dark-winged fungus gnat larvae normally gather in a thick, rope-like mass called a "snakeworm" to migrate across open ground in search of food or moisture. They crawl over one another like a living conveyor belt, utilizing collective chemical trails to stick together.

However, if the lead larvae accidentally cross their own scent trail, they get confused and lock into a loop. Because every larva is strictly programmed to follow the one in front of it, they will mindlessly march in a continuous circle until they die of exhaustion or dehydration. This phenomenon is identical to an ant "death spiral."

We don’t want to leave but we have to. THANK YOU for taking care of us! We’ll see you next season!! 💙 (NE PA)

NEPA

I’m primarily a wildlife photographer. Picked up a GR IIIX just for fun and to try my hand at some street. I just can’t put this camera down. It’s with me everywhere I go.

Had the IIIX for about a week. Finally starting to get some sharp pics with the snap distance feature although I’m finding the AF (in good light) to be my primary go-to. (These are a mix of both)

A hawk was flying by with his catch in his talons when he seemingly accidentally dropped it. He then dove straight down with high speed and caught up with it, once again recapturing his prey.