Thankfully I don't think they are the brightest bulbs in the socket because they pretty much stun themselves and adhere to a wall breathing heavily as they try to figure out their next move. If I am real lucky they don't get into the brown grass cloth walls of the den where they become invisible.
And I figure out my moves too! But after all this experience you'd think first of all I would close the screens. Maybe someday I will learn, but remember this isn't my sole responsibility. So my second move is to grab the largest plastic food container I have- a box about 18" long, which I snap over the poor dragonfly to trap his little ass. I slide the cover between the box and the wall and gingerly carry it outside to the courtyard for the liberation ceremonies.
Meanwhile he is raising a ruckus in the plastic box, whacking himself on all the surfaces. Can't say as I blame the poor things.
I sometimes have to stand at the screen doors if I have remembered to close them, screaming for TY to come unscreen me because both hands are holding the box and cover. Way out away from me!
I remove the top and shake the box and the dumb thing stays where he is. I set the box down on the lounge chair and he sits there LOUNGING! Finally he takes flight with an indignant snap of his wings and buzz-off-buzz.
Dragonflies eat littler bugs that I can't catch-and-release so I guess this is a small price to pay. I just let fly the fourth dragon fly this week- I am only hoping that is isn't the same one over and over. Maybe I should paint little nail polish numbers on 'em.
1 comment :
I once read a short story, set in China I think. And there is a scene with the Grandfather tying a tiny string to a dragonfly and giving it to his son to 'fly' like a living kite. You might want to try that.
Deanna
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