Seizing The Opportunity!

When Jane and I started our walk this morning, we didn't find any of the herons, egrets or hawks that invoke the various rules.  The Odonata option was not even available, so I was happy to see that the clouds were looking quite photogenic and I had snapped a few(or several) shots. Then we sat down in an area that has some benches and a picnic table to enjoy the morning air before making the return trip.  As we were talking, I spotted something landing on the picnic table.  From where I sat, it looked like a twig that had fallen from a tree, but when Jane saw it, she immediately recognized  it as a Brown Praying Mantis.  I have seen brown Walking Sticks before, but never a brown Praying Mantis!  I started taking shots of him from every angle I could get to.  He kept an eye on me the whole time, but never made a move to escape.  He almost seemed to enjoy his modeling adventure. I will admit that I took a LOT of shots.  Jane said the only angle I didn't get was from underneath him!  I love the patterns on his back and the way he looked in the morning light, so the clouds lost out.   I have put a shot that my  husband really liked in the extras.  Thanks to Ingeborg for hosting.....