It’s warmed up again today and the wind is blowing enough that it has a furnace like quality. All the chimpanzees have been active today, but once lunch and late afternoon rolled around, I began seeing everyone start to grow drowsy in the heat.
Honey B and Mave were grooming while Willy B napped outside in the chute:
Eventually Honey B grew sleepy:
Jody dozing off in the greenhouse:
Jamie was quietly grooming herself with her boot tucked away in her pelvic pocket (naturally) when even she nodded off:
Of course you know who was not sleepy today? Yep, this guy, flailing about like a wild thing in the playroom while he plays with Chad on the outside of the window:
I’m telling you just looking at these photos is making me sleepy. The chimp house is completely quiet right now, the only sounds are the wind, the neighboring swallow kids who are starting to fledge the nest and (!!!) much to my astonishment and thrill, a cicada!!
Now I realize if you live somewhere cicadas are a common sight and sound, you may not feel the same level of excitement about this as I do. But I love cicadas and they hold a special place in my heart where I hold a lot of love for the south and my time there. I’ve spent most of my life in the Pacific Northwest and until two days ago had no idea we had cicadas here! Someone local posted a photo on Facebook recently asking what they were and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was Elphaba green with envy they’d seen them! But the cicadas must have heard my lament because lo and behold who should perch on the fence outside the chimp house and even land on me today?! Our regional orchard cicada! Their loud, steady stridulation is only adding to the spell cast by this summer day, lulling us all to sleep.
We’re minutes away from dinner being served though and the chimp house is due to erupt with hoots and hollers any minute so I better snap to!…And right on cue, the first hoots are happening! Dinner time! Have a lovely evening everyone!
Linda C says
hi Katelyn!
What a pic of Jamie dozing off sitting up! She’s missing a sombrero for that siesta!
Seems like Missy and Burrito always think that naps are but for the weak!
I’m getting ready to send those nesting sheets, have a question, but I’ll email.
Happy Monday!
Katelyn says
Hi Linda,
Surprisingly, Missy is a big napper! Recharging those runner’s legs. 🙂 Thanks for the nesting sheets and yes, feel free to email any of us!
Sandie Allaway says
What a lovely visual Katelyn. Your day sounded wonderful! Wishing you many more beautiful days.
Kathleen says
Burrito is cracking me up these days. I remember a recent post where there was mention of coffee being served….. perhaps Mr. B is caffeine charged these days? Kidding! Considering how his year began I think it’s simply wonderful he’s full of beans these days.
The last time we had Cicadas it was 2014 and they were everywhere. Swarms, like sci-fi movie kind of swarms, covering trees and everything in a sold mass and the noise was amazing. I believe we have them on a 17 year cycle. Nice seeing just one little chap on your fence, but beware more may be coming. Oh my, what would the chimps think of a cicada event?!
Katelyn says
Yes, Honey B’s birthday coffee! 🙂 We learned she LOVES coffee and while we don’t serve it to the chimps, we figured she just had to have a de-caf for her special day. But yes, can you *imagine* this guy caffeine charged?! And agreed, Kathleen, there aren’t words to express how unendingly grateful we are to see him wild with such joy and playfulness these days.
I recently read that this is a “year 17” in some places. That alone is fascinating to me. They are so loud I cannot imagine millions, but I’d love to see it nonetheless. A second one landed on me so maybe that’s our swarm. 😉 Jamie did notice their sound. I think of Foxie and her loathing of grasshoppers so I’m guessing she’d not be a fan.
Edie Bruce says
Such a sweet photo of Jamie asleep with her boot! Although I’m sure the Boss is sleeping with one eye open……!
Thanks as always for the wonderful photos of these amazing creatures.
Magda Romania says
Thank you for the pics, but I miss your videos. Thank you for what you do for these amazing animals
Elaine Reininger says
Noticed in the photo of Jamie asleep holding her boot how thick two fingers were in comparison to the two end fingers. Had never noticed that before. Got a kick out of Mr B. carrying on like a nut by the window while the rest of the gang was fast asleep. As Kathleen said, it was a wonderous sight to see after his medical procedures a short time ago.