Went birding at a little park across from the beach the other day, but there were no birds to be seen. All I found was this Golden Silk Orb Weaver, hanging in front of me, its immense web stretched across the walking path. I’d never seen such gigantic spiders till I moved to Florida – I’ve since learned that these are actually quite common. Including the legs, this one was at least 4-5 inches across!
“GOLDEN SILK ORBWEAVER. These spiders spin large webs – sometimes three to four feet across! The females grow to one inch in length (body only, does not include legs) and can be seen hanging head down in the center of the web. Males are much smaller and usually hang out around the edges of the web. Golden silk orbweavers are not venomous.” (Source: Palm Beach County Natural Areas naturalareaguide.pdf)
For more info, click here: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/golden_silk_spider.htm
Birder's Journey 
I really like spiders and have run across a number of different orb-weavers, but never one like this one. I am always amazed by the intricate webs that these spiders make–some of nature’s artists.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, i agree with you, Mike. Spiders (and their webs) are often given a ‘bad rap’, when in fact they are truly amazing engineers of delicate and complex works of art!
LikeLike
This is what I like about birding: if the birds aren’t popping out, you’re always introduced to something equally as interesting. Wonderful photo my friend! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jet! Great point! I think
I’ve become a far keener observer of nature in general – and really appreciate the sights that others capture – since I started photographing birds!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I went out birding yesterday and to my surprise, there were actually birds (Tundra Swan and ducks) in the marsh. It is a bit cold and late for us here to get much variety and all the insects are now gone. It is nice you have the spiders (Nice photo, BTW). You have so many birds in Florida, I would bet some will surprise you in a few hours! 😀
LikeLike
I think you’re absolutely right, Donna – in fact, I did see MANY Brown Pelicans passing overhead, and I’m sure the small birds were in the trees somewhere.
LikeLike