Kip’s Comments - September 4, 2026 — LadagePhotography.com

Meanwhile on the Waverly Rail Trail

For the first time in ages, at my wife’s suggestion, I did my morning photo hike on the Waverly Rail Trail. My intentions when I went out were to cover some miles in search of the perfect fungi display to test some editing software. Instead I was able to witness first-hand nature’s predator/prey relationships. In the process of me watching and documenting the survival efforts, I shared what I was seeing with three other fellows on the trail.

First I noticed many soybean looper moths feeding on wildflower blossoms.

As I studied the moths, I noticed a stunning large garden spider in wait on its web near the blossoms. It took some time, but eventually the garden spider was able to snare a moth that was then wrapped in spider silk for consumption at another time.

As I was standing up next to the three trail-users, one of them pointed out that I was about to back into another spider web at head level. At first we did not see the spider that created the web. Then I spotted the beast feeding on a moth it had captured. This spider appeared much more threatening than the garden spider, even though both can be harmful to humans. The spotted orb weaver was eating every consumable part of the moth. The spider rolled and adjusted the moth repeatedly over many minutes so it could stick its jaws into the body cavity.

After the moths and spiders I continued on my hike, shooting more photos on the way. I found another spider but not in a real good spot for photos. And, I saw other things on my hike.