Two "never befores"

Having been observing nature for some 65 years, this week turned up two new observations--at least new to us.
First, one of those rather large spiders had caught a small songbird in its web and was busy devouring it. The spider was one of those we commonly call a banana spider, but an investigation shows that it is not correct to call it a banana spider. (even common names can be wrong!) These spiders are common in the Texas gulf coast, less common in central Texas. Their web is a giveaway to their identity----it always has a zigzag stitch in the center. The spiders name is an argiope---one of three varieties, this one probably Bruennich's Argiope. Well that's one for the book.
Second, a road runner was on the back porch ravenously devouring a small songbird. At first, I surmised it was the one from the spiders web, but no it was another bird. I have always known that road runners were carnivorous, but not to the extent of hunting small birds. Well, that's two for the book.
I wish I had taken pictures.

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