Oh, oh!!!...I know exactly what you mean about the cicadas...they are soooo amazing!!! I do have a couple of their shells...but watching them molt is remarkable...yes!!! I saw one that had just emerged from its shell and it was the most incredible aqua blue...I never knew that they were that color!!! And I LOVE the sound that they make!!!
And wowee!!!...did you see American Beauty? If not, you MUST see it!!! There is one scene were the main character is filming a dead bird...reminds me of your story. What a great movie!...one of my very favorites!!!