“The fact that the animals make it this far is a testament because the odds are very daunting,” says Highland Mills wildlife expert JJ Murphy of www.writerbynature.com. Still, she adds, spring is “a lovely time of birth and renewal.”
It feels good to be affirmed.
Living in the 21st Century, it’s easy to forget that, when dealing with the essential issue of survival, so much depends on luck and skill.
The days are still getting longer and at least I do not need a car to embrace woods time. That’s a good thing, since the $2000 I spent to fix up my now dead car is more than what the insurance company thinks the car is worth. As for the injuries I sustained, at least I have access to health care. In a survival situation, I’d be in very big trouble.
I am truly blessed as baby animals, having no idea what kind of critter I am, get closer than they should. Sometimes I get a great photo. Sometimes I just focus on the moment. I am deeply grateful to live in an area yet undevastated by human greed and incompetence.
I have a place to pray and meditate. I hope my prayers are heard.
Chicken mushrooms are abundant and succulent this year. I initially thought the Red Eft was enjoying the mushroom.
According to two people, the salamander is enjoying the insects (possibly Springtails) who are enjoying this mushroom.
I was fortunate to accompany Dianna Smith for a trek to plan the NEMF foray which will take place in late September 2010. If conditions are anything like this next year, the event will be a huge success.
I set out in hopes of finding edible mushrooms. We haven’t had as much rain as surrounding areas, so there wasn’t much to find.
The last few days have felt like autumn, cool crisp mornings and sunny afternoons. As I passed by a sunny area on this otherwise shady trail, I heard the rattler, giving me time to get my camera ready.
The original footage shows the snake’s flickering tongue clearly. The original audio also has a clear rattle. The YouTube upload is not as clear, but look carefully in the center of the screen, just above the overexposed fern leaf and you may be able to make it out.
With all the trouble in the world, I can’t help but feel hopeful when I see a wood frog,
These frogs migrate long distances to breed, so the sight of this reptile means that there’s sufficient habitat to support them on one of my favorite trails .
I did find a few milkweed buds to eat before these flowers burst into full bloom.
A mocking bird stopped by to check me out while I was foraging. I feel like I’ve succeeded in blending in with the natural world when animals approach me.
Enjoying nature is in the little things, like this insect (I think it’s a firefly) on a laurel node. Dawn and dusk are the best times for hiking; that’s when I see the most wildlife activity. (more…)
comes in very handy on the trail.
