Sundrenched Venus Flytraps spread their maws in anticipation of a meal of ants, flies and creepy crawlies to provide the much needed nitrogen to the barren, sandy, loamy soils of Boiling Spring Lakes are incapable of providing. Thus began the evolution of these Insectivorous Oddities that are only found in NC and to a lesser extent in our sister state of SC, that make their home within a 100 mile radius of Wilmington. They and their lesser known cousins, the Pitcher Plants and Sundews are a true natural wonder deserving of Preservation and Protection from the rampant permanent devastation of habitat in the name of Progress. I am proud of being part of the partial solution to this widespread problem. I am also proud of my city for taking the initiative to save a miniscule number of these unique treasures under the Guidance of Julie Moore and Tyler Gramley, with the proper permits in hand, to transplant these Evolutionary Wonders to a safer environment to ensure their future survival. I awoke this morning with my thighs, back and knees screaming @ me from squatting, bending over and repeating to extract these otherworldly creations from Sphagnum and Club Moss filled ditches, only to repeat these positions in a suitable protective habitat transplanting them. I will survive and hopefully so will our Precious Charges. I thank everyone who showed up to fight the flies, fire ants, chiggers and mosquitoes, the heat and humidity and sweat in their eyes in order to make a difference in this world - my world - of the Ditches of Brunswick County. Made a new friend yesterday that I'm calling Mojo because I was totally captivated by those Gator Eyes... This sneaky snake was watching Hazel and I from underneath the water's surface as we walked around the pond edge scouting. Yes we remained @ a safe distance and as soon as I spotted this solid 5 (possibly 6 footer ) I cranked up the truck with the AC blasting and placed my girl in there for safety during a short photo shoot with my new Scuted Budd... Point being: even if you have approached a body of water and no Gators were spotted initially - wait and watch. Any bubbles surfacing? Any ripples on the surface? Remember alligators can hold their breath for half an hour and remain motionless under water waiting for the opportunity to launch into an explosion of water in an ambush attack. They are masters of camouflage and surprise, having perfected these hunting skills over millions of years. This was probably my favorite shot with that constricted Elliptical pupil shining fiercely with prehistoric Instincts embedded deeply in that Reptilian brain.
Till Later My new Gator ... IF you should be so lucky as to happen upon a sleeping Dragon, speak softly and tread lightly. Do not disturb the most precious of slumber in this, her natural solar lakeside sauna. Perhaps the Queen will permit entrance into her lair, if only for a few moments. These stolen moments are the Golden Experiences, rarely granted to us mere mortals. And, if you should chance to witness such magic, please don't Bellow across the pond that you are watching us, Binoculars in hand, disdain and mistrust dripping like some vile venom from your voice. These days are Treasures to be cherished by Wildlife Lovers such as myself. Yes, you broke the spell and invaded my privacy but you better believe I will spy into your yard the next time I am granted this gift before I allow you to violate me again my crocodiliaphobic neighbor. I have tried to educate you but your closed, prejudicial mind has kept knowledge @ bay. I will continue to study and commune with my Scaley Scuted Reptilian friends and try to shine a ray of the Light of Acceptance on all Creatures that we share this Earth with. Rant over for now. I'm beginning to believe that Trust and Acceptance are both 4 letter words ... Sad that a lowly Cold Blooded creature has learned what a human cannot. Till Later my most precious Gator ... I was granted the Opportunity to photograph a wise old Denizen of the forest after it swooped seemingly out of nowhere in front of my truck. As it ascended again to light on hardwood branches, I backed up and rolled down my window to get a few shots. Until I spotted its’ flat face and doll eyes, I had believed it to be a hawk. Surprisingly, Hazel Mae sat quietly without me having to admonish her. It was as if she understood the significance and rarity of the situation that we were being gifted. I am truly one of the Fortunate Few!
To say I'm still buzzing is an understatement. The Owl warily watched me from the safety of its’ perch while I was able to get a few shots in reveling in its’ magical presence. |