Old Goat?

(This was written before Sandy and scheduled in the event I lost power.)

I was throwing things into my purse and getting ready to head out and vote early in our presidential election a week ago.  I knew with the coming Frankenstorm, as the National Weather Service labeled the collision of a hurricane, a cold front and a southern rain front, that on this day the lines would be long as they were every where for everything from getting money, to food, to gasoline to stocking up on that essential booze.   Americans thankfully were also willing to stand in long lines to vote early. (I was in line for an hour and a quarter before I reached the voting booth.)  Prior to heading out, I glanced out my dining room window and saw a goat grazing at the edge of the lawn. What on earth?

It was still dark in the early fall morning and my old eyes convinced me that this might also be an escaped exotic animal of some sort.  There is a llama farm a few miles away.   I watched as it wandered from one side of the oak tree to the other before it emerged unafraid into the clearing.

Yes this is a little blurred as it was taken through a double paned window.  I did not want to get out on the deck and scare it until I had been able to watch it for a while.  Most of you now know what this is,  a pie-bald deer.  They are rare, but not as rare as an albino deer.  They are usually born from large herds and also born with various genetic defects that will give them greater challenges to survive.  They are not shunned by the herd because unlike humans, outside color does not matter to this species.

Her legs seem short to me in relation to the rest of the body.  Her hearing was excellent as when I went on the deck to get this shot she heard the click of the camera and looked around.  BUT she did not see me if I was totally still, so her eyesight must also have some defects.  She still is the most interesting symbol I saw on the day of early voting representing to me how varied our voters are!

Majestic Friends

I was happy see a few of the larger animals on our Canadian adventure. They were not too far off the roadways or hiking trails, and thus, the challenge in getting a good photo was not totally impossible.  I just had to remember to charge the batteries and allow the autofocus to work...I am learning slowly but surely.

Big Horn Sheep

Deer

Bull Elk

Doesn't this planet just take your breath away sometimes?

I Told You So.

" I told you that fall was just around the corner.  Cold weather is breathing down our necks!  But, oh no, you have to spend time playing with that stupid muskrat, collecting shells on the shore, and pretending that you can out scream that fat old owl at night!  Now look at our situation!  We have no fruits or nuts tucked away, you missed the harvest on the wild paw paw tree, and perhaps worst of all, you believed that Tabor women when she said that was not a fig tree in her front yard...just a tree with big leaves.  What was she tucking in her apron then?  I ask you!"

"Hurry up.  We don't have all summer.  The leaves are falling."


(I will be traveling in the week or so ahead...please keep an eye on these little thieves!)

CPR But Not Mouth to Mouth...Eeewww!

We found this little fellow in the crab trap the other day.  Crab traps are supposed to have turtle excluders, and ours does, but this diamond-back terrapin got caught somehow.  We estimate he was held under water for perhaps 5 hours.  This looked like a dead terrapin, but hubby is stubborn and watched and saw a tiny movement....

Here is hubby giving CPR after clearing the water inside his lungs by holding him head down for a little bit.  Hubby would gently press on the back carapace and then wait about 30 seconds or so.  (We could have checked on the Internet for proper procedures, but time was of the essence.)

After about ten minutes of this process the turtle lifted his head and sucked in air. (I think he was also smiling.)  While he remained very lethargic, although degrees of lethargy are hard to determine in turtles/terrapins, he continued to lift his head and breathe in air every once in a while while hubby continued the CPR.

Once we determined he was definitely alive but still weak, we kept him in a cooler on the deck overnight with a little fresh water and some fish food. He was definitely too weak for release that evening.  By sunset he had pooped!  Those of us who have raised children know this is a good sign.

When we checked on him the following morning, he responded as all terrapins and turtles should respond, with total introversion of every appendage.  (Go Away!)

We released him into the grassy edge of the river and he was extremely happy.  He tucked under a stick and would pull his head above the water's surface every once in a while.  We went to check out crab traps and upon our return just a minute later he had disappeared into the river.  Hubby saves another life!

Island Friends

My return brought photos of my recent visit to Assateague National Seashore where I encountered a number of new friends. The one above is familiar and he was absolutely sure that if he stood very, very, very still I would not see him. He was almost right!  I am sure he was not drinking out of that discarded bottle, but one never really knows.

This above is not a fawn but a non-indigenous Sika deer that lives on the island. They were brought to the island from Asia in 1923 and are actually regarded as an elk and do not get much larger than seen in this photo. I have read that they make ten different sounds!  They were quiet while I was watching them graze in the marsh land.

Above are the famous wild ponies of the island. Perhaps when you were a child or your children were young you read them a book called "Misty of Chincoteague" by Marguerite Henry.  She wrote two more fictional horse stories based on real ponies from this herd. (This photo has been reduced in size and is a bit grainy.)


One story is that these ponies arrived via a ship wreck in the 18th Century. Others say they were part of farms in the early years.  There are two separate herds of about 150 each.  One is managed by the park service and the other by the volunteer fire department.  They are managed by using anti-fertilization injections and a big pony swim in the summer where they are driven across the channel during slack tide and then about 70 are auctioned.  About a dozen of the ponies purchased in the auction are returned to the island as a gift.  This has been a money source for the volunteer fire department since 1925.  They are truly wild, and other than wild mustangs out west, perhaps the last remnant of early horse days in America.

Peanut Butter and Jelly

On a past canoe ride off Long Boat Key in Florida my husband and I re-established a long ago pattern of behavior that we established in our early married years when we reached a remote beach (after we did the other things that newlyweds do on remote beaches ;-)).  


I am the poker and prodder and explorer and he is the fisherman.  Therefore, we found a small mangrove island with a tiny beach and he promptly off-loaded me with my peanut butter and jelly sandwich and camera and he headed out to the open water to catch fish.  Which he did.  He caught a nice sized sea-trout for our dinner that night.

Above against the far shoreline in the middle of the photo, that tiny white dot is the husband in canoe. (You can click on the photo if you do not believe me ;-).)

In the meantime I perused the graveyard of whelks that covered the nearby ocean floor.  These are so skeleton-like you need to click on the photo for a fuller experience.  I even found a few nice whelks and horseshoe crabs (dead) to bring home for a memory.

Then I saw this little bronze flower drifting along with the current and I can tell you that trying to capture the photo of a jellyfish from the top of the water looking down is most challenging.  The jellyfish pumps, the waves push and distort and the photographer tries not to step on anything sharp or fall and drop the little camera.  Although I could not identify this species, it was not one with tendrils to sting.  I certainly did not pick him up to test.

So exotic and so primitive, this life form that drifts and goes with the flow of the earth on its constant journey.  Volcanoes in Iceland and hurricanes in Florida all leave him unimpressed as he goes with the slow evolutionary flow and not against the demanding current.

Domestic Squabble in the Meadow

We had lunch beside this fungus and lichen covered log that rested beside the log on which we sat. Its stunning beauty was more enticing than any elaborate centerpiece in a fancy restaurant and the lighting was far lovelier than any candle arrangement. We ate sliced asian pears that were as crisp as but more sweet than apples. We had crunchy crackers and cheese, to complete the gourmet meal as the fall whispered its way into the tall trees in the ravines.

We also sat not far from this very rare beauty in the photograph above. It appears to be a white-leaved maple tree. I have never seen his before and there were no others the same color nearby. Is there such a thing as an albino tree and how does it produce food with no chlorophyll?

The last day of our travels it began raining steadily and the skies were very overcast. We realized we would probably not be hiking very much on the leaf covered and slippery trails. Therefore, we made a plan to drive to a distant valley that hung between 6,000 foot peaks. Getting there is a real challenge because the paved road soon changes to gravel and becomes a narrow lane and then becomes very winding with many blind curves. We had to keep alert as we encountered a few cars as well as large trucks coming down the mountain as we were trying to make our way up. We passed safely, but sometimes with only inches between the vehicles and just a few feet from the steep drop off on one side. This was not a trip for the weak of heart.

We were determined to reach the top because we had been told by the ranger that we might be rewarded on an overcast day by seeing elk that had been re-introduced into the area a number of years ago. "Surrounded by 6000-foot peaks, this isolated valley was the largest and most prosperous settlement in what is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Once known for its farms and orchards, today Cataloochee is one of the most picturesque areas of the park."

As can be seen from the photo above, we were rewarded with a sighting of elk, actually an entire herd. We saw several striking bull elk and a number of cows as well as younger calves. Most were collared or tagged and close enough to photograph. You can see the tag if you click on the photo.

Just as we approached this large bull saw that part of his harem was on the other side of the road. He bugled loudly several times (such a haunting call) before lowering his head back and trotting over to that side of the road to herd them back and away from some of the younger males that were casually grazing nearby. The testosterone in the air was palpable.

If you click on the photo above you can see more clearly the cows hurrying ahead of the bull and the young males on the far right wondering what all the fuss was about. They will probably figure it out next year.

A Rose by Any Other Name? Part 4

Imagine my disappointment when my research revealed that this Rocky Mountain marmot which I had photographed in the high mountains is also known as a "Woodchuck, Groundhog, Whistlepig, or Marmota monax of North America." I had thought he was somehow more exotic than the similar creature from my area.

Why is he so cute here sitting on the edge of the rock studying me and NOT so cute when he is eating away at my cone flowers in my front yard and then lumbering his fat butt under my deer fence? Actually this one IS cuter. His face is a little different shape and his coloring is more interesting...don't tell my groundhog I wrote that thought...PLEASE. (Click on photo for a closer reveal.)

Close Encounters During Afternoon Rush Hour Part 3

We were rewarded on one of our hikes above a dam with this view of wild goats before we even left our car to begin the hike! Someone said they were licking salt from the gravel. I was just trying to be as relaxed as they were about this encounter.

We hiked up to a snowfield or two and enjoyed the freshest air ever made and shared even though it lacked the molecules of oxygen necessary for humans that live at only 30 feet above sea level. Lack of oxygen makes you feel like a child sometimes and so at least one of us (not I) slid down the field on a butt.

On the way down the trail we got the strange feeling that we being watched and when I had the compelling feeling to turn my head to look back up the trail I saw these lovely wild goats studying us ever so carefully and following as closely as they dared. Clearly they were wondering why we were not moving down the trail faster. They must have had a schedule to keep, unlike us and begrudged our leisure attitude during rush hour.


This was a mother goat with three kids and they were all such a lovely snow white that their coats gleamed in the afternoon sunlight. I do not know if the young ones were all hers or she was just 'kidsitting' that day. Clearly we were not moving fast enough for them as they soon left the trail to stand out surefooted on a large rock promontory overlooking the dam.

With views like this, can you blame the goats for living here? (Take a little breath as this photo is really worth clicking on.)

Vicarious Pleasures Part 2

I will share with you another day of hiking in Colorado filled with dramatic views and you do not have to find your hiking boots or that worn rain parka. We hiked every day between 6 and 8 miles and every trail was so different in topography and flora and fauna. This trail took us up to about 12,400 feet. While I did not feel the hubris to attempt any "14ers" which is a common goal among hikers in the area, I felt that this climb was a more than acceptable achievement allowing me to pat myself on the back for such endurance while panting like a dog during most of the hike. I am so thankful to the powers that be in this universe that allow me to enjoy and complete this type of challenge at my age. It was mind altering as I stood in the moss and grass covered valley between the two imposing peaks of granite that will still be there erect, proud and strong, long after I leave this earth.

The trail was dry enough to miss most of the puddles of cold water as we headed up and up. The water, melted snow, was crystal clear and the moss and grasses a deep green as if it were spring. Musical gurgles of tiny waterfalls serenaded us during our small lunch near a huge boulder.

The little chinchilla-like Pika were peaking in and out of the rocks as they gathered mouthfuls of grass for the coming winter and whistling while they worked as they often do. They were the only wildlife we saw at this altitude. The lack of oxygen to breathe at this level meant I had to just enjoy the scenery while trying not to concentrate on breathing in and out. I got a vicarious pleasure at touching the snow field at the end of summer. The field is not seen in this photo but was just behind me. (I re-sized the photo above as it was too large for blogdom so if you click on it, it will be a bit grainy.)

"whistling"

Red Sally

Pseudotriton ruber

From my research it appears that this red salamander is found throughout the Eastern United States. It lives near springs and swampy areas. This little delight was in the middle of our hiking path (a utility road) just above the the Blackwater River and I was amazed when I really saw it. It was like a lovely jewel that someone had dropped on the path.

There was a small ditch filled with water from several mountain springs on the uphill side of the trail and that side was also covered with deep green and lime green mosses and ferns growing lushly to accompany the lyrical sound of the gurgling water. He was only 2.5 inches in length and initially I mistook him for one of the new maple leaves that were starting to fall in the Canaan Valley mountains. It was the alert observation of my husband that brought our hike to an abrupt halt for photos and insured we would not step on him/her. He lay very still much like some of the wild snakes I have encountered. I am sure he was thinking "I am a red leaf. Move on. Please, just move on!" which after a few camera clicks, we did. This red color has not been enhanced or photoshopped although I did do some sharpening of the photo. Amasingly, this is the true color. I think he/she is a young specimen as the spots are supposed to blend into the back when they are mature. (Click on photo for a slightly closer look.)

Even though I am not here I look forward to any comments on this when I return. I love comments!

My Fox

Riding my bike along a path in an historic park near my home brought me within site of the gray fox shown in the photos above. At first it looked like a large cat pondering something interesting in the ground at the edge of the cornfield. Then as my bike took me closer and before the animal noticed I was on a path that would cause us to meet, I stopped to photograph what I soon recognized as a wild fox.

My front bike wheel flipped to the side just as I snapped the last picture before the fox hurried into the shelter of the corn creating enough blur that the photo is foggy. A short time later and across another field we saw a fox in the distance, perhaps its' mate?

I have not seen for months my fox that I wrote about a long time ago when we first moved in to the new house. After the first winter living here I did see a dead fox along the highway a mile from the house and I am afraid that our gray fox met with one of those frightening hunks of metal on wheels.

I am hoping this fall that a new fellow ready to leave his family, takes up residence in my neck of the woods once again.

Deer Me

I think this is what is called the stand off or the show down or better yet, the stare down. I stare and they stare until one of us backs down and ambles off. I won this time. I took this picture from my front door a few days ago early in the morning. Looking carefully you can see the shine of the eye of the other deer to the lower right peeking through the leaves. If you also look carefully you can see the deer fence which is keeping them from eating the roses, sunflowers, etc. that are the gourmet salad I have set just out of their reach. Right now I am working on spraying hot pepper mix over the young sunflower seedlings to discourage a frequent rabbit visitor. I feel so very much like Mr. McGregor!

Bahama Curly Tail

Leiocephalus

There you pause, curly tailed relative of the dinosaur, carrier of ancient genes so exotic and enduring, transoceanic colonizer of the Caribbean islands. Among the hundreds of lizards and the 13 Iguanidae in the Bahamas, your relatives are both endangered reptiles or an abundant pest. Your beauty must be studied as extraordinary orderly rows of scales like glistening medieval chainmail fit you like a glove. You pause seductively flicking your removable tail as if you would allow a touch, but when some invisible barrier is breached you sprint across the sand to hide beneath large-leaved tropical hedges. You are common here and no one notices but me and perhaps a hungry bird? Yes, you have been here before me and will be here after I am gone.

Gone to Wrack and Ruin

March's full moon has been waking me in the middle of the night as it beams through my uncurtained bedroom windows. Its reflection across the water and the land is intriguing and it is hard to get back to sleep after a review of the yard from my windows. About 2:00 PM last night I headed back to bed and found, to my dismay, that the spring moon is also an invitation to raccoon partying and debauchery. This fellow was deep in the ravine having a nasty argument with another male about territory or a loud and raucous discussion with a female about mating--just bring her some of the sunflower seeds you have been stealing from the bird feeder! In either case the scratchy barn door wailing and the harsh growling and the loud chirping sounds went on for over an hour. They would start out low and barely discernible sounding almost like a whistle in the nose of my bed partner, but then escalating to loud cries as though someone was being eaten alive. It took me some time after the silence returned to my neck of the woods for me to fall asleep once again.

Bird Pantry Thief

We think we may have found one of the reasons our sunflower seed is disappearing so rapidly. If you click on the photos to enlarge (though very blurry because they were taken quickly through the window with screen) one can see the thief. Brave and clearly not intimidated by how close my husband got until my husband roared. His coat (the thief's) was full and shiny and he was big and fat...not doubt thanks to sunflower oil!

The Acrobat

First the glimpse of the acrobatic meanderings of a fuzzy wuzzy outside of the window from my dining table began the distraction. The sun was setting and the night temperature rapidly dropping into freezing levels.



As I watched, he bravely balanced from delicate branch to delicate branch gathering the nuts for his dinner. He was careful and even graceful in spite of his rolli-polliness. From his perch he got a lovely view of the river and the sunset to help with digestion.

In a surprising few minutes he had cleared most of the nuts, leaving the nuts that were dangerously at the far tips of the branches to fall to the ground in the coming days. He crawled to the crook in the largest part of the tree and carefully ate the last of his harvest before disappearing quickly into the shadows of the forest.

The Paths We Take

Somtimes we bravely take our own path and sometimes we follow the paths of others, but we should always watch where we are going.