tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6284940990979283722024-03-14T07:13:27.710-07:00Hoot Owl KarmaEncountering Nature Through Lens and Pen...hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.comBlogger354125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-86391310958122578852017-05-09T06:22:00.001-07:002017-05-09T09:18:27.470-07:00Whispering Pines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Alone again, </div>
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in the dry, sandy pinelands. </div>
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Wandering,<br />
without aim, </div>
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in the sandy, silent barrens.</div>
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Silent, </div>
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save for muted, melancholy murmurs,</div>
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the scarcely whispered secret-telling,</div>
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of the towering longleaf pines.</div>
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Alone cannot exist, </div>
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nor silence,</div>
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beneath the lofty longleaf awning</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNATcSr_EJa0DdKiMddPtCfqrBI6_JE9NvHVz05dgQbMNNW39yeYgn5ML9LqHYWzpIi1j-yhed68Yav0dX_ddDUei4TSiGvrGjYlPd6VJUueVSek9SIBVlFwEmc2pT5vG4Eu0oMk8JTfCb/s1600/IMG_1966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNATcSr_EJa0DdKiMddPtCfqrBI6_JE9NvHVz05dgQbMNNW39yeYgn5ML9LqHYWzpIi1j-yhed68Yav0dX_ddDUei4TSiGvrGjYlPd6VJUueVSek9SIBVlFwEmc2pT5vG4Eu0oMk8JTfCb/s640/IMG_1966.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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where the wanderer </div>
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walks and listens</div>
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'midst ipecac, thistle and rue. </div>
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Life, though sparse, </div>
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is thriving</div>
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in the dry and sandy spaces</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtqnQM8Pi8h_lviJqLjjQ2vSTDwpsw1usVoq8ViSv0efEVJhrW2xw6ltf_fnNO4V9hDxLEC8taTmHbWt3kkzWVaxol_qqJeyNiPxaL3yvyYuK-bp9XOAkL2pI1bs_3cSQ4nJb7VBCvI_R/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtqnQM8Pi8h_lviJqLjjQ2vSTDwpsw1usVoq8ViSv0efEVJhrW2xw6ltf_fnNO4V9hDxLEC8taTmHbWt3kkzWVaxol_qqJeyNiPxaL3yvyYuK-bp9XOAkL2pI1bs_3cSQ4nJb7VBCvI_R/s640/IMG_2073.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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betwixt the burly blackened bolls</div>
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of the ancient longleaf clan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY19-kkHGgFjOVLOqWke-6lgYDeoLAYK9cK_9_HuYz5GD3y_smULpGfkNA5q4VR-FTnJWVAbbovu8b_2Hc2KcXwlzsKGl37mJvGb1kX6PVWEhj5gXK38-_UesanKJEGYYRICIt1Z0y5a8I/s1600/IMG_2065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY19-kkHGgFjOVLOqWke-6lgYDeoLAYK9cK_9_HuYz5GD3y_smULpGfkNA5q4VR-FTnJWVAbbovu8b_2Hc2KcXwlzsKGl37mJvGb1kX6PVWEhj5gXK38-_UesanKJEGYYRICIt1Z0y5a8I/s640/IMG_2065.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And with the onset of the gloaming, </div>
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the mind as well may wander,</div>
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to a sunny far off childhood,</div>
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nigh forgotten;</div>
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where hours were whiled away </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7dw9VIGeLkmNiRO0vgGMp16yOj-QefXAl_5Dw9ENw_j3ZeNRAgARIK2OHgFbAej-lQSfXDiIVnbNn2vCWWu5woqpJusTwfk_Gx5jOGVAjY8fpNolHug0Ok_bLwKHi3qzKpfGdppray13/s1600/IMG_3609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7dw9VIGeLkmNiRO0vgGMp16yOj-QefXAl_5Dw9ENw_j3ZeNRAgARIK2OHgFbAej-lQSfXDiIVnbNn2vCWWu5woqpJusTwfk_Gx5jOGVAjY8fpNolHug0Ok_bLwKHi3qzKpfGdppray13/s640/IMG_3609.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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in the lichen-covered, </div>
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dry and sandy spaces, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq183Vw_V2Tr0Thei5Gs2ZNMTMsiQ4erFfnKZ88Q1EpdRPGbBqDYE6mRCoYoWmweCgObgaiP85CC-CzaVOjOXkwPrHiu9vZyGs9nRT9oRFgZRM2fgmbuBFkWWm1yt8QdgGVhgitWdq67TM/s1600/IMG_2151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq183Vw_V2Tr0Thei5Gs2ZNMTMsiQ4erFfnKZ88Q1EpdRPGbBqDYE6mRCoYoWmweCgObgaiP85CC-CzaVOjOXkwPrHiu9vZyGs9nRT9oRFgZRM2fgmbuBFkWWm1yt8QdgGVhgitWdq67TM/s640/IMG_2151.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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dreaming boldly of the future,</div>
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with sympathetic kin,<br />
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and the mysterious mumbled musings of the pines. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmzOrV86Qq9uX7asMjojbHTeO2EYbP60BsEyu1kseLPdqCA95Y3W0u7Yio7sPLo4jKVjq1m393rC6sWOl1mVc0AnB8EkL89fGqtxTWIE-59FRKgByriDZ_-gKeaY7cqJYHy7-bI1HKNSw/s1600/IMG_2055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmzOrV86Qq9uX7asMjojbHTeO2EYbP60BsEyu1kseLPdqCA95Y3W0u7Yio7sPLo4jKVjq1m393rC6sWOl1mVc0AnB8EkL89fGqtxTWIE-59FRKgByriDZ_-gKeaY7cqJYHy7-bI1HKNSw/s640/IMG_2055.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Awakened from our reverie</div>
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by the late day chill,<br />
we hear the whispers resolve<br />
in syllables clear;</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcnYjldqjMOj6VSLMHA_3JkXlPRjEYwmRSwIuOqkYzf1eYZnNRINT0kc3y-lCjsIcIL6opN6zRne1VUDtc0avSvN-GYqT08uOX30g7hnUVpBDepYnYfqa39qCOANRm_LQjQwDsDZs3_Eu/s1600/NESTTREE3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcnYjldqjMOj6VSLMHA_3JkXlPRjEYwmRSwIuOqkYzf1eYZnNRINT0kc3y-lCjsIcIL6opN6zRne1VUDtc0avSvN-GYqT08uOX30g7hnUVpBDepYnYfqa39qCOANRm_LQjQwDsDZs3_Eu/s640/NESTTREE3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Welcome home, child.<br />
Welcome home...</div>
hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-11291537662567373452017-05-04T19:55:00.000-07:002017-05-04T19:55:00.045-07:00A Big Little Snake - Another Storeria dekayi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This little snake seems to show up every year on Hoot Owl Karma. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0_UzFrH2cFcYPFzBAeWdABpMWd2GnVUBBcVtfq83enV418-w1yGQJrGvOdNM1ZN8HSF6qQLN-nkDNEdK4uLjNq_i5HHr_e2_osuOkRej6OZzf8x3a6uQ5SEOcc8bnKpdLNOy59GuvetR/s1600/IMG_2719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0_UzFrH2cFcYPFzBAeWdABpMWd2GnVUBBcVtfq83enV418-w1yGQJrGvOdNM1ZN8HSF6qQLN-nkDNEdK4uLjNq_i5HHr_e2_osuOkRej6OZzf8x3a6uQ5SEOcc8bnKpdLNOy59GuvetR/s640/IMG_2719.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Known simply as brown snake, or little brown snake, it is quite common in the natural areas of our yard, and will occasionally make an appearance in a flower pot or perhaps meandering along the foundations of the house as it moves about in search of suitable prey.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjADmvvWBHbT8Fv0u3DAFcCcb4zsuHubJ_Z4e3_1ig1xgeOjZpfL4d0jk9Lj_dUUjR2Z0kb3xF5PlHC2AwreOjHjgbBRBE_VS2k1nUVn6ZRQVg07J7OjZpcaJMDDGiPsQpO_7pP9e4o7yO/s1600/IMG_2726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjADmvvWBHbT8Fv0u3DAFcCcb4zsuHubJ_Z4e3_1ig1xgeOjZpfL4d0jk9Lj_dUUjR2Z0kb3xF5PlHC2AwreOjHjgbBRBE_VS2k1nUVn6ZRQVg07J7OjZpcaJMDDGiPsQpO_7pP9e4o7yO/s640/IMG_2726.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In part because of its diminutive stature, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq9U8MsFkgavr_WqOX184i3oqHtae1aJDCje6MshtHCQCKJH_NgciXle-votkxNxdStaQ_W4mTLuBWtOIcom7oQMSLhejFYsgyMB9TeBBeLCxFUYw_lsDD76qtfyS8GpHPMSum7d62H7Z/s1600/IMG_2735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq9U8MsFkgavr_WqOX184i3oqHtae1aJDCje6MshtHCQCKJH_NgciXle-votkxNxdStaQ_W4mTLuBWtOIcom7oQMSLhejFYsgyMB9TeBBeLCxFUYw_lsDD76qtfyS8GpHPMSum7d62H7Z/s640/IMG_2735.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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rarely exceeding 12 inches or so in length, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pA5wyOwz8fT24FvAQZ87haEw_cBQP6HbudT-B_2jbEhFDo7mIlPSPrDRDaOG83aFdBMT-MG4Xn4iU3crqHqVaK8pTQef5Us5Z-3Kf200DG-QqPNQ3zl6EvXlC3R7sAP_ucWpM_E7LwTi/s1600/IMG_2750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pA5wyOwz8fT24FvAQZ87haEw_cBQP6HbudT-B_2jbEhFDo7mIlPSPrDRDaOG83aFdBMT-MG4Xn4iU3crqHqVaK8pTQef5Us5Z-3Kf200DG-QqPNQ3zl6EvXlC3R7sAP_ucWpM_E7LwTi/s640/IMG_2750.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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brown snake also shows up quite often on our Facebook feed,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFvbddYoemQqpzDOKdprdG5DkGYk9a9MDPlXe-WDkeXxSPA869LtVNyAnYmDAF4PZ8jWz2Xy1-LYjcIycZJZifjxj__v7RRI5MDYefptjXZGgz9FW3CAcYKvl3svHmUOkr4rf7wTDjf1a/s1600/IMG_2758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFvbddYoemQqpzDOKdprdG5DkGYk9a9MDPlXe-WDkeXxSPA869LtVNyAnYmDAF4PZ8jWz2Xy1-LYjcIycZJZifjxj__v7RRI5MDYefptjXZGgz9FW3CAcYKvl3svHmUOkr4rf7wTDjf1a/s640/IMG_2758.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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sometimes dead,</div>
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and variously mis-identified as a baby copperhead, </div>
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or baby water moccasin or baby rattlesnake. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8OS3sEqaf0N2rVd4AXxj0a2zYEXlWvRpj_bIMaJiVbpIjM3wgkK_WYbAIJSLTYFk0uNxyDqwtUq-wIp4CNn0lyu4r3Z6sp3TwuK8JZm95iF2UNAs_VA22Z8FFhdghh_43oD27AHdRtTJ/s1600/IMG_2771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8OS3sEqaf0N2rVd4AXxj0a2zYEXlWvRpj_bIMaJiVbpIjM3wgkK_WYbAIJSLTYFk0uNxyDqwtUq-wIp4CNn0lyu4r3Z6sp3TwuK8JZm95iF2UNAs_VA22Z8FFhdghh_43oD27AHdRtTJ/s640/IMG_2771.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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This individual has rather little in common with any of those snakes, </div>
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but it is by far the largest of its kind we've ever encountered, </div>
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measuring just over 16 inches in length.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3NMyNsnQtWMvUOdvdQwsCOq8Q1Umi5M4w-2eT9uwqbhVFvYtsOYgQomJo9_ovU6wOCeWnF5MJdJyDi-Li71DJBauLFHlG_lYcS7uZJVawLxXeb224ZhkVQIXglIidQ7u7QUTDWKRq5cg/s1600/IMG_2786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3NMyNsnQtWMvUOdvdQwsCOq8Q1Umi5M4w-2eT9uwqbhVFvYtsOYgQomJo9_ovU6wOCeWnF5MJdJyDi-Li71DJBauLFHlG_lYcS7uZJVawLxXeb224ZhkVQIXglIidQ7u7QUTDWKRq5cg/s640/IMG_2786.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's to the little brown snake that has lived to become a big little brown snake.<br />
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Don't you just love a Storeria with a happy ending!</div>
hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-21534451936952896482017-05-04T04:54:00.000-07:002017-05-04T04:54:06.403-07:00Just the Right Spot, American Snowbells<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the short drive home from Mom and Jim's in Johnsonville, just an hour ahead of dusk, a mass of shimmering white blossoms beckons from the ditch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM0beo4kE15zNiNd6xSVU3JfFeGTE-tXSQ-i0LFxH8Litl5xqJ1ZpRa7wKoi4r3Lqiz9Xai8_jUhHvlXnOdZSZ5m-hUd31XRrXkpBijWQKNK6i9Tr9J0s8WWdPxqurGCwhdltf9LZ8Kij/s1600/IMG_2946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM0beo4kE15zNiNd6xSVU3JfFeGTE-tXSQ-i0LFxH8Litl5xqJ1ZpRa7wKoi4r3Lqiz9Xai8_jUhHvlXnOdZSZ5m-hUd31XRrXkpBijWQKNK6i9Tr9J0s8WWdPxqurGCwhdltf9LZ8Kij/s640/IMG_2946.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
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This is a low spot, near where Wildcat Branch and Beaver Creek cross County Line Road; </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOg-Ipu38Of0lEsEK8b5_oBJSvGazCxcEaqRdzvhAJCSScHk_g5urBH8BmVSYD-JOjG1TLkbGD-aFv0jz0OB-s2gH-qsuIkr27A5bhxC3oCm4RUhiGuEaJMbQQR4flR8v1Mu7Qj7SV6wfe/s1600/IMG_2951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOg-Ipu38Of0lEsEK8b5_oBJSvGazCxcEaqRdzvhAJCSScHk_g5urBH8BmVSYD-JOjG1TLkbGD-aFv0jz0OB-s2gH-qsuIkr27A5bhxC3oCm4RUhiGuEaJMbQQR4flR8v1Mu7Qj7SV6wfe/s640/IMG_2951.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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the ditches here are filled with ferns and sphagnum moss and all manner of wetland shrubs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa3zF4-oko_JqltvV9gCqg_1plyPCgBQKUN8IGnmrQJzxhITRgv7mWwkn5IIAXjJx6_64VLb5eAr8fBlgyMADT_ncSlQxNOhnuRwUbbqiSWju4fMu51kN6xKfXmFpMsGInfJLDD86bOpq/s1600/IMG_2954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa3zF4-oko_JqltvV9gCqg_1plyPCgBQKUN8IGnmrQJzxhITRgv7mWwkn5IIAXjJx6_64VLb5eAr8fBlgyMADT_ncSlQxNOhnuRwUbbqiSWju4fMu51kN6xKfXmFpMsGInfJLDD86bOpq/s640/IMG_2954.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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During a heavy summer rain, </div>
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the creek bed might even join up with the road bed for an hour or so until things quiet back down.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-fU_iK2jnrpz3fVUNG5Yu4VhbbLbuGqmGBs8_PLOsTn9m2RBhdzP0yz2_w3ChSuZ46iy0Bdbs5Y2zIV88cAkszM3tGNsQia116PyUWSVIXDDHZUsBUgQBdZqZMQvffrA8qvWj51KcKvm/s1600/IMG_2958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-fU_iK2jnrpz3fVUNG5Yu4VhbbLbuGqmGBs8_PLOsTn9m2RBhdzP0yz2_w3ChSuZ46iy0Bdbs5Y2zIV88cAkszM3tGNsQia116PyUWSVIXDDHZUsBUgQBdZqZMQvffrA8qvWj51KcKvm/s640/IMG_2958.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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Just the right sort of spot where you might expect to encounter this striking beauty on a perfect afternoon in spring, all gussied up in finest white for the local May Day festivities.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKxrMIJA9W36g3y-JPlpu6GkAlvPIffXBL0WTrwpuFSZyDLc2TMNZ90p6QWcfLlmn16dn-Vv61GnSYo4Ipsj_mN1peqZzp3a9Qnek77IIQLwUfokUqnzEORQbxTDqcIF_YavZRp1A6wiv/s1600/IMG_2960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKxrMIJA9W36g3y-JPlpu6GkAlvPIffXBL0WTrwpuFSZyDLc2TMNZ90p6QWcfLlmn16dn-Vv61GnSYo4Ipsj_mN1peqZzp3a9Qnek77IIQLwUfokUqnzEORQbxTDqcIF_YavZRp1A6wiv/s640/IMG_2960.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Styrax americanus, American Snowbells. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFUVAbwkiuIgRpulcy0vkWpVxYV_OLDt7u77PHF0rSOIs6f3KANBGd8ac78dXd-EfJPQz4Vf5sqdrYvylwbmUhgbnSFL-cfMzHhORgvBLIub7NurjuXW3mo0Z2MaOOLH6S9CiHJ5ffmw2/s1600/IMG_2965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFUVAbwkiuIgRpulcy0vkWpVxYV_OLDt7u77PHF0rSOIs6f3KANBGd8ac78dXd-EfJPQz4Vf5sqdrYvylwbmUhgbnSFL-cfMzHhORgvBLIub7NurjuXW3mo0Z2MaOOLH6S9CiHJ5ffmw2/s640/IMG_2965.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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We haven't encountered this gorgeous native shrub in the wild too often,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZERiik6U7ziozPx7EXU8xOuWFEcVmPwg1C2U4YL7D0rJqe1EFDxyu3nhE8P0AcA69wkt0tGybyhXZdbgRwVQG6QSY3arOZtKHQpCsQWHQmeiean2WVu7QmwVveYeym-Dyz9XLIu9ARrrY/s1600/IMG_2968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZERiik6U7ziozPx7EXU8xOuWFEcVmPwg1C2U4YL7D0rJqe1EFDxyu3nhE8P0AcA69wkt0tGybyhXZdbgRwVQG6QSY3arOZtKHQpCsQWHQmeiean2WVu7QmwVveYeym-Dyz9XLIu9ARrrY/s640/IMG_2968.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
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so we stop to savor the alluring fragrance and striking beauty of her simple and abundant blossoms.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFavZ05T7Mucv-kH232h_ueS5uqVzbb-bTKieTEHOZVhPUqLtny2-cI3PE-25tO8cbJ4MxF9QTJEd-Np7PG_BWrz-do20H8riiicBJ5_lm17W9hQLLq9U1HJwqcwD8lSIeD3P_dUEbKi0/s1600/IMG_2974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFavZ05T7Mucv-kH232h_ueS5uqVzbb-bTKieTEHOZVhPUqLtny2-cI3PE-25tO8cbJ4MxF9QTJEd-Np7PG_BWrz-do20H8riiicBJ5_lm17W9hQLLq9U1HJwqcwD8lSIeD3P_dUEbKi0/s640/IMG_2974.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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Styrax is not one to shy away from getting its feet wet, and with the deluge of a couple weeks ago, it's plenty wet right now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXly92BnuUVSn33d0WV8hV7SL_zetMe0NjHtflXDnRCgSRfB2hE8LDr_ktsW22Ly_UoF5Tr3k33gbpP4OTzojnr0jHi1jIcTWm_ZfIBEB2HVENCEKLkjz_BMXE-_j3QfgTubPMBvzMgEo/s1600/IMG_2975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXly92BnuUVSn33d0WV8hV7SL_zetMe0NjHtflXDnRCgSRfB2hE8LDr_ktsW22Ly_UoF5Tr3k33gbpP4OTzojnr0jHi1jIcTWm_ZfIBEB2HVENCEKLkjz_BMXE-_j3QfgTubPMBvzMgEo/s640/IMG_2975.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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Even better for her, the timber on the adjacent tract was recently cut, so there's very little competition for sunlight in this perfect spot by the side of the road.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsMs44oQhGH7dDKnof0_tdOuHq7v8hcIVdKrLVxizHkidLFFiys1H7KYujXrpbEaHUHMSFZKf8AIrl-v99yJg-U1qfwYxzTMdaUavpJqZuUWAlsfHGOjRC6gyURWRX1JksPFXYPjk1zBW/s1600/IMG_2979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsMs44oQhGH7dDKnof0_tdOuHq7v8hcIVdKrLVxizHkidLFFiys1H7KYujXrpbEaHUHMSFZKf8AIrl-v99yJg-U1qfwYxzTMdaUavpJqZuUWAlsfHGOjRC6gyURWRX1JksPFXYPjk1zBW/s640/IMG_2979.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've driven this road for years and never noticed her, but we're certainly glad she called us over today. </div>
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And from the look of things...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRU2ZPnBcZ3PjIA0TrcFqCrjkiSUvscpiQ5ZHp_JbfI5wqHUPK_OvE7KHsCpsrdsWEretnv5in35VjaM-Xf2OcAVww-qMjSSevJiUlxyRatNXmqfOecxnrzYEYfZX0TbfvcmxHEfJw4UlH/s1600/IMG_2981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRU2ZPnBcZ3PjIA0TrcFqCrjkiSUvscpiQ5ZHp_JbfI5wqHUPK_OvE7KHsCpsrdsWEretnv5in35VjaM-Xf2OcAVww-qMjSSevJiUlxyRatNXmqfOecxnrzYEYfZX0TbfvcmxHEfJw4UlH/s640/IMG_2981.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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she and we are not the only ones who think we've found </div>
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just the right spot.</div>
hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-30670533468796411072016-11-25T14:10:00.001-08:002016-11-25T14:10:38.122-08:00Of Grass and Trees and Fire and Seeds...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Solitary sassafras stands sentinel by the open gate, feet firmly planted in the snow white sand, </div>
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as the filtered rays of morning incline through the pines to her east.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pzKUpgPgVaXELsCx1MTcsBNnQ6KxOZ70Fxs7PfDAEGtpSAJLxlWyAlLzWj0T6pwvv5LdKQf29GF1zdO2oF7rjIFNMEjMuGzinEye9l3P4ncijxTQVn4uJ2xiHrd3fhTJzYzhz2YMtOyT/s1600/IMG_6709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pzKUpgPgVaXELsCx1MTcsBNnQ6KxOZ70Fxs7PfDAEGtpSAJLxlWyAlLzWj0T6pwvv5LdKQf29GF1zdO2oF7rjIFNMEjMuGzinEye9l3P4ncijxTQVn4uJ2xiHrd3fhTJzYzhz2YMtOyT/s640/IMG_6709.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Her flaming leaves and those of her scattered and diminutive clan </div>
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bear witness from the forest floor to the restorative powers of the pinewoods fire, </div>
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and she gladly grants passage to the sympathetic wanderer,</div>
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keen to marvel at the fire's good work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVWWQi76k6ToR1Hh3vpxd6tcR_MLZrQcjZPrBlBkUAxwPzPOBBf-Fx2mh0Y4FZZYFmiP9GxRRP-2FfETtcK45M4kMV7_DGQy9HZrB12j5Bn-_r-NiCktNUN9rp8Jxg0sCVkQswjfucZ1_/s1600/IMG_6727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVWWQi76k6ToR1Hh3vpxd6tcR_MLZrQcjZPrBlBkUAxwPzPOBBf-Fx2mh0Y4FZZYFmiP9GxRRP-2FfETtcK45M4kMV7_DGQy9HZrB12j5Bn-_r-NiCktNUN9rp8Jxg0sCVkQswjfucZ1_/s640/IMG_6727.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is autumn in the land of the long leaf pine, </div>
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and wire grass, </div>
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chief torch bearer for April's scouring flames,</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEifi1_J_B8t2K8mtP-3ANaqo54Dl_6uQfzT4b_ZXTzHqpsiCCicdoQJb7ernv1OXBUtkfNEEerul_FHBjjoVENZxsBC7VqDMVlpqAWAw8i05tHtLJ6Yj-DJpeyPDVTy-POKlGZc1PgGd/s1600/IMG_6744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEifi1_J_B8t2K8mtP-3ANaqo54Dl_6uQfzT4b_ZXTzHqpsiCCicdoQJb7ernv1OXBUtkfNEEerul_FHBjjoVENZxsBC7VqDMVlpqAWAw8i05tHtLJ6Yj-DJpeyPDVTy-POKlGZc1PgGd/s640/IMG_6744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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blooms expansively in the aftermath of spring's inferno.</div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehCBD8thZg7_4zfrp_1U6l75bMMNHvcKXcJpGLC4SnsJsMUIZNwMf9qq_gvjc9WVGwBV7ht6BeJQ_wKpT_4Inal6pi-jnMFX4L0MwfbQ-pKzTT8KvJtMYffMATx3WGH1qIEdtLNeuGQLc/s1600/IMG_6754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehCBD8thZg7_4zfrp_1U6l75bMMNHvcKXcJpGLC4SnsJsMUIZNwMf9qq_gvjc9WVGwBV7ht6BeJQ_wKpT_4Inal6pi-jnMFX4L0MwfbQ-pKzTT8KvJtMYffMATx3WGH1qIEdtLNeuGQLc/s640/IMG_6754.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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The glorious plumes swaying beneath the pines as far as the eye can see,</div>
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pollinated by the summer breeze,</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6YB5I2ZbWyK5e29YHL1S630qUGBf2pzb4zREMh_C5XziIx-vZGPfLZVFIlrOvC0LuLVr3XugQPBCGAF4khc8qe-N_VAVwQAfbfjqqk4HDtIuUFw79B7QdUwzLfsISFMmDVGtPZONZ0T_/s1600/IMG_6886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6YB5I2ZbWyK5e29YHL1S630qUGBf2pzb4zREMh_C5XziIx-vZGPfLZVFIlrOvC0LuLVr3XugQPBCGAF4khc8qe-N_VAVwQAfbfjqqk4HDtIuUFw79B7QdUwzLfsISFMmDVGtPZONZ0T_/s640/IMG_6886.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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now bear the seeds of the forest's future,</div>
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vital ingredients in the continued recovery of this wonderland-on-the-mend. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pBUzHLqmKy4kiJFAVhhkGPs5MKGph2NHfVGb5WnSrIWM7quHYmUQv2nIkwStqJhVJaripF4k2wF6WBsObQvXOsDmRR0VeNaVuCTjv4ftW-KoDvcPsyyK-DVg4B2Hibxb5MdY_MTSdz2E/s1600/IMG_6816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pBUzHLqmKy4kiJFAVhhkGPs5MKGph2NHfVGb5WnSrIWM7quHYmUQv2nIkwStqJhVJaripF4k2wF6WBsObQvXOsDmRR0VeNaVuCTjv4ftW-KoDvcPsyyK-DVg4B2Hibxb5MdY_MTSdz2E/s640/IMG_6816.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Scattered about the not yet century old longleaf stand, </div>
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a few older souls play host to another ancient denizen of the southern pines,</div>
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red-cockaded woodpecker;</div>
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<br /></div>
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and our own souls thrill to think of a time </div>
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when a new nesting cavity under excavation may be a thing far less rare, </div>
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though no less wonderful...</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKn8zgdEe9o8cVbb1Bs1usfbQtIZq0Dfy9u8K0rNax9hwUyQp6Lhaivzm-2usxXrc736lz50kM1mEVQssGYESMuNYBwoVQHNrDid4Ti4_OfYxLwXsOCOMFlpEmXc9XPPkwTjH8TZQhjRsG/s1600/IMG_6893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKn8zgdEe9o8cVbb1Bs1usfbQtIZq0Dfy9u8K0rNax9hwUyQp6Lhaivzm-2usxXrc736lz50kM1mEVQssGYESMuNYBwoVQHNrDid4Ti4_OfYxLwXsOCOMFlpEmXc9XPPkwTjH8TZQhjRsG/s640/IMG_6893.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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</div>
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Along the sandy sun-drenched path, </div>
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near where falls the shadow </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of gentian's final faded flower,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHveMQxOsgH20Tmr-xJAPKGy5WYKSGG6RvsfyEam6JwnZSACjZtFSolh-iVoKMAgBsS-Gav0wLbbmVDflTdmUKuMbER1sNBnUNvOkFmGHnV-FB17VMFCmLrICpTMdyfhLqr00ChIryDHg3/s1600/IMG_6847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHveMQxOsgH20Tmr-xJAPKGy5WYKSGG6RvsfyEam6JwnZSACjZtFSolh-iVoKMAgBsS-Gav0wLbbmVDflTdmUKuMbER1sNBnUNvOkFmGHnV-FB17VMFCmLrICpTMdyfhLqr00ChIryDHg3/s640/IMG_6847.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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other grasses and herbs offer their downy seeds to the fickle breeze.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70oukpA-UwrfOkUz1kMOD2LHfVic8IeKD5YPn9jas_OqIdB4HPesj01TCq09wwCZqLwV683ya5q1xkhyZHj_u9Wz4CpljN-r8PH99thsAh-j-jqtbxggJN0N4s5G6d6r-n8r2Th7G8-bu/s1600/IMG_6855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70oukpA-UwrfOkUz1kMOD2LHfVic8IeKD5YPn9jas_OqIdB4HPesj01TCq09wwCZqLwV683ya5q1xkhyZHj_u9Wz4CpljN-r8PH99thsAh-j-jqtbxggJN0N4s5G6d6r-n8r2Th7G8-bu/s640/IMG_6855.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On this day, though,</div>
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and for this hour, </div>
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we only have eyes for Aristida's tawny plumes...</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbyC0M7yaxiA-xWf4F0g23i5qqE8obSQTDFcpJwlT5sxa-1GNV6uE-8ieY1Q7WnJbPbpK_cgusVn_PJTYsLd_CREvw9WLMivL-lUBISr_VJO0PU37JVTXFTgmOUbeAEPn_CPZ6a-zPg-p/s1600/IMG_6870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbyC0M7yaxiA-xWf4F0g23i5qqE8obSQTDFcpJwlT5sxa-1GNV6uE-8ieY1Q7WnJbPbpK_cgusVn_PJTYsLd_CREvw9WLMivL-lUBISr_VJO0PU37JVTXFTgmOUbeAEPn_CPZ6a-zPg-p/s640/IMG_6870.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
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grateful for life, </div>
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and kindred spirits, </div>
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and this timeless moment, </div>
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one with the grass and the trees and the fire </div>
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and the seeds.</div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<br />hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-73202005471827075722016-10-26T19:09:00.002-07:002016-10-26T19:11:38.564-07:00October's Blue...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yesterday, and tomorrow, </div>
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and especially the day before,</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOgUEysFfxG5PUG3HCicKJgydSkXcdMw-YNQWy-NqefxMxHZTLbc1MWcBafKMz4o7Bq-IhbY2Bd9vPUCfA3G30tbEE9fUvoY6SgcKgzN-0r7PkyagknsjgxkthUCj-JXAYXJt8VMDl1YJ/s1600/IMG_5429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOgUEysFfxG5PUG3HCicKJgydSkXcdMw-YNQWy-NqefxMxHZTLbc1MWcBafKMz4o7Bq-IhbY2Bd9vPUCfA3G30tbEE9fUvoY6SgcKgzN-0r7PkyagknsjgxkthUCj-JXAYXJt8VMDl1YJ/s640/IMG_5429.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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October's blue.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qzijXHirH6W54HLBtK127Aq0A2UHxx2TtMnwPaaWwrmKCm9PpaVGOB07G06h1goabOouveeCUIqto0hxf3WA8zfoAwP8_ZlgrHeolwDR5Wr9SCq4CTk7WP5e-XvnXLAfAmKjOENdTzva/s1600/IMG_5476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qzijXHirH6W54HLBtK127Aq0A2UHxx2TtMnwPaaWwrmKCm9PpaVGOB07G06h1goabOouveeCUIqto0hxf3WA8zfoAwP8_ZlgrHeolwDR5Wr9SCq4CTk7WP5e-XvnXLAfAmKjOENdTzva/s640/IMG_5476.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The deep, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
deep, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hueless blue</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmRkleRaSS2jFUgIMIfdRJHdM1-fCn580KkgI8eaF3l7GdS2MggPX0iTFDMNBKKr60yBpEeIH8YNWGShgCC_gLBhRyMrV8p8V9iSd3oHHgSq841J6Y1zIhb1-6IXoRDjJ-XcHYhoPhEpE/s1600/IMG_5487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmRkleRaSS2jFUgIMIfdRJHdM1-fCn580KkgI8eaF3l7GdS2MggPX0iTFDMNBKKr60yBpEeIH8YNWGShgCC_gLBhRyMrV8p8V9iSd3oHHgSq841J6Y1zIhb1-6IXoRDjJ-XcHYhoPhEpE/s640/IMG_5487.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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of a billion billion breaths,</div>
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taken and not...</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYmFnC9LxbXOUIOaRLL-UZTtgqtgw7XWMGoP7o-_DZlUXlwYQe8efDGwAZ7z-CYCDJt_cTLw-aD9OawbttwcyyawGf2MecggaTZ7Ng98iue6SEc1Dh83AwvB7tipQx16uQf6zr97l4FRq/s1600/IMG_5433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYmFnC9LxbXOUIOaRLL-UZTtgqtgw7XWMGoP7o-_DZlUXlwYQe8efDGwAZ7z-CYCDJt_cTLw-aD9OawbttwcyyawGf2MecggaTZ7Ng98iue6SEc1Dh83AwvB7tipQx16uQf6zr97l4FRq/s640/IMG_5433.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Breathless, thus,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and brilliant, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
October's blue...</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilk2JmHb8UfNLqlgr_KIysrd3IsO9Z1Of4YAawVcwmwCH8FW5OWQPc-XPfjlBoK87QHPFrPpuR5p0ROpdlgNH0KgLY0kCHh1BZzENqAB6gEPEQinyBvhke0xwmogQWSW36IY3lvWL9VwQn/s1600/IMG_5489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilk2JmHb8UfNLqlgr_KIysrd3IsO9Z1Of4YAawVcwmwCH8FW5OWQPc-XPfjlBoK87QHPFrPpuR5p0ROpdlgNH0KgLY0kCHh1BZzENqAB6gEPEQinyBvhke0xwmogQWSW36IY3lvWL9VwQn/s640/IMG_5489.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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bright, bright blue </div>
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of dew-drenched bee and flow'r,</div>
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<br /></div>
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the warmth and the damp and the chill </div>
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that is </div>
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the blue autumn air.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjig_MADsh5YonjR8blgEyZ8ro90pR6JvEUQtf0hUGuaJGMZ_XpJoelwIHh5XJ-Al4pd4LnlzSsoa5tVyPALUGnKJpQZaYtq72fxxX6F3mM4N5_3r8lN2ohOtxDQtI3kV9eauOx6VGLT2Zc/s1600/IMG_5514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjig_MADsh5YonjR8blgEyZ8ro90pR6JvEUQtf0hUGuaJGMZ_XpJoelwIHh5XJ-Al4pd4LnlzSsoa5tVyPALUGnKJpQZaYtq72fxxX6F3mM4N5_3r8lN2ohOtxDQtI3kV9eauOx6VGLT2Zc/s640/IMG_5514.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Simple, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
clear,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
unfathomable,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtMZNHyyWUiklBwa6gNtqy7u_WO5XIlsS1FWRSvFNXYGlCq0tIcvSK7gNeSF0kbOid8vz9i5hu0-WcfQ0ctHnnyu5yBxH0Ox3JTee3q4ByzYGDeIDKIBe-OkF2Ruz8iYCuU7Ajvtd5rBw/s1600/IMG_5516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtMZNHyyWUiklBwa6gNtqy7u_WO5XIlsS1FWRSvFNXYGlCq0tIcvSK7gNeSF0kbOid8vz9i5hu0-WcfQ0ctHnnyu5yBxH0Ox3JTee3q4ByzYGDeIDKIBe-OkF2Ruz8iYCuU7Ajvtd5rBw/s640/IMG_5516.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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October's blue -</div>
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the mystery.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-55922602087759580322016-08-25T03:32:00.000-07:002016-08-25T09:25:56.482-07:00Invisible Mantis, Not Quite a Walking Stick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The barely perceptible twitch of a limb in the stillness of the dead calm noon </div>
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brings the invisible stalker into the realm of the seen. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhShK8ai0YJnGKSw0N1qYIwAu1RteUigMShnOKiKpAdYIxn67yR_G9gXenuxfz3YRvkxUKLFP_CEwsUAiv8sYV5pE-CBJFMDdNxrhE2KZWfDqmnQ-pu3l0okyIfJ3Uq5lHjBTW3ODL3Pk/s1600/IMG_1861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhShK8ai0YJnGKSw0N1qYIwAu1RteUigMShnOKiKpAdYIxn67yR_G9gXenuxfz3YRvkxUKLFP_CEwsUAiv8sYV5pE-CBJFMDdNxrhE2KZWfDqmnQ-pu3l0okyIfJ3Uq5lHjBTW3ODL3Pk/s640/IMG_1861.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For months, the mantis has been growing steadily, </div>
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nourished on a strictly carnivorous diet of its arthropod kin, </div>
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violently snatched by this stealthy stalker of shadows and sun, </div>
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slender stick-like frame cleverly cloaked </div>
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in the glorious green of the Carolina summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8izTXs8pUHdBZb_DtRb_9S_Csd_yHk7mDrcY2me3RU4WP1bUGVRimCpr5rmd4BJnn8rOSZx6nimKujSIdasBAITbNfMQDjdrHN6fbsOk5sX7qmdlRQw4UcCnjplb3I9go6G9SyW-wLGh7/s1600/IMG_1864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8izTXs8pUHdBZb_DtRb_9S_Csd_yHk7mDrcY2me3RU4WP1bUGVRimCpr5rmd4BJnn8rOSZx6nimKujSIdasBAITbNfMQDjdrHN6fbsOk5sX7qmdlRQw4UcCnjplb3I9go6G9SyW-wLGh7/s640/IMG_1864.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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This voracious ambush predator is similar to the native </div>
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Carolina Mantis, <i>Stagmomantis carolina, </i></div>
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from its "neck" up, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUOZceCZ7MbJzdhWE78vMQ4D1tEpxbxYrCKez9aF2UYZ4p9TOpfSRQNzAHjXFcuaY3VaXBOD52-m4l8j8OLX19tzub429go8E5QvaGP9IRJnbOMko4BF6YVshjku1ceYFN8n-pyauJcCD/s1600/IMG_1839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUOZceCZ7MbJzdhWE78vMQ4D1tEpxbxYrCKez9aF2UYZ4p9TOpfSRQNzAHjXFcuaY3VaXBOD52-m4l8j8OLX19tzub429go8E5QvaGP9IRJnbOMko4BF6YVshjku1ceYFN8n-pyauJcCD/s640/IMG_1839.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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including the perpetual "praying" posture of its raptorial forelimbs, </div>
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replete with a wicked and inescapable array of spikes, </div>
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ever poised to engage in swift and deadly embrace.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7kb5yksoxjglkfoThtYypiq26gbzc7i0tme1_CKNdRGUQlOsu3H3iOMlTlj53L1V3WqagL7NVKTfWGo-_FiiNZl5PgujZlzABapiHlSx0iboMc-NzP1q806bJXXel6lpumX4zGQCVK1w/s1600/IMG_1824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7kb5yksoxjglkfoThtYypiq26gbzc7i0tme1_CKNdRGUQlOsu3H3iOMlTlj53L1V3WqagL7NVKTfWGo-_FiiNZl5PgujZlzABapiHlSx0iboMc-NzP1q806bJXXel6lpumX4zGQCVK1w/s640/IMG_1824.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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But from there down, its spindly frame is quite different.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmT03SaLvaQLwKOwJ9bp9nZfHMsLbgO3YAT2LxDx3eXOeG0aprpyRFWkqWcnPs2t20TVfUZHkvDh9-lNANHiFmVEXZ-QjolmHklO-FNHujqI9D7prbraBgaXkEK269ZjCGAxl4FMYUZ2IW/s1600/IMG_1905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmT03SaLvaQLwKOwJ9bp9nZfHMsLbgO3YAT2LxDx3eXOeG0aprpyRFWkqWcnPs2t20TVfUZHkvDh9-lNANHiFmVEXZ-QjolmHklO-FNHujqI9D7prbraBgaXkEK269ZjCGAxl4FMYUZ2IW/s640/IMG_1905.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Its nubby vestigial wings long ago gave up flight </div>
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in favor of stealthy creeping and a wickedly swift strike,</div>
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and its overall appearance is much more suggestive </div>
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of the ingenious physical disguise of the Phasmids, or walking stick insects, </div>
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than either the native Carolina mantis or any of our non-native mantises.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmc_MCL2_EP_CLDF5XwwL6QS9EWDMJpBouRHW8FI927l3DMv2uAXFqbgWPYL3NI_uzP1-G0_AAhjTDU2QA9eK1rjEsUNmK5ZsqDnjDnZb3nXiCanJx1a0Vm0xAJ5-4Sk0Bda20PwBeszkL/s1600/IMG_1912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmc_MCL2_EP_CLDF5XwwL6QS9EWDMJpBouRHW8FI927l3DMv2uAXFqbgWPYL3NI_uzP1-G0_AAhjTDU2QA9eK1rjEsUNmK5ZsqDnjDnZb3nXiCanJx1a0Vm0xAJ5-4Sk0Bda20PwBeszkL/s640/IMG_1912.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This brown-eyed beauty is the Walking Stick Mantis or Northern Grass Mantis, <i>Brunneria borealis</i>,</div>
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a Carolina native that combines all the stealth and ferocity of the mantis </div>
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with the cleverly elongated form of a walking stick. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOJmzQDk1pXr3unbLlIGGUXEh5dqwVynfckTvM6Fzp1eT-PJr_q9WkSk6KXYT9yuvHiaFxmgNVW77DqIOdKzEg5CBH6A2iBDFK4BcvfyhphNbf3Q-37k31ODzNNSm9ZrR1xPs-XYK44ec/s1600/IMG_1924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOJmzQDk1pXr3unbLlIGGUXEh5dqwVynfckTvM6Fzp1eT-PJr_q9WkSk6KXYT9yuvHiaFxmgNVW77DqIOdKzEg5CBH6A2iBDFK4BcvfyhphNbf3Q-37k31ODzNNSm9ZrR1xPs-XYK44ec/s640/IMG_1924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although hanging out in the shrubby undergrowth today, </div>
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the elongated body of this slender green ghost </div>
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enables it to virtually disappear in the tall grasses it generally haunts. </div>
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This individual, like all the others you are likely to encounter from this species, is a female. </div>
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<i>Brunneria borealis</i> reproduces through the fascinating process of parthenogenesis, </div>
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which does not require the participation of a male. </div>
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Given the female praying mantises' reputation for sexual cannibalism, </div>
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whether deserved or not,</div>
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perhaps Brunner's Mantis has simply taken that practice to its logical extreme, </div>
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dispensing with the male of the species altogether. </div>
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Special thanks to Cousin Daniel for bringing this remarkable Carolina native to our attention. </div>
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We're mighty glad to have made her acquaintance,</div>
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though there's nary an insect alive </div>
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that's likely to share that sentiment...</div>
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<br />hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-20752248410094899582016-08-20T03:22:00.000-07:002016-08-20T03:27:13.706-07:00The Lilies and the Orchids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's something about<br />
the lilies and the orchids,</div>
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juxtaposed so jaunty and orange</div>
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against the commonest kind of roadside rabble...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpW4yOaKhCN6E_HX_wmKcZp0Fn4gvoNj6ltZvzx7sYammnFJtqI2FFpcOY2X1v0asaOnHA7Yk-n130fx2AI5slIUkK0uDvgl3Rmil4V-6TzImAb_xUkywYYn7yZ6Eq2Nc2bOlfumoTPh5/s1600/IMG_0785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpW4yOaKhCN6E_HX_wmKcZp0Fn4gvoNj6ltZvzx7sYammnFJtqI2FFpcOY2X1v0asaOnHA7Yk-n130fx2AI5slIUkK0uDvgl3Rmil4V-6TzImAb_xUkywYYn7yZ6Eq2Nc2bOlfumoTPh5/s640/IMG_0785.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Why do we seek them so zealously on an August afternoon,</div>
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leaving supper not yet cooked and lawn un-mowed</div>
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lest the sun should set on our yearning?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t8T8YmSpVIP3jSAXcE3mUrgO4XXDRKPj1yEcq_WCLvbx6g1OmqQnZEOd9qAmPS8zNnoISWDSaI0FYihwyE1DsL_zFKw_uIskj7ZTIXclHXL8PXg2wCTs9hkNy46r9ApkQOY2ftiFcbSi/s1600/IMG_0752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_t8T8YmSpVIP3jSAXcE3mUrgO4XXDRKPj1yEcq_WCLvbx6g1OmqQnZEOd9qAmPS8zNnoISWDSaI0FYihwyE1DsL_zFKw_uIskj7ZTIXclHXL8PXg2wCTs9hkNy46r9ApkQOY2ftiFcbSi/s640/IMG_0752.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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It's not as though they're hiding;</div>
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they appear each year,</div>
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regular as clockwork,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_-ZyQt1LbnF9cuSMvycx3c4zkmSgJQSY30RHmeG554hfqtJy485_328L074eRQvDaphsBlFUm7dsk5JAPQoirXekQaqr2P4MyNkygnTcVlV8W1Tq70fkAiJ4H3ik1PwLkwXE-xxm8Jfk/s1600/IMG_0778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_-ZyQt1LbnF9cuSMvycx3c4zkmSgJQSY30RHmeG554hfqtJy485_328L074eRQvDaphsBlFUm7dsk5JAPQoirXekQaqr2P4MyNkygnTcVlV8W1Tq70fkAiJ4H3ik1PwLkwXE-xxm8Jfk/s640/IMG_0778.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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where the soil, just so, </div>
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and sunlight, just right,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfYja2HPX5wUrgchJyluPgxD0KGZHH4w5acILIXv7q3x0eLUGmCU_ZOD8yfpH6UlK6F_rRSMLaaxgcY79JUMRoWNMC3uV-WGeZvFDJ4_w3sYa9b6T8wAhqJsGKB9Ai39wiLuPCYG2gy5A/s1600/IMG_0794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfYja2HPX5wUrgchJyluPgxD0KGZHH4w5acILIXv7q3x0eLUGmCU_ZOD8yfpH6UlK6F_rRSMLaaxgcY79JUMRoWNMC3uV-WGeZvFDJ4_w3sYa9b6T8wAhqJsGKB9Ai39wiLuPCYG2gy5A/s640/IMG_0794.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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make their annual appearance </div>
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something of a foregone conclusion.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJ9YAAbqTbpsFbep9ywj_UGEvbDoPkIeMIslXnY_BpgDKJyOa4R_cbAhVVjEBXWMfaYlttkUxlxEXClHP4WH-oZii4NB-SIWL0HlNIXtZqd5onOpOiNzxf-KkZIjH2PjAIzkZzA6ggR_7/s1600/IMG_0817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJ9YAAbqTbpsFbep9ywj_UGEvbDoPkIeMIslXnY_BpgDKJyOa4R_cbAhVVjEBXWMfaYlttkUxlxEXClHP4WH-oZii4NB-SIWL0HlNIXtZqd5onOpOiNzxf-KkZIjH2PjAIzkZzA6ggR_7/s640/IMG_0817.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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The particulars,<br />
they vary,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxaBdPe9cUhd5QKuLivkza6HhLhhtI5cPXODJeT2j2r84C7txjh2ACkVqpN5nxA_U-wI38wJ4hP-Un28wJDXLaSwSZaStsQ8y78z5BilL-RoFkZCWbT-PlgbVARBTQTXewKE_LAKvvuVM/s1600/IMG_0823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxaBdPe9cUhd5QKuLivkza6HhLhhtI5cPXODJeT2j2r84C7txjh2ACkVqpN5nxA_U-wI38wJ4hP-Un28wJDXLaSwSZaStsQ8y78z5BilL-RoFkZCWbT-PlgbVARBTQTXewKE_LAKvvuVM/s640/IMG_0823.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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depending upon the time and date of our arrival.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwESiyNohTfloYlQkvNCKcZHYQBMS8musgvdh0L3PaMWFfN-5BNc50ku9bhiCYpqqVKEvEJO_NEw5SgmlAWJc95TtyWaiR9vXx_uZzs6Dh0ha2FZM1OwMhIgj9tN97LV0nzbks0rjShnSB/s1600/IMG_0883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwESiyNohTfloYlQkvNCKcZHYQBMS8musgvdh0L3PaMWFfN-5BNc50ku9bhiCYpqqVKEvEJO_NEw5SgmlAWJc95TtyWaiR9vXx_uZzs6Dh0ha2FZM1OwMhIgj9tN97LV0nzbks0rjShnSB/s640/IMG_0883.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Perhaps others will be in attendance, </div>
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pollinators,</div>
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or predators,</div>
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or any number of folks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvhl4XIKPnhTJ3Y1iy1m57sre_-nuG2CNOT2kbWZ1hWugK7K-7syCSI4l2cTOLRVpmtkhQHNHBjj4Lm_DfdTLBw14u1XJmrTFwaffbJA-15oPS1km-nE1JtmEYc3S4zwe2d59CpVBTheq/s1600/IMG_0915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvhl4XIKPnhTJ3Y1iy1m57sre_-nuG2CNOT2kbWZ1hWugK7K-7syCSI4l2cTOLRVpmtkhQHNHBjj4Lm_DfdTLBw14u1XJmrTFwaffbJA-15oPS1km-nE1JtmEYc3S4zwe2d59CpVBTheq/s640/IMG_0915.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Perhaps they come to see </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vnQL5msWocgHRRpcwyNFC8SFxCmkPlCr6zWelR5W6yricRiHQqHg4TmVzh2IxIUYMfnes6yi0ys1uIkrGM8PHW03Z8hj8vyUOeNE-XTPpTZRbTlazwq7EqEwfzCDZuoYEmogQ7LAY0w_/s1600/IMG_0936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vnQL5msWocgHRRpcwyNFC8SFxCmkPlCr6zWelR5W6yricRiHQqHg4TmVzh2IxIUYMfnes6yi0ys1uIkrGM8PHW03Z8hj8vyUOeNE-XTPpTZRbTlazwq7EqEwfzCDZuoYEmogQ7LAY0w_/s640/IMG_0936.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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the lilies and the orchids.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEpF0L7pBB0zWubvJEUE5Ofr7mGvhT3fxfkQC3ueqNh4XfPySaR5GT1BOfB02Hjmj-LL6PxrWO4k7rJlh_tte3g2JcP3Oq9WIrWSkYuD7JkEJu4sLKUIhpQB_3Ikq3UV_sKddEVVr26qg/s1600/IMG_0904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEpF0L7pBB0zWubvJEUE5Ofr7mGvhT3fxfkQC3ueqNh4XfPySaR5GT1BOfB02Hjmj-LL6PxrWO4k7rJlh_tte3g2JcP3Oq9WIrWSkYuD7JkEJu4sLKUIhpQB_3Ikq3UV_sKddEVVr26qg/s640/IMG_0904.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Or, perhaps,</div>
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like we,</div>
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they're just part of the common roadside rabble...</div>
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<br />hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-62665364196550498592016-08-18T14:58:00.000-07:002016-08-18T14:58:40.809-07:00Green Swamp, Revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nearly a year after Hunter and I made our first trip to the Green Swamp Nature Preserve in Brunswick County with a band of intrepid explorers from the Sandhills Natural History Society, </div>
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we make a return visit with Julie and Jay.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytrSAKzEOigdWK5M1zijGbaSoKfjRIral1UkIby2N2b95geVjE295s0T2v3PeKbifT3-079peQVX6IgX4q3J1UruYwLPiKJhvidwB-htoDgx6PjVb6zSd-lVRIxqUxviujOij4JJXjON1/s1600/IMG_0940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytrSAKzEOigdWK5M1zijGbaSoKfjRIral1UkIby2N2b95geVjE295s0T2v3PeKbifT3-079peQVX6IgX4q3J1UruYwLPiKJhvidwB-htoDgx6PjVb6zSd-lVRIxqUxviujOij4JJXjON1/s640/IMG_0940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thankfully, nothing has changed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcycdW4jsUZad0PvO3nN0_SWfipW8yJcNpLQN-g6HVYEfdjm9ub5ERGCibuFK_PtHuDrpYIFCA6p0G4Unig9VJ_QQY-N5SdDIULcfCfIJHKVA4CiYlRkaYOKKJ4ZmnDNKoPef8fQGTY7G9/s1600/IMG_0948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcycdW4jsUZad0PvO3nN0_SWfipW8yJcNpLQN-g6HVYEfdjm9ub5ERGCibuFK_PtHuDrpYIFCA6p0G4Unig9VJ_QQY-N5SdDIULcfCfIJHKVA4CiYlRkaYOKKJ4ZmnDNKoPef8fQGTY7G9/s640/IMG_0948.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nature, undisturbed, is timeless. </div>
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But for seasonal transitions,<br />
a century's passing might seem merely a day, </div>
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beneath the lonely longleaf pines of the Green Swamp savanna.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fSQVznJNx2K8DitSOuG0ka0dptV-BjOoZ4utQ00EWxQ6O5m5YVzQnIwF3FexzV_R1fFQZGHBADOq4bD69qPgh2J3KQftu3dAim-UHOGZY3_PY7F54wEjJmiZDOP5VOpQ5wGI7i1tyUdm/s1600/IMG_0955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fSQVznJNx2K8DitSOuG0ka0dptV-BjOoZ4utQ00EWxQ6O5m5YVzQnIwF3FexzV_R1fFQZGHBADOq4bD69qPgh2J3KQftu3dAim-UHOGZY3_PY7F54wEjJmiZDOP5VOpQ5wGI7i1tyUdm/s640/IMG_0955.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of course, time does not actually stand still,<br />
even in such timeless places as these. </div>
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The subtle shades and superficially similar forms </div>
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of Meadow Beauty (Rhexia sp.) and St. John's Wort (Hypericum sp.) </div>
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and the amazing Crested Fringed Orchid (Platanthera cristata), may dot the longleaf pine savanna alongside the Grassleaf Barbara's Buttons (Marshallia graminifolia)</div>
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just as they did twelve moons ago,<br />
but it's now been years, not months, since the last fire roared through.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWH9Owg4VWWG1F7gopvBdif4kplRiQko0_AgICh7OwhhfHOFw9qhZTigk-fu2zS2PKCvQq2rmcmrDBgSKxc57AhFlcmZHFu4QJR8Fjt2ABYsjNEg7_EvU06PpP0UyPZdRz-KhO11qtCtTz/s1600/IMG_0972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWH9Owg4VWWG1F7gopvBdif4kplRiQko0_AgICh7OwhhfHOFw9qhZTigk-fu2zS2PKCvQq2rmcmrDBgSKxc57AhFlcmZHFu4QJR8Fjt2ABYsjNEg7_EvU06PpP0UyPZdRz-KhO11qtCtTz/s640/IMG_0972.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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The wire grass is thicker and taller,</div>
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and scraggly shrubs are beginning to appear again in the understory.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Lisjw0IjttxJfOu4cSCDoGza2QLMhEd05KLyZL-LfnA8SyP-St4XrvTqRMjG7RBJC0jhej6cYXSKBbwSmvsWTrTztB2m3BWROch5zVVdguZHFFb4RHOE65raWHVvEHulX_9sPsgMZtPQ/s1600/IMG_1017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Lisjw0IjttxJfOu4cSCDoGza2QLMhEd05KLyZL-LfnA8SyP-St4XrvTqRMjG7RBJC0jhej6cYXSKBbwSmvsWTrTztB2m3BWROch5zVVdguZHFFb4RHOE65raWHVvEHulX_9sPsgMZtPQ/s640/IMG_1017.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Without regular burning, wild or prescribed, the pace of change accelerates rapidly in the dappled shade of the majestic longleaf stand.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxQgEHX7C8rH7uJGm8oMxtT269tNJ34otA2ii-ahCBg0ODd3T1FTyphSetwsoI7q_IhctCidVq1fdxjOumeZ2yy81fLv68848QO-_VhmlrOBlHyBUWtoBZOQKpJz66MPWyHZhB1N7quRh/s1600/IMG_0995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxQgEHX7C8rH7uJGm8oMxtT269tNJ34otA2ii-ahCBg0ODd3T1FTyphSetwsoI7q_IhctCidVq1fdxjOumeZ2yy81fLv68848QO-_VhmlrOBlHyBUWtoBZOQKpJz66MPWyHZhB1N7quRh/s640/IMG_0995.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The exquisite little sun-loving orchids, with their fringes, and their crests and their spurs,<br />
facing outward like a pack of ferocious little fire-breathing dragons<br />
defending their turf from a marauding army,<br />
will soon vanish in the shade of broad-leaved shrubs and other dense foliage<br />
if periodic fires don't keep them at bay.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfmoJI_EzXpTGwMfLQS-jaL3tjQikow2UeKBYWph1ZivkPjckhKBdCWDSMYEpbzaCcjB0PDynqhRmjgC37FfQ3Bbx7RM1GaER3VSPTWljzN3JQemB026-5x0pWY3STDTBjUphtfdgSNOK/s1600/IMG_1007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfmoJI_EzXpTGwMfLQS-jaL3tjQikow2UeKBYWph1ZivkPjckhKBdCWDSMYEpbzaCcjB0PDynqhRmjgC37FfQ3Bbx7RM1GaER3VSPTWljzN3JQemB026-5x0pWY3STDTBjUphtfdgSNOK/s640/IMG_1007.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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And the clever little yellow-orange orchid spider might very well go with them...</div>
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For now, at least, </div>
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the Green Swamp visitor can count on seeing the orchids</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEeH1qfZAlyX7qBCkj1YZwlEyYIVywAj4xuUQPxFxCuGuu3jJKGpl4ZnGEsI1tugkIuxZ2TXRrfXQI87yXleUS9Rgfauj5sA66wCbqdBMD90HVAKniJ_u8wYxpZegIU_gHa0bfIYAxd8T/s1600/IMG_1029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEeH1qfZAlyX7qBCkj1YZwlEyYIVywAj4xuUQPxFxCuGuu3jJKGpl4ZnGEsI1tugkIuxZ2TXRrfXQI87yXleUS9Rgfauj5sA66wCbqdBMD90HVAKniJ_u8wYxpZegIU_gHa0bfIYAxd8T/s640/IMG_1029.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and the impressive stands of carnivorous Yellow Trumpets, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvqgw3xvoXRbfb4DRhfHCb4oiZ-g3O2avdwhtAfkw3vmSEW4BDXzu42wd7LjUjy1tfF5_W-EQYu-UOc-DRhVYRf9k-pOQMPB2VF5t-4UkR3l_arDclmO2Hqt1qogKZX7qcMDsOMYmu3IS/s1600/IMG_1040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvqgw3xvoXRbfb4DRhfHCb4oiZ-g3O2avdwhtAfkw3vmSEW4BDXzu42wd7LjUjy1tfF5_W-EQYu-UOc-DRhVYRf9k-pOQMPB2VF5t-4UkR3l_arDclmO2Hqt1qogKZX7qcMDsOMYmu3IS/s640/IMG_1040.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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who call the swamp home,<br />
along with the ubiquitous Green Lynx spider, </div>
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a frighteningly efficient predator.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDmj-KW6TyjCeGmSehnmv8vV6z1RhizI1RwIrX0mtBpdYo_WHKN6rMnIYxv7eFle9L6o81skTazA565TvlBRFqp4pY49Faz_xzZPdo8Yt0PHfUXzbpcgqUyZ1V34lfJ9BOM5o6kYvEEVK/s1600/IMG_1044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDmj-KW6TyjCeGmSehnmv8vV6z1RhizI1RwIrX0mtBpdYo_WHKN6rMnIYxv7eFle9L6o81skTazA565TvlBRFqp4pY49Faz_xzZPdo8Yt0PHfUXzbpcgqUyZ1V34lfJ9BOM5o6kYvEEVK/s640/IMG_1044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes, you can count on seeing these magnificent creatures,</div>
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because the Nature Conservancy and their partners in the region have collaborated to develop and implement an ongoing regime of controlled burns in this ancient woodland,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9RxuywyKc7gB5UEhP30fPYWgyBt7ygEI-FKbtLo7Vd2KbXx4ylH5XIjvNMIUmouI-H7XFjKso1RQsFRv6tzxEhBpD1O6cfkQ7O0phGVvbfKTIuQGJzya6eFq-1u6fsPcibQO88vmmI96/s1600/IMG_1047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9RxuywyKc7gB5UEhP30fPYWgyBt7ygEI-FKbtLo7Vd2KbXx4ylH5XIjvNMIUmouI-H7XFjKso1RQsFRv6tzxEhBpD1O6cfkQ7O0phGVvbfKTIuQGJzya6eFq-1u6fsPcibQO88vmmI96/s640/IMG_1047.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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where fire-tolerant trees and ferns and flowering plants with their outrageous blossoms</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zvoZEhoh8dKDHjlIPNjE_l63e_Er4votISFolrpQhCwQhbfOF6C6sfXq_mYb5Iua7jme1Rtjpb2-o1kGf3jZRqAWALOXs6yoANpit9ynbUZPqeNjsJgJ_i7M_qnjk_hLUpvOd0Qahbo1/s1600/IMG_1057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zvoZEhoh8dKDHjlIPNjE_l63e_Er4votISFolrpQhCwQhbfOF6C6sfXq_mYb5Iua7jme1Rtjpb2-o1kGf3jZRqAWALOXs6yoANpit9ynbUZPqeNjsJgJ_i7M_qnjk_hLUpvOd0Qahbo1/s640/IMG_1057.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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offer the curious visitor a glimpse into our prehistoric past.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkmHnWGZ3JTlt6B_OIMxuR16UWiOINELVCfR13_CwJjIUbG6RSsM-RoltyNCVbeZno-PyEDGF3hM2BpYMuQFj1wKwjGXDY0roJMSXGdHmuNfYwQU5aQaHBvDb9HZtijynpNghdFnwZMbU/s1600/IMG_1060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkmHnWGZ3JTlt6B_OIMxuR16UWiOINELVCfR13_CwJjIUbG6RSsM-RoltyNCVbeZno-PyEDGF3hM2BpYMuQFj1wKwjGXDY0roJMSXGdHmuNfYwQU5aQaHBvDb9HZtijynpNghdFnwZMbU/s640/IMG_1060.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Palamedes Swallowtail drifted on the gentle forest breezes here </div>
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long before humans set foot on the continent, </div>
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and it quietly quaffs the thistle dew as we make our way along the woodland path, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTb21WInuwc31hWuwMfQJWdIRYKUB_567HcnEXTndfuBwlUCRq7S1SamDS59lMGGe6aTNUXsLT7YpWtFdB5o9LuBFiIoHjvW6i-dKMnMWSd2Te5cpGABXXCjm0xe-jEQt6QUyzyFb57CJp/s1600/IMG_1071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTb21WInuwc31hWuwMfQJWdIRYKUB_567HcnEXTndfuBwlUCRq7S1SamDS59lMGGe6aTNUXsLT7YpWtFdB5o9LuBFiIoHjvW6i-dKMnMWSd2Te5cpGABXXCjm0xe-jEQt6QUyzyFb57CJp/s640/IMG_1071.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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oblivious<br />
or unconcerned<br />
or both, </div>
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intent upon exploiting an old reliable energy source for the day ahead...</div>
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ensuring that <i>Papilio palamedes </i>will still be around for next year's visitors to admire.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbWEOq5qcOzs4GSAzHqbPBo6b67p5I-oDH4Sv9tli9ZkTImI7RbslPQYDw121EisChMU3mxY0wKwcsOF-DPqkspxgJJryv4k0CwwtQJoUof_V_bgOEE10kgmUpK5qz0DrDjsWefkGHhhO/s1600/IMG_1084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbWEOq5qcOzs4GSAzHqbPBo6b67p5I-oDH4Sv9tli9ZkTImI7RbslPQYDw121EisChMU3mxY0wKwcsOF-DPqkspxgJJryv4k0CwwtQJoUof_V_bgOEE10kgmUpK5qz0DrDjsWefkGHhhO/s640/IMG_1084.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Many other colorful and ancient clans are represented here in the heart of the savanna,</div>
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including orange milkwort, <i>Polygala lutea,</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJki5ie5ILXeYcrqPUBBr3FNs8jcWvyhw9OnRAj9gsdcfbmuz5PNf_YAIFmroo3k3RY5wgmu5_ZC6iTFJJSSj1WDnR_rrV175l3PiSE8al3hOu5INlJLeiLgVB7tMaiDpQt5fZJ_joHn-F/s1600/IMG_1102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJki5ie5ILXeYcrqPUBBr3FNs8jcWvyhw9OnRAj9gsdcfbmuz5PNf_YAIFmroo3k3RY5wgmu5_ZC6iTFJJSSj1WDnR_rrV175l3PiSE8al3hOu5INlJLeiLgVB7tMaiDpQt5fZJ_joHn-F/s640/IMG_1102.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
and Venus Flytrap, <i>Dionaea muscipula,</i></div>
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a carnivorous plant known and celebrated around the world,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAyKMR76Tp-1nUwPX5j9Ngrtf4Lr-WkeUhEre47uOlXNaqBx1ZbU7ZJeyBhjNiIR1j0F13G7dYHA6fGiWAZszQwEvXEJ5QbHx1Jq8oW2CtIdxyxYtLbacHvs8tUOoOzCAVJUpNIbl6sde/s1600/IMG_1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAyKMR76Tp-1nUwPX5j9Ngrtf4Lr-WkeUhEre47uOlXNaqBx1ZbU7ZJeyBhjNiIR1j0F13G7dYHA6fGiWAZszQwEvXEJ5QbHx1Jq8oW2CtIdxyxYtLbacHvs8tUOoOzCAVJUpNIbl6sde/s640/IMG_1114.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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but naturally occurring only here,</div>
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in the coastal plain of the Carolinas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmce5gOAU1ufRGOFbQpHJLmRoYBxyzPlfU1i6Xql0ftQYwbez2P6qo8T3-SKfNyv-iUr-qMWbF_4wolEV9nfDof3sBxCrrCIsHkYQiDMouaFh_ualUJZaxxcZ-a4ANNKm73OiJWi1X6i7/s1600/IMG_1149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmce5gOAU1ufRGOFbQpHJLmRoYBxyzPlfU1i6Xql0ftQYwbez2P6qo8T3-SKfNyv-iUr-qMWbF_4wolEV9nfDof3sBxCrrCIsHkYQiDMouaFh_ualUJZaxxcZ-a4ANNKm73OiJWi1X6i7/s640/IMG_1149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Red milkweed resides here too, in the sunniest spots,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbEWrz59rsAdiHiA6LtZXpV7wOPh41IqS0tTTl0d24A_h3eHiNZUlA9DqjpA0fq09zvGqjEUN-30mH2B7yhoJIYF4QH9_46S4JuPaEBNNUVTkD8tYAZZOsfbGTV0Yk0FK9l0eguBUI5h_/s1600/IMG_1251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbEWrz59rsAdiHiA6LtZXpV7wOPh41IqS0tTTl0d24A_h3eHiNZUlA9DqjpA0fq09zvGqjEUN-30mH2B7yhoJIYF4QH9_46S4JuPaEBNNUVTkD8tYAZZOsfbGTV0Yk0FK9l0eguBUI5h_/s640/IMG_1251.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and the adult wheelbug, </div>
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among the most ferocious of arthropod predators,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z-z5XrUJE5URDbj0aelZgg2Qiv7gEaoDAH8LZR9iSEMIl9q7YozcdS1uCfLvja_DeADW1RFaeoBJ_HFvffqn86E1PgSm1roQ7832vRXdkA_Ymy1TK0fR7qGHGcFHL93sRkx4EE_C4Y8l/s1600/IMG_1279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z-z5XrUJE5URDbj0aelZgg2Qiv7gEaoDAH8LZR9iSEMIl9q7YozcdS1uCfLvja_DeADW1RFaeoBJ_HFvffqn86E1PgSm1roQ7832vRXdkA_Ymy1TK0fR7qGHGcFHL93sRkx4EE_C4Y8l/s640/IMG_1279.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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patiently awaits the landing of careless pollinators.</div>
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The sun has begun her steady descent toward the horizon, and the pines cast their long shadows beyond the glorious <i>Marshallia </i>blossoms<i>,</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2ryyrJ-fubRnHTkUzMPtMD4tr1DqMvVinNKZ-thqDm-jhkTHSozgSkkWtbaQltnYdqOfFjtZVGC4xk-c_hZRti_ZvZI0VUoMsI9VQwuCBH_c0CmKXgEvJ5l57VHlhrCapDo0RallyhHk/s1600/IMG_1413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2ryyrJ-fubRnHTkUzMPtMD4tr1DqMvVinNKZ-thqDm-jhkTHSozgSkkWtbaQltnYdqOfFjtZVGC4xk-c_hZRti_ZvZI0VUoMsI9VQwuCBH_c0CmKXgEvJ5l57VHlhrCapDo0RallyhHk/s640/IMG_1413.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
when at last we take our leave.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgs140BGA9_ao3zRq0aSKv8Qb8bJAuiGxCha7qZZcJ91JSupukLHTCAE_3pgzqbulWzhS1SxrK4xdwxYKmWE7UtquvPgtkHqfDthEfeh28jGFa9PpozRv0VQvwxfLMGMaJtDVSu6aiuSa/s1600/IMG_1431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgs140BGA9_ao3zRq0aSKv8Qb8bJAuiGxCha7qZZcJ91JSupukLHTCAE_3pgzqbulWzhS1SxrK4xdwxYKmWE7UtquvPgtkHqfDthEfeh28jGFa9PpozRv0VQvwxfLMGMaJtDVSu6aiuSa/s640/IMG_1431.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Yellow fringed orchid, <i>Platanthera ciliaris</i>, a bit larger than <i>P. cristata,</i><br />
guides us homeward along the trail like a glowing beacon,<br />
aided by the pure white light of the false asphodel...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX-q3m4mKXrVg729Rh3IcY0K6qw-3LqNa0KnZYyI8tIPG6teWxAB6aoSjMUvClDZhCNcremp5Z_HCRLRK0sUkAnf_QOhn4R1TFp1JvyFhwMgBuYmUNtu_gOSjZzaB_t2uYpTKSu4UjdOA/s1600/IMG_1451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX-q3m4mKXrVg729Rh3IcY0K6qw-3LqNa0KnZYyI8tIPG6teWxAB6aoSjMUvClDZhCNcremp5Z_HCRLRK0sUkAnf_QOhn4R1TFp1JvyFhwMgBuYmUNtu_gOSjZzaB_t2uYpTKSu4UjdOA/s640/IMG_1451.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Another exhilirating trip back in time draws to a close as we near the edge of the pines,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliNitfoz5Cvh6GxBkO4KzXvvA0Oahdf3wJgWZkrtKGkdS73Y0ZndFKCe4v5oITQYigxCVR06IQwvWPx_nROi4jijQdLTeUMrsUExIDR7gcbpJugosY-fmUhZtyty6Aa5J_REXgDUaG1kJ/s1600/IMG_1456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliNitfoz5Cvh6GxBkO4KzXvvA0Oahdf3wJgWZkrtKGkdS73Y0ZndFKCe4v5oITQYigxCVR06IQwvWPx_nROi4jijQdLTeUMrsUExIDR7gcbpJugosY-fmUhZtyty6Aa5J_REXgDUaG1kJ/s640/IMG_1456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and old friend <i>Sabatia sp.</i>,<br />
one of the white pinks,<br />
bids us farewell from the dense stand of ferns guarding the exit...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVh-ZG9PVXXM-2QgiuN9vQPoj6bKHRucGdHGQ6hQIA3R7gnShG3LlD3rldCPXcGTbCouYXO6TOWnOjwTHQnRPhCdJg3bY9EE7lyoUsKkNQTBkt8mX7KQDPQGhDIIUFFZs5KyRI0-3z7OSn/s1600/IMG_1468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVh-ZG9PVXXM-2QgiuN9vQPoj6bKHRucGdHGQ6hQIA3R7gnShG3LlD3rldCPXcGTbCouYXO6TOWnOjwTHQnRPhCdJg3bY9EE7lyoUsKkNQTBkt8mX7KQDPQGhDIIUFFZs5KyRI0-3z7OSn/s640/IMG_1468.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As we mount the ditchbank to our waiting transportation, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M62Uhlvfky3pHUmqBNtqCuTFhpdeRwtirgLCNVK8FWETSkLNFLOyD9Z5vyUGMUjD14vIDzwvufofF8HWxgq6KiAFpD9_dDgC_PZKsgfDA5Qz2GBFTAtk9hF6FZO-h8oCT7wf5lvuasqu/s1600/IMG_1482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M62Uhlvfky3pHUmqBNtqCuTFhpdeRwtirgLCNVK8FWETSkLNFLOyD9Z5vyUGMUjD14vIDzwvufofF8HWxgq6KiAFpD9_dDgC_PZKsgfDA5Qz2GBFTAtk9hF6FZO-h8oCT7wf5lvuasqu/s640/IMG_1482.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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one last surprise awaits -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Savanna bluehearts, <i>Buchnera floridana,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a bit past prime blooming time perhaps,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but a delight to meet, nonetheless;</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and perfectly camouflaged green lynx winks an eight-eyed farewell </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from its still sun-drenched perch near a delicate purple blossom.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Farewell, green lynx.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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And fare thee well, Green Swamp...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'til we meet again.</div>
hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-29479994598603916662016-08-16T20:49:00.002-07:002016-08-16T20:52:44.048-07:00Milkwort - More Wild Carolina Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rambling the back roads near Swansboro with Cousin Daniel, we encounter a number of cool natives of the Coastal Plain, </div>
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including several from genus <i>Polygala</i>, </div>
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a.k.a. Milkworts.</div>
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So called because they were once believed to enhance milk production in livestock, the native North Carolina milkworts have earned our appreciation not for their legendary effects on cows, </div>
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but for their intricate and eye-catching blossoms.</div>
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First up is <i>Polygala cruciata</i>, or Drumheads. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSFCBTNoLYJOfUw6ajL8jqrgPIDuattC8RWHkvY1StMD5fJbL-klHVwokqhG-M88zJZB_FU2IXs3BqkGsFB06WOGHZVrLYgsmIVQvzG7W8OTIlZ0M2RurATohrzzaakrwPmsGvaxU3G26/s1600/IMG_9014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSFCBTNoLYJOfUw6ajL8jqrgPIDuattC8RWHkvY1StMD5fJbL-klHVwokqhG-M88zJZB_FU2IXs3BqkGsFB06WOGHZVrLYgsmIVQvzG7W8OTIlZ0M2RurATohrzzaakrwPmsGvaxU3G26/s640/IMG_9014.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
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From a distance, their attractive pinkish-purple flowerheads<br />
resemble a single bulbous blossom, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but upon closer inspection,<br />
the flowerhead looks like something from an undersea reef or another world entirely...<br />
a colony of tiny purple and yellow tentacled hydras sporting showy pink collars! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN-LSU1glcuoNewc8VzM22Zqt4o6PfVx-UDhFiNLmpnRVXPFmVHyL1P0IswVxAnscBzn_6crseIGK47sK_Jsio4hZgugqqOzRbsRF8VDkTzwAt1MBkocfQRA_JKQdF_km3RvGxj5Zf6Ce/s1600/IMG_9020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN-LSU1glcuoNewc8VzM22Zqt4o6PfVx-UDhFiNLmpnRVXPFmVHyL1P0IswVxAnscBzn_6crseIGK47sK_Jsio4hZgugqqOzRbsRF8VDkTzwAt1MBkocfQRA_JKQdF_km3RvGxj5Zf6Ce/s640/IMG_9020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
This up-close encounter leaves us wondering once again at the astonishing biodiversity in our little corner of the universe;<br />
or, in this case, right here beside the road.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbWQePz21LIRQFYnHRYElsjrbAWYyxT8J09-Itxydpdsl9b6fJBk4kI7DHgSJMX-G3nw4Za56JTZYEY8VJyLW3pDnCNyQBZEy6I8jv0Y-uEIimRL0MNvaTqGSs5oAOYI2sWLj7UehphHA/s1600/IMG_9031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbWQePz21LIRQFYnHRYElsjrbAWYyxT8J09-Itxydpdsl9b6fJBk4kI7DHgSJMX-G3nw4Za56JTZYEY8VJyLW3pDnCNyQBZEy6I8jv0Y-uEIimRL0MNvaTqGSs5oAOYI2sWLj7UehphHA/s640/IMG_9031.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
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Pick any spot of ground, no matter how poor the soil;</div>
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say, perhaps, a roadside ditch in Onslow County.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Add sunlight and rain, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4OcYPOJGyPb8f83zRJv7QumagY6OmiIRBI4UfdBBbxrB1ROVpXd31s4qZ0xjrqZEIa-qFGbXjlCxKIn1-wlfBjuoDlgp2vUdDhAW1xKsQI_YDkyhja-mlw0_RF15CS4OqG6UBp7Xmjo9/s1600/IMG_9039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4OcYPOJGyPb8f83zRJv7QumagY6OmiIRBI4UfdBBbxrB1ROVpXd31s4qZ0xjrqZEIa-qFGbXjlCxKIn1-wlfBjuoDlgp2vUdDhAW1xKsQI_YDkyhja-mlw0_RF15CS4OqG6UBp7Xmjo9/s640/IMG_9039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and marvel at the miracle that is life...</div>
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Orange Milkwort, <i>Polygala lutea</i>.<br />
<br />
The flowerhead of tiny bright orange blossoms,<br />
arranged so that their outstretched "wings" suggest flickering flames,<br />
have earned Orange Milkwort the nickname "red hot poker",<br />
a wild flower even more spectacular in our estimation than its cousin, <i>P. cruciata</i> .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmom8TRj5N-7OyXizWcOzSBD9EoCdrv8VaKmSZmk8teA1qp6guQ9NwAccUL8vkLHxywUONDkTtxXQaZjT69OpM6Juff5PhS2HM0GHVDNhp4MkCUUkDx2hrc0usQQ7tBPxDPDZwblQ8kWf/s1600/IMG_9040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmom8TRj5N-7OyXizWcOzSBD9EoCdrv8VaKmSZmk8teA1qp6guQ9NwAccUL8vkLHxywUONDkTtxXQaZjT69OpM6Juff5PhS2HM0GHVDNhp4MkCUUkDx2hrc0usQQ7tBPxDPDZwblQ8kWf/s640/IMG_9040.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Long ago, when this roadway was originally graded,<br />
ditches cut perfectly parallel on either side,<br />
this was a barren landscape of lifeless sandy soil, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
baking under the harsh rays of the sun.<br />
<br />
But beneath the desolate surface, there lay a seed (or two, or three)...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSfQRC3CEuxrEf1ezjSFgSaiBcVVcQx5K-UQ43MZR5G_Ot8jWtw6H_tmNDHVsx9HxXNwtNr-hJ71Yun9P_lX5n5-8BwWmRH0EjF4mmTTR1FCqMqmhsqOWDIg9N69UOfSwLIycfb9uSJVR/s1600/IMG_1092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSfQRC3CEuxrEf1ezjSFgSaiBcVVcQx5K-UQ43MZR5G_Ot8jWtw6H_tmNDHVsx9HxXNwtNr-hJ71Yun9P_lX5n5-8BwWmRH0EjF4mmTTR1FCqMqmhsqOWDIg9N69UOfSwLIycfb9uSJVR/s640/IMG_1092.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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And while today's busy beach-goers might glance at the weedy roadside and perceive that little has changed in the seventy-five years since this seldom-travelled byway was first carved from<br />
the now scattered and flattened dunes, </div>
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a closer look reveals a landscape alive, </div>
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teeming with various and wonderful lifeforms,</div>
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perfectly suited to the conditions found right here, </div>
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a few short miles from where the land we call North Carolina<br />
gives way to the vast Atlantic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaAJGbJikAwrmmQJYcKidSHSZOiff9QPfK2RIkVp77AhUHWqfmyJCTBxr_4ZsRU72gMW_mwwp4sNBBjZUkw-w-N1AcgxTomCrpsiCuOUnK-rnBDdaWIar4z0-kY05PDyxtCeSKAq6N_md/s1600/IMG_9056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaAJGbJikAwrmmQJYcKidSHSZOiff9QPfK2RIkVp77AhUHWqfmyJCTBxr_4ZsRU72gMW_mwwp4sNBBjZUkw-w-N1AcgxTomCrpsiCuOUnK-rnBDdaWIar4z0-kY05PDyxtCeSKAq6N_md/s640/IMG_9056.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
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There are other remarkable creatures abiding on the lonesome roadside,<br />
but today, we're focused on the diminutive milkworts,</div>
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well worthy, we believe,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the time it takes for a little closer look.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Polygala ramosa</i>, low pinebarren milkwort, or yellow savannah milkwort, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is right there to greet us with a thousand tiny golden wands!</div>
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<br /></div>
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And she's a favorite today with the pollinators,<br />
as she and little lobelia soak up the rays on the sandy ditch bank.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3itibTwqm1q_SsNFneKHlQ9q51w2Vs3VIFywlVaSTzpx8vT6vnH3ejJliRNPDGva4SFweIFNkMcrjyRflXNDVldfO8PgvNtatYNmH3RhF0fAA8jYVPBNaoOVz99UmgJ2deMmpCI0QN3K2/s1600/IMG_9061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3itibTwqm1q_SsNFneKHlQ9q51w2Vs3VIFywlVaSTzpx8vT6vnH3ejJliRNPDGva4SFweIFNkMcrjyRflXNDVldfO8PgvNtatYNmH3RhF0fAA8jYVPBNaoOVz99UmgJ2deMmpCI0QN3K2/s640/IMG_9061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Eventually, we part ways, happy to have made the acquaintance of these three Coastal Plain Milkworts. And, as luck would have it, we aren't quite done with Polygala yet; </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqsqMcNLup5NMEaxVS-sJzC5jY4lARhqOjGCzSs-4h9hOcJDeDTs-q6_yQ31Cl2e2v0Msz2o9jnTyZLesgNZypoSySOW3JvGrNz6pICEdTRCLA-3sZuqgtBwXKypdMX94l5Bx0XkT3IVl/s1600/IMG_9206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqsqMcNLup5NMEaxVS-sJzC5jY4lARhqOjGCzSs-4h9hOcJDeDTs-q6_yQ31Cl2e2v0Msz2o9jnTyZLesgNZypoSySOW3JvGrNz6pICEdTRCLA-3sZuqgtBwXKypdMX94l5Bx0XkT3IVl/s640/IMG_9206.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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a hundred miles to the west, and no more than a mile from home, </div>
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on the shoulder of Highway 42 in Lee County, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDeeHqKrViktbXeH8Lu5E0ws-0zMji_L-fXYhr0BD928spemqOhcw3VnsECva6sE5ICKg8Tdw1-aeZxWHtNbscMi93fPANxFcL35fYQ5KtrMqEv5lAXy3a6Hlt5fnQJR30Oq0EolUJZEn/s1600/IMG_9219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDeeHqKrViktbXeH8Lu5E0ws-0zMji_L-fXYhr0BD928spemqOhcw3VnsECva6sE5ICKg8Tdw1-aeZxWHtNbscMi93fPANxFcL35fYQ5KtrMqEv5lAXy3a6Hlt5fnQJR30Oq0EolUJZEn/s640/IMG_9219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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we meet more Milkworts beside the way,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
these little pink and lavender lovelies, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Polygala curtissii</i>,<br />
Curtiss' Milkwort or Appalachian Milkwort.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VA3der-zDTRUGh61RueL2wDMuikfbKQMEDnXAbZDCzmDJ0rV5NKc29XDCvgM5rzke2I8pqCUhzz74W0-xwzvtue0YSRvDvXEsidENIaxJpruIstQoowMCkuji6p6MiKLng9wz8X0Fd39/s1600/IMG_9230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VA3der-zDTRUGh61RueL2wDMuikfbKQMEDnXAbZDCzmDJ0rV5NKc29XDCvgM5rzke2I8pqCUhzz74W0-xwzvtue0YSRvDvXEsidENIaxJpruIstQoowMCkuji6p6MiKLng9wz8X0Fd39/s640/IMG_9230.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
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As we kneel quietly by the wayside,</div>
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already perspiring outside the air-conditioned comfort of the car, </div>
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tender knees irritated by the coarse sand and eyes nervously straying to the nearby fire ant mound,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
we wonder,</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VrTdA76UPqYw090hm2-iPn1H5OC9kcyJ065YP2kHjdcsCbU_Go10KVf0az6kia8fB9AIXLHHXSwuWXgxgge-_IhrG9NUBKmJcr1Kg6tMITVDt4abK2AxdhowC-utxtSvktU6YCxnZYWJ/s1600/IMG_9295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VrTdA76UPqYw090hm2-iPn1H5OC9kcyJ065YP2kHjdcsCbU_Go10KVf0az6kia8fB9AIXLHHXSwuWXgxgge-_IhrG9NUBKmJcr1Kg6tMITVDt4abK2AxdhowC-utxtSvktU6YCxnZYWJ/s640/IMG_9295.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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why do we love these wild flowers so? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgm9q4Qr-WyXMokHmZ6bMVIGf1EQPYOuWOOPmE-VH_EcCRTCL_pE1aYiTrLyMKd2rj6tCxTxSAgjic_YbfuKon0EFEN17Ki-yt3Ug2X0gfMUxiMfbM7O6WqEb1BxC9NNrfCaXTwKCfPyw/s1600/IMG_9303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgm9q4Qr-WyXMokHmZ6bMVIGf1EQPYOuWOOPmE-VH_EcCRTCL_pE1aYiTrLyMKd2rj6tCxTxSAgjic_YbfuKon0EFEN17Ki-yt3Ug2X0gfMUxiMfbM7O6WqEb1BxC9NNrfCaXTwKCfPyw/s640/IMG_9303.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<br />
Why, indeed...</div>
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<br /></div>
hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-17246105279246906182016-08-13T15:28:00.002-07:002016-08-13T15:28:32.175-07:00Tobacco Worm in the Tomato Patch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another hot August day in the tomato patch... </div>
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When the sun, in its ceaseless journey, at long last ducks behind the big longleaf out front, the tomato worm pauses to catch its breath... </div>
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Only, it's actually a tobacco worm, and not really a "worm" at all.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc5DwMdxbLfPA4zccnZMpuSkRXy1HYJ5ByXeZpg17TW9PjEI1Q8wC75NrdAQ78rHDwrATD5kqJ77bxBld4IG4_RY-w47HW0vUW1GjsuH678Ribme36_JQ8AjS406ck1oilJV54OptM9ul/s1600/IMG_1536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc5DwMdxbLfPA4zccnZMpuSkRXy1HYJ5ByXeZpg17TW9PjEI1Q8wC75NrdAQ78rHDwrATD5kqJ77bxBld4IG4_RY-w47HW0vUW1GjsuH678Ribme36_JQ8AjS406ck1oilJV54OptM9ul/s640/IMG_1536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few weeks ago, when the tomato plants were at the peak of their summer blooming, the Carolina sphinx moth strategically placed her eggs on the underside of a leaf </div>
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shortly before her life came to an end. </div>
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Within a few days, the feast of life began for her offspring; </div>
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and, with each successive instar, or stage of larval development, the caterpillars molted and became increasingly voracious.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RTfhYNESCXS2tmw5hikVn_Qyi-t0nJvJKmE89FG9qdMv6_TDlX9sBYfGDAqbgXIRj2Rmke6XT1qJYMVhzif5SMZYm-T7TSnFqcFgsl-S7acVU7rHYPUcqqI58ODmLWVrloQb_GkAOagt/s1600/IMG_1532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RTfhYNESCXS2tmw5hikVn_Qyi-t0nJvJKmE89FG9qdMv6_TDlX9sBYfGDAqbgXIRj2Rmke6XT1qJYMVhzif5SMZYm-T7TSnFqcFgsl-S7acVU7rHYPUcqqI58ODmLWVrloQb_GkAOagt/s640/IMG_1532.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Trickster sun has cleared the crown of the pine and decided to go out in a blaze of glory, bathing the garden and all its inhabitants again in the golden glow of not-quite-dusk-just-yet!</div>
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The temperature is still well into the eighties, and the humidity feels like it's about a hundred and ten percent here in the Sandhills, with no rain in sight. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfSsTI9Vf5sAR2gRnLBUbB27k29uV01X1cEDRz1lpma8ePEMLoQ-iOLWD6OmoqRoS22xQGk715TD912qJrpf-C8vneH7jV-D5-ykvNtQSKEsSEydsKTqTECR9dOc8bKPvXPZYn4dcF8N_/s1600/IMG_1581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfSsTI9Vf5sAR2gRnLBUbB27k29uV01X1cEDRz1lpma8ePEMLoQ-iOLWD6OmoqRoS22xQGk715TD912qJrpf-C8vneH7jV-D5-ykvNtQSKEsSEydsKTqTECR9dOc8bKPvXPZYn4dcF8N_/s640/IMG_1581.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
All of which conspires to make our seemingly satiated caterpillar resume its consumption of the tomato vine. The tobacco hornworm, larvae of the Carolina Sphinx Moth, <i>Manduca sexta, </i>is equally content to dine on the tobacco plant or tomato plant, both of which are members of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It is a close cousin to the tomato hornworm, larvae of the Five Spotted Hawkmoth, <i>Manduca quinquemaculata</i>, and both are common here in North Carolina. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSWSTR0x1jAP-f8ZYN_AieH5hOdkng83oFCE33wl8mxkq6Y_wqUvz8fsUTdIHenjcXn42mf-fblg7qp116Fr4tSoPlzW8Ybqqu-70qT5N8Agz4XCIE_GWit0eV_LJ3iGDpgL4dsHrYHYe/s1600/IMG_1576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSWSTR0x1jAP-f8ZYN_AieH5hOdkng83oFCE33wl8mxkq6Y_wqUvz8fsUTdIHenjcXn42mf-fblg7qp116Fr4tSoPlzW8Ybqqu-70qT5N8Agz4XCIE_GWit0eV_LJ3iGDpgL4dsHrYHYe/s640/IMG_1576.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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The tobacco worm is distinguished by its seven diagonal white "stripes", bordered by black, while the tomato worm has white "arrowhead" markings pointing toward the head of the caterpillar. This large tobacco worm is in its last instar, and it is consuming the plant material, leaves, stalk and fruit at an impressive rate right now. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Tonight, or perhaps tomorrow, it will drop to the ground and pupate beneath the soil, soon to emerge as an adult sphinx moth and resume this ages-old cycle of life and death and renewal. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Cn45wsEE56F9KRQPf_SASd5s38Etb-tEGiFsLNJR0HPfYmzzlufd9_CYW69UotjOimzKhV3pHeOBqQ_iJueqzvItcBP-RlkX_mvCOyfRCZ1Omv8qDk_IVbIUYSPYIZvZTbWn3Ltv7QeS/s1600/IMG_1622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Cn45wsEE56F9KRQPf_SASd5s38Etb-tEGiFsLNJR0HPfYmzzlufd9_CYW69UotjOimzKhV3pHeOBqQ_iJueqzvItcBP-RlkX_mvCOyfRCZ1Omv8qDk_IVbIUYSPYIZvZTbWn3Ltv7QeS/s640/IMG_1622.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Meanwhile, not far away, dragonfly is in a bit of a pickle;</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwnX2xOpHhk-whlfEAVs_5KWXFP3dqrNH-BwbQ0ofITN1vtCeQVd8hXqBAdRBmKuoZvJKZrxKVCJB1IgPy0C9W4zfTlTPobF9tTqekR0Mg8nOd9wJN9MJkpgPCdpfwxT3Q302Im8s3VWW/s1600/IMG_1662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwnX2xOpHhk-whlfEAVs_5KWXFP3dqrNH-BwbQ0ofITN1vtCeQVd8hXqBAdRBmKuoZvJKZrxKVCJB1IgPy0C9W4zfTlTPobF9tTqekR0Mg8nOd9wJN9MJkpgPCdpfwxT3Q302Im8s3VWW/s640/IMG_1662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
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but that's a story for another day...</div>
hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-56411228662902979622016-08-10T18:50:00.002-07:002016-08-10T18:50:32.537-07:00Beauty in the Weeds...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Through the efforts of the Nature Conservancy and many of their friends and allies, a significant swathe of North Carolina's unique southeastern coastal plain habitat is maintained and protected in Brunswick County's Green Swamp Preserve. While best known for its fantastic array of carnivorous plants and orchids, the Preserve boasts a bevy of other botanical wonders as well, </div>
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including a number of nifty "weeds".</div>
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In our years of meandering and musing about all things wild and wonderful in North Carolina, we've developed a great admiration for the native milkweeds (Genus <i><b>Asclepias</b></i>). We're fascinated by the genius of their flower structure, and the remarkable variety of blossom colors and arrangements to be found in the dozen or so species native to our home state.</div>
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So we were thrilled to encounter two milkweeds in the Green Swamp Preserve this weekend that were new to us at Hoot Owl Karma; </div>
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<i>Asclepias lanceolata</i>, Fewflower Milkweed, and <i>Asclepias rubra</i>, or Red Milkweed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdP2zZjM026kJ6l5EY5qD-zWqTf_DIE5Y4MXIrv_9MBLSdTcrSzGkp0V-IAS1hlUcQQuOHkeYtsm6sieKV8zRFQir4xqqYsLW6eC2pFa5ZlNa_Agcs39RtRtqWUIdtHNWxs7GxbWfpnzg/s1600/IMG_1377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdP2zZjM026kJ6l5EY5qD-zWqTf_DIE5Y4MXIrv_9MBLSdTcrSzGkp0V-IAS1hlUcQQuOHkeYtsm6sieKV8zRFQir4xqqYsLW6eC2pFa5ZlNa_Agcs39RtRtqWUIdtHNWxs7GxbWfpnzg/s640/IMG_1377.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bold red-orange blossoms of <i>A. lanceolata</i>, pictured above and below, brought us to a screeching halt as we traversed a recently burned tract of longleaf pines between Lake Waccamaw and Supply, NC on Highway 211. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq40HvIzcEyc9LeUVjLaY26dU2wjqq9BFrREdjSgeuDXkjki7sjxWCoTkae8yoUIJPV4TPUlxlQExSGLNSkZ8S6u3lVRJZJYc8HrcatQtTHRxE5MV36TShPhjbECp6UFz6BdGFqhaDLcct/s1600/IMG_1122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq40HvIzcEyc9LeUVjLaY26dU2wjqq9BFrREdjSgeuDXkjki7sjxWCoTkae8yoUIJPV4TPUlxlQExSGLNSkZ8S6u3lVRJZJYc8HrcatQtTHRxE5MV36TShPhjbECp6UFz6BdGFqhaDLcct/s640/IMG_1122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While "Fewflower" is an apt description, the outrageous colors of this native beauty are impossible to overlook, perched atop their tall slender stems, sparsely decorated with opposite pairs of equally slender lance-shaped leaves, gently swaying in the warm summer breeze...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AZ5Rxih41eJ-KJNs5jk3kAuYLOo6blCM_WdcCQ1HmHKlPaikV1q-O0n8ejJxW3GY6i9Yns7JNPCfof0bxYeWYCrN2TaYfmBeyyO0D_cnlsIHZaJNrC_d8KYOO_Juqu6EpiyJIO5jUv7x/s1600/IMG_1365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AZ5Rxih41eJ-KJNs5jk3kAuYLOo6blCM_WdcCQ1HmHKlPaikV1q-O0n8ejJxW3GY6i9Yns7JNPCfof0bxYeWYCrN2TaYfmBeyyO0D_cnlsIHZaJNrC_d8KYOO_Juqu6EpiyJIO5jUv7x/s640/IMG_1365.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And, ironically, dancing right alongside her bright red kin, </div>
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we spy <i>Asclepias rubra, </i></div>
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RED Milkweed,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgithSqUneht2cfpeJKecI3JHQpXT84fL1qoCioYam2LjOc-7T-25LM8_29k8g5Z9F06tBgijgz4umeCbGA4GEGOcKVRwh8zUBNXGuI-mc7KpjBYAI-7cyIznjUaNEItDe9bi1cTtIuHOPK/s1600/IMG_1133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgithSqUneht2cfpeJKecI3JHQpXT84fL1qoCioYam2LjOc-7T-25LM8_29k8g5Z9F06tBgijgz4umeCbGA4GEGOcKVRwh8zUBNXGuI-mc7KpjBYAI-7cyIznjUaNEItDe9bi1cTtIuHOPK/s640/IMG_1133.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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in a half-dozen color forms, </div>
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from the most delicate pale pinks,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5AObQxAUCaVwgCz_kuDS6MsbCMfYi4aOGbe5OHi99HqQABMuW77zj7-PU9lAHByT8gnW5aSnVQJZJEBF7RHKfHVMbNW6Wflnt1uqsMpz-C6AyOjOxYlzr-Ws_NQ0dLc2g__uMFQAJp1h/s1600/IMG_1138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5AObQxAUCaVwgCz_kuDS6MsbCMfYi4aOGbe5OHi99HqQABMuW77zj7-PU9lAHByT8gnW5aSnVQJZJEBF7RHKfHVMbNW6Wflnt1uqsMpz-C6AyOjOxYlzr-Ws_NQ0dLc2g__uMFQAJp1h/s640/IMG_1138.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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to lovely magenta and purple,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYLXU80WnlmO-B5_Uch8ROBAvho4JbPmTFYmQoZ5_YnyfeuzFQtsbmh4iZKvX_Dt2ts26lJPV2km_h9WGWILlyao4bWGAKc3v0ZFsB889QiUd8VU3Am5R1L2YJqKQAkCl16BDEEc-bLVI/s1600/IMG_1332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYLXU80WnlmO-B5_Uch8ROBAvho4JbPmTFYmQoZ5_YnyfeuzFQtsbmh4iZKvX_Dt2ts26lJPV2km_h9WGWILlyao4bWGAKc3v0ZFsB889QiUd8VU3Am5R1L2YJqKQAkCl16BDEEc-bLVI/s640/IMG_1332.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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all of which pale in comparison</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPLf-VE4CbQlSMoSmb8MkXpn2QA_a6BZkAz3bJqzSN791Y2HUQ6cPY1vR7jLQvXHsa29-NWywO0YLVf-h_cUhEYsMgsPr9uTSx8UpCXhuCBOidEBnoHTG_TrSO4Ez_0tiRfeYSJ3S-aLX/s1600/IMG_1154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPLf-VE4CbQlSMoSmb8MkXpn2QA_a6BZkAz3bJqzSN791Y2HUQ6cPY1vR7jLQvXHsa29-NWywO0YLVf-h_cUhEYsMgsPr9uTSx8UpCXhuCBOidEBnoHTG_TrSO4Ez_0tiRfeYSJ3S-aLX/s640/IMG_1154.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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the bold red hues of their few-flowered fellows!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuHpGqzl51fJ6SYPPrrvJ6ihUgfAEksNBn1qCulrC7Ofp53j3186MmGCE2ANZdtGE5eeNqdh-ugxw1oTxq16ndKPFr6pEfeG56bsophyT3oGZCBeFj0P9VhDyQLR4I766qb-wmcAw6OZy/s1600/IMG_1283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuHpGqzl51fJ6SYPPrrvJ6ihUgfAEksNBn1qCulrC7Ofp53j3186MmGCE2ANZdtGE5eeNqdh-ugxw1oTxq16ndKPFr6pEfeG56bsophyT3oGZCBeFj0P9VhDyQLR4I766qb-wmcAw6OZy/s640/IMG_1283.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Yes, in the heat and humidity of mid-summer down east,</div>
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there is beauty in the weeds...</div>
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Seventy-five miles or so to the north, and a bit further east, </div>
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in the sandy soil of Croatan National Forest,</div>
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we encountered a third native milkweed,</div>
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also making its first appearance on Hoot Owl Karma, </div>
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<i>Asclepias humistrata</i>, </div>
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commonly known as Pinewoods or Sandhill Milkweed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt8cVe33zpJD0P4vEfWWGDuRcOFJTVjUTUgkXJLooG0nITMLFfZ5nZcNcWlbCwKmap49QzYo2rxOEXdqWXywN5g_HpX0L31bILsRb1XlPMc2LvGzEq3UFsFpHxzhqOBx9r6Jd83jkkEd-/s1600/IMG_9583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt8cVe33zpJD0P4vEfWWGDuRcOFJTVjUTUgkXJLooG0nITMLFfZ5nZcNcWlbCwKmap49QzYo2rxOEXdqWXywN5g_HpX0L31bILsRb1XlPMc2LvGzEq3UFsFpHxzhqOBx9r6Jd83jkkEd-/s640/IMG_9583.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This fine example of Pinewoods Milkweed, appropriately enough, </div>
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was lounging with a few friends beneath the longleaf pines </div>
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near the trailhead for the Patsy Pond Nature Trail in Carteret County.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsogDriFBsd4L_sL1qP2kkAfyG_ig9YPt44aQ4k70URlAsuebrVzHwXfJqArxwUTIMIMl7pug-iOwKYk6n_876vTfDwJBqiu9IYkBtQ5SkBbA2y-QiQod9xloiDcKDY5uG4oiJiQfbWFQU/s1600/IMG_9559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsogDriFBsd4L_sL1qP2kkAfyG_ig9YPt44aQ4k70URlAsuebrVzHwXfJqArxwUTIMIMl7pug-iOwKYk6n_876vTfDwJBqiu9IYkBtQ5SkBbA2y-QiQod9xloiDcKDY5uG4oiJiQfbWFQU/s640/IMG_9559.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This individual also offers a great example of the sprawling habit of <i>Asclepias humistrata</i>, whose leaf and blossom laden branches rarely stand more than a few inches above the ground. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0IfGz4j5MRCDNqVpOzb7jQuaAj8HN3-DbQZ6pXa4HOaC7sfofkO83hfVcm9L2BvqqUpcR6RU_SApPPmH2vIedeoUqNzHWi9w-BUqw6pi7619aQd_RSa8rZ6O4dMIjBY7JEUc6m7dr0Fg/s1600/IMG_9591-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0IfGz4j5MRCDNqVpOzb7jQuaAj8HN3-DbQZ6pXa4HOaC7sfofkO83hfVcm9L2BvqqUpcR6RU_SApPPmH2vIedeoUqNzHWi9w-BUqw6pi7619aQd_RSa8rZ6O4dMIjBY7JEUc6m7dr0Fg/s640/IMG_9591-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The specific epithet, <i>humistrata, </i>roughly<i> </i>means "covering the ground", </div>
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an accurate assessment of the plant's typical prostrate posture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtnXS8QWEqhGfHm_gPr4XB6fUkrnZWqJl4qqOb7AddAIqDxRCO40KS6nrw9uhOxM3BPRtcDBc4Gsc4Gp4AXbAQ8pkiJN-7CKmYGEghKZmB5ibNnZqRaW82PTp441NJ3tj6fzcOr-R_qxE/s1600/IMG_9651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtnXS8QWEqhGfHm_gPr4XB6fUkrnZWqJl4qqOb7AddAIqDxRCO40KS6nrw9uhOxM3BPRtcDBc4Gsc4Gp4AXbAQ8pkiJN-7CKmYGEghKZmB5ibNnZqRaW82PTp441NJ3tj6fzcOr-R_qxE/s640/IMG_9651.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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We camera-toting wanderers are far from the only ones drawn to these weeds;</div>
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pollinators flock from far and near, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaorHoJ3VpCwaQ4bYVAqHrlEDDZRWtMJVLml3rHAyVvCyKoUlZuE2RIoIYtc63cEiFZwTG-eFOcuSR_DCs5UVEu6VLotxTRnSFBCIjGmZuTn7V8wyxlmpF5XXS_D-fKVQTauOiVgb1Z4I/s1600/IMG_9632-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaorHoJ3VpCwaQ4bYVAqHrlEDDZRWtMJVLml3rHAyVvCyKoUlZuE2RIoIYtc63cEiFZwTG-eFOcuSR_DCs5UVEu6VLotxTRnSFBCIjGmZuTn7V8wyxlmpF5XXS_D-fKVQTauOiVgb1Z4I/s640/IMG_9632-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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while pollinator predators patiently bide their time,</div>
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all but invisible in their cloaks of white.</div>
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Nature in all her splendor,</div>
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beauty in the weeds...</div>
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<br />hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-32794541749945778692016-06-04T05:29:00.002-07:002016-06-04T05:29:20.971-07:00The Butterfly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At day's end, the wanderer slowed to catch his breath, </div>
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well aware of the waning sun,</div>
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and dreading just a little the night ahead...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf0o0kL95w8PFb4pApX__UWnqDW6ruCmGva5SlzZHQ3BAvyxgyi-8ERGZ5NbEAeAu-66RPLfTY-cF0MPSarA54yoEyPChVKPMbCOwvN-CKC4Pxg3u-3ctVpn2C7OIAgrBMd5oMxi7Vl3p/s1600/IMG_5700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf0o0kL95w8PFb4pApX__UWnqDW6ruCmGva5SlzZHQ3BAvyxgyi-8ERGZ5NbEAeAu-66RPLfTY-cF0MPSarA54yoEyPChVKPMbCOwvN-CKC4Pxg3u-3ctVpn2C7OIAgrBMd5oMxi7Vl3p/s640/IMG_5700.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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when came a fellow traveler, winging blithely past,</div>
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settling nearby for a late-day repast.</div>
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This youngster, with wingbeats light, </div>
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wasted not its tongue on words, </div>
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lapping instead the nectar sweet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF82Y6DnTJkVGRcE3SLLR77fQd79rxOjS56AA6eR78w66UztThI8ptr7vwd38tbTV-mDzGK_sHWHVeBu_GMScSxgCdUklDSYXVR4CXnc8emAuItuqCXeCkeDoAbiHiVCJp4VGEXHRxpMZ/s1600/IMG_5703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF82Y6DnTJkVGRcE3SLLR77fQd79rxOjS56AA6eR78w66UztThI8ptr7vwd38tbTV-mDzGK_sHWHVeBu_GMScSxgCdUklDSYXVR4CXnc8emAuItuqCXeCkeDoAbiHiVCJp4VGEXHRxpMZ/s640/IMG_5703.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Nectar,</div>
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"Drink of the Gods,"</div>
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the wanderer mused.</div>
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Had I but the butterfly's tongue, I'd worry not with words.</div>
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I'd drink and groom and stroke my mate,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but never again a syllable slur,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or ever a name misspeak.</div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3wgg6jjSxbcndl4_fWS-t_yZBoAtPHm-rxUjNgG0-d9NSZrFM92LmNzHDmhV2UgA3Qf3RyZ3_TIY4wLtsnshWILJts33dlCsdXeH6lKOM7ha89ZKEp2FSxyRwrS94B1RpPNT7uFfQMSD/s1600/IMG_5704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3wgg6jjSxbcndl4_fWS-t_yZBoAtPHm-rxUjNgG0-d9NSZrFM92LmNzHDmhV2UgA3Qf3RyZ3_TIY4wLtsnshWILJts33dlCsdXeH6lKOM7ha89ZKEp2FSxyRwrS94B1RpPNT7uFfQMSD/s640/IMG_5704.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Had I but the butterfly's wings, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my joints would never know the night's harsh chill.</div>
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I'd fly all day unto the west, </div>
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pausing but to bask and eat and rest.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE0USRje13jTYHxjazB70RkJrC02YpI0YV_N6QuIIOXO5M15sFy_sMYEp-qLpRRt0A-Xibd8ocnh-NCqmBl_3tgFkfoiM_Pcmd80hFS5PMuHfmk1IBlqTzUzbjS2BqcuRmf11mxP3Qfsa/s1600/IMG_5705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE0USRje13jTYHxjazB70RkJrC02YpI0YV_N6QuIIOXO5M15sFy_sMYEp-qLpRRt0A-Xibd8ocnh-NCqmBl_3tgFkfoiM_Pcmd80hFS5PMuHfmk1IBlqTzUzbjS2BqcuRmf11mxP3Qfsa/s640/IMG_5705.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And then a voice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Felt,<br />
more than heard...</div>
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<br /></div>
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Whispered,</div>
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melancholy,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
clear...</div>
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<br /></div>
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Life on the breeze is surely sweet, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and for food, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nectar has no peer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But this life of mine is measured dear,</div>
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in days and hours and minutes,</div>
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never even a year.</div>
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<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBYSj4OYXn1uZc-t5mIVbs0uFZqg2tkoTfwzRkdieGNnRBJ-LauIWodpEyuPIp3DqOb3GtAw_apZK-1Avg9a76kNkGBCQke1YtM05S-UqJJBQXqd14RTjHWgUCvoupI15G5LhcJzY73OF/s1600/IMG_5974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBYSj4OYXn1uZc-t5mIVbs0uFZqg2tkoTfwzRkdieGNnRBJ-LauIWodpEyuPIp3DqOb3GtAw_apZK-1Avg9a76kNkGBCQke1YtM05S-UqJJBQXqd14RTjHWgUCvoupI15G5LhcJzY73OF/s640/IMG_5974.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A hundred of my lifetimes you've already lived, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and several more besides...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
envy not the butterfly,<br />
poet,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love the life you have.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBAD0oWLAAUH6vN6-jbH7xjl94_mvDLBdEJcAQL9xGKUgXX_VK-x4Fx7pW5vGRK0Hio4-oNA_qhUXkb8W-cv2-hAPhr_Gnz9oXN9c9NAMNbogkFIMH852XHr2xV2QjAlYZznn9i0dmToS/s1600/IMG_5984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBAD0oWLAAUH6vN6-jbH7xjl94_mvDLBdEJcAQL9xGKUgXX_VK-x4Fx7pW5vGRK0Hio4-oNA_qhUXkb8W-cv2-hAPhr_Gnz9oXN9c9NAMNbogkFIMH852XHr2xV2QjAlYZznn9i0dmToS/s640/IMG_5984.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Illumined thus, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
his pace renewed,<br />
and on his lips a familiar tune,<br />
of life and love and hope renewed,<br />
flying westward, as it were, ever into the sun...</div>
hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-13548459851777435872016-06-02T18:10:00.002-07:002016-06-02T18:43:26.310-07:00Milkweed Revisited... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Milkweed has been in the news a lot lately. </div>
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Many have speculated that declines in native milkweed populations may be contributing to recent significant declines in Monarch butterflies. </div>
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Hoot Owl Karma covered this topic at some length in last summer's <a href="http://hootowlkarma.blogspot.com/2015/06/milkweed-chronicles-asclepias-syriaca.html" target="_blank">Milkweed Chronicles</a>, </div>
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<br /></div>
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but today we'd simply like to revisit the spectacular colors and design of these remarkable native NC wildflowers as a reflection on the joys of spring. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkKeVt3iirwj4TJurQCk33uzfJlTMOlmRdIbMWH2M04I65mjBCiO955fFoRQwHYhyu2ZLkWMu5m2vEVh1JSohCS_nqdBPTxifetkNOFrAI3YjkQkzK_DUonNOuwWEtwj-mm6nSpA522mT/s1600/IMG_8829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkKeVt3iirwj4TJurQCk33uzfJlTMOlmRdIbMWH2M04I65mjBCiO955fFoRQwHYhyu2ZLkWMu5m2vEVh1JSohCS_nqdBPTxifetkNOFrAI3YjkQkzK_DUonNOuwWEtwj-mm6nSpA522mT/s640/IMG_8829.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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You may remember Asclepius, the mythical Greek healer, </div>
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famous in our day for lending his serpent-entwined staff to the medical profession </div>
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as a symbol of the healing arts. </div>
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<br /></div>
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His name is associated with these plants for similar reasons; </div>
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with their complex and striking flower structure and mysterious milky sap,</div>
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they have long fascinated practitioners of folk medicine here in America. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjli6Q1ej90tVizgk4J4tAvBaNOYS9beAPGKmglZoX2mMNeoJXIUBKhRd-ONfbwBlsMascXXAu-oI2yXqUo60g2bz5WQhiZ5TfThjvJOYDHRpKGaG3nMGBPWRmEziA50BzPixDn9LW824Hm/s1600/IMG_8770small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjli6Q1ej90tVizgk4J4tAvBaNOYS9beAPGKmglZoX2mMNeoJXIUBKhRd-ONfbwBlsMascXXAu-oI2yXqUo60g2bz5WQhiZ5TfThjvJOYDHRpKGaG3nMGBPWRmEziA50BzPixDn9LW824Hm/s640/IMG_8770small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our attraction to the <i>Asclepias</i> and their kin is more aesthetic than medicinal, however, </div>
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and we'd like to invite you on a pictorial tour of a few of these native beauties </div>
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from our wanderings in Lee, Moore and Harnett counties this spring. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbpZihvD1Uzagd6ZBAhXUNa6a8LTAIrBGdZn0ABTIZKnRrRderg8elIE05sxn6hIE1V8lJg91FM9y5HZQyIzzXeSeyf4YW1E60PfAIwP41gxKCvX-hXuV_GAY1PZ8fkyE-GAqG8giJlRB/s1600/IMG_3347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbpZihvD1Uzagd6ZBAhXUNa6a8LTAIrBGdZn0ABTIZKnRrRderg8elIE05sxn6hIE1V8lJg91FM9y5HZQyIzzXeSeyf4YW1E60PfAIwP41gxKCvX-hXuV_GAY1PZ8fkyE-GAqG8giJlRB/s640/IMG_3347.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Throughout the month of May, White Milkweed, <i>Asclepias variegata</i>, </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">graces the woodland margins, </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">equally at home beside the wood-lined byway or deep along the forest path, </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">like this perfect little beauty from San Lee Park. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKW8XNa0EyZcA-IjfnAYt6In2lqSGisDYy72nc1RkLLPQMiste3TpPQP2QNK2XQr95N2HTP-EuQyXpnGwLCoVILT1f4Fh6URv1LNtD66syS_RyiIovct_aJ5Kyo4KMDFBfqH_RAryFMfFb/s1600/IMG_4002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKW8XNa0EyZcA-IjfnAYt6In2lqSGisDYy72nc1RkLLPQMiste3TpPQP2QNK2XQr95N2HTP-EuQyXpnGwLCoVILT1f4Fh6URv1LNtD66syS_RyiIovct_aJ5Kyo4KMDFBfqH_RAryFMfFb/s640/IMG_4002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">In bloom, they're nearly impossible to miss, with their compact "snowball" clusters of blossoms, perched at or near the apex of the plant. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2aRjMMFx3ZecFGu4pxsBw6DQK_u6FvpYU-RQtGN3eRtNmeinD5vNt_QrRKeaddwokxyQbArdJRAfHs5B8v9E4YzjOoIn2qLAfRaL3V_cifoDRMFYmxfm2MMXhXFQjDXfHaYmkWqyYA4j/s1600/IMG_4008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2aRjMMFx3ZecFGu4pxsBw6DQK_u6FvpYU-RQtGN3eRtNmeinD5vNt_QrRKeaddwokxyQbArdJRAfHs5B8v9E4YzjOoIn2qLAfRaL3V_cifoDRMFYmxfm2MMXhXFQjDXfHaYmkWqyYA4j/s640/IMG_4008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We encountered this plant with its trio of flower heads perched high on the clay embankment alongside the Highway 421 By-Pass in Sanford.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesMBCGUq8bSHv40qhNeJ80yk4BtwXWeqsZmGcoboKTLGBYr_Yc3D899-jlt7FFaehhatcEeH4CdGOdFB0jWUhvwPs1d8Er6qrBrd1NYzuaFLvTtyFCM__jGezXfMEd3L4UoNS4gqq7N4l/s1600/IMG_4012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesMBCGUq8bSHv40qhNeJ80yk4BtwXWeqsZmGcoboKTLGBYr_Yc3D899-jlt7FFaehhatcEeH4CdGOdFB0jWUhvwPs1d8Er6qrBrd1NYzuaFLvTtyFCM__jGezXfMEd3L4UoNS4gqq7N4l/s640/IMG_4012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Sometimes known as red ring milkweed, </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">for the purplish-red bands encircling the base of the flowers' coronas or "crowns",</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAGiGCDvz1_rikSvmCEic4MsF3XcFdrBIqjtd06MpcbWELIisHxmMYqgxgiOdQlHkOFdnwH0FcG2Xaox5ajbVdpukRqR6b0PKOcpwoY3EsliVhyc-Nz2rJlb_QBtd1Vcn7-OVBAqlcoXf/s1600/IMG_5131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAGiGCDvz1_rikSvmCEic4MsF3XcFdrBIqjtd06MpcbWELIisHxmMYqgxgiOdQlHkOFdnwH0FcG2Xaox5ajbVdpukRqR6b0PKOcpwoY3EsliVhyc-Nz2rJlb_QBtd1Vcn7-OVBAqlcoXf/s640/IMG_5131.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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these distinctive beauties are among the first milkweed species to bloom in our neck of the woods, </div>
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and this double-domed version was encountered in western Lee County over the Memorial Day weekend.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Just over the river in Moore County, we met another striking member of the milkweed clan, </div>
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<i>Asclepias amplexicaulis. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55HRUl0G6rpHNrtahaGX2wV6agWHHIBVLmkANofzH0l9EQ7BtEu8Fvgf_4oRNMxR1yLQ4OMHlEkmNI1zhXWwTK9zvROXNIRls8XoKgR_d3m03l7K7oUlqBXswDcCXv_v5njGoT0qeXkeu/s1600/IMG_3492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55HRUl0G6rpHNrtahaGX2wV6agWHHIBVLmkANofzH0l9EQ7BtEu8Fvgf_4oRNMxR1yLQ4OMHlEkmNI1zhXWwTK9zvROXNIRls8XoKgR_d3m03l7K7oUlqBXswDcCXv_v5njGoT0qeXkeu/s640/IMG_3492.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes called clasping milkweed, </div>
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for the manner in which its large, wavy leaves clasp the stem;</div>
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we've always been drawn to their large, open umbels, or flower heads, </div>
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with ample space for individual blossoms to shine within. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtz2mZi630fL2ZKxk18zx-VZbb-Ob7GepZGIywXmSU0V9A9veVuIcARM-eE1yBYU4KY47x_JNAfTcGaUvsCSDpzT2jPKgNMbkAjPTc2UKmvDWNPs3ZBzcH7F8HJc0BQkQdLS8lrSAgJFv/s1600/IMG_3502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtz2mZi630fL2ZKxk18zx-VZbb-Ob7GepZGIywXmSU0V9A9veVuIcARM-eE1yBYU4KY47x_JNAfTcGaUvsCSDpzT2jPKgNMbkAjPTc2UKmvDWNPs3ZBzcH7F8HJc0BQkQdLS8lrSAgJFv/s640/IMG_3502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The characteristic milkweed blossom is on full display here; </div>
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the upper part of the flower, or corona, </div>
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consists of five hoods, each with a corresponding horn, </div>
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which extends over the center of the flower containing its reproductive organs.</div>
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The skirt-like lower part of the flower is its corolla, </div>
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comprised of large petals and smaller sepals, </div>
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strongly reflexed in <i>A. amplixicaulis</i>, and to varying degrees in other species. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmua4j-O90CFcF6jhbuBuzq5R5uZk6SpdfO3eXM-rFA4PzuZkF6jxTZGuaMDmATbv5bpBjt7UpN12K6eMXlDMCIW6X9iMHdt60FrzubaS_NmkHjamaiXuPlicNs4CIBSne3YrqYusMJYaH/s1600/IMG_4841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmua4j-O90CFcF6jhbuBuzq5R5uZk6SpdfO3eXM-rFA4PzuZkF6jxTZGuaMDmATbv5bpBjt7UpN12K6eMXlDMCIW6X9iMHdt60FrzubaS_NmkHjamaiXuPlicNs4CIBSne3YrqYusMJYaH/s640/IMG_4841.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A. amplexicaulis</i> is fairly common throughout our area, </div>
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growing in full sunlight along roadsides and ditch banks,</div>
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like these individuals Cousin Daniel spied </div>
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on our old stomping grounds in western Harnett County.</div>
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As you can see, the coronas range from a pale pink to deep purple,</div>
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with duller, flesh-colored corollas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkemfu0BaiUOwos-ph4yhxWpIa2ADnWcauY1jyblbd8nUWBowJItA8pqMzyX0fT4FY8kD-90lxQqQm4qnEbSrItrd_4abqGKubmSG7hHDtl57EBvcQ5YBkka0m607NYHmXQs3lImAiwlC/s1600/IMG_5398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkemfu0BaiUOwos-ph4yhxWpIa2ADnWcauY1jyblbd8nUWBowJItA8pqMzyX0fT4FY8kD-90lxQqQm4qnEbSrItrd_4abqGKubmSG7hHDtl57EBvcQ5YBkka0m607NYHmXQs3lImAiwlC/s640/IMG_5398.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Clasping milkweed can grow quite tall, </div>
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nearly a meter in this instance at Papa Jim's place in the Sandhills of Harnett County, </div>
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and the large, opposite pairs of wavy green leaves with prominent mid-veins </div>
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are hard to miss once you've become acquainted with a few.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Jvhcf9LQAADYNpueA3nF_q57h1aovHtcrD5JMElTGoI8qHQGDti-hbovM-T804caWnPP6Iib4ZQYmufWESutiOuQKpiGVNkFTidrpzZb44P95XXR-CSki2YF5ANZZIIUpdTVstqhhy64/s1600/IMG_5431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Jvhcf9LQAADYNpueA3nF_q57h1aovHtcrD5JMElTGoI8qHQGDti-hbovM-T804caWnPP6Iib4ZQYmufWESutiOuQKpiGVNkFTidrpzZb44P95XXR-CSki2YF5ANZZIIUpdTVstqhhy64/s640/IMG_5431.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This lovely specimen was just beginning to bloom when we met her on Monday, </div>
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so if you're out and about in the Sandhills this week, </div>
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keep your eyes on the road, </div>
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but maybe sneak a glance at the roadside every now and again, </div>
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perchance to glimpse this remarkable native plant at the peak of its blooming. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnGEvg9FvVDSagTIfMZe8B6DiJlE_V6YUXVGxkp6zgtq_qllZyukSufjFb8ydSkwi69jLlq4jgugwlAsnPi0D2BtdGhTeCJcIxupxZKCCPHKKls6yC0TjCDarFXOdyl1taqROUVBwdtaw/s1600/IMG_5423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnGEvg9FvVDSagTIfMZe8B6DiJlE_V6YUXVGxkp6zgtq_qllZyukSufjFb8ydSkwi69jLlq4jgugwlAsnPi0D2BtdGhTeCJcIxupxZKCCPHKKls6yC0TjCDarFXOdyl1taqROUVBwdtaw/s640/IMG_5423.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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The third <i>Asclepias</i> on our spring tour is one of Carolina's boldest and brightest wildflowers,<br />
<i>A. tuberosa, </i>or Butterfly Weed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_8hcwXIXxWwTA0_peQAMOO3gasvTuwb2EfRML7VToDW5rzppBdMBjVrRB7ZCsNGy2SWCdgMwdyyICFVHyfphjdt0gRlgMzBQHH2m0ra-Udye8xR7CAW2Npes2iLZ8bJUioFoGE5w5LdT/s1600/IMG_3758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_8hcwXIXxWwTA0_peQAMOO3gasvTuwb2EfRML7VToDW5rzppBdMBjVrRB7ZCsNGy2SWCdgMwdyyICFVHyfphjdt0gRlgMzBQHH2m0ra-Udye8xR7CAW2Npes2iLZ8bJUioFoGE5w5LdT/s640/IMG_3758.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Butterfly Weed can be highly variable in color, </div>
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not just from place to place, but from one plant to the next. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qs3y0om13IPd7oTPIgGac7_PKFj1PVnNYpH011PhrR5GleHLP1udSJNfCgvepXMJ9e0JutBOlWyrmxPo_TwYKsPtFlvj2EsC2DK7ulcVp-moj1YCRin390hlDnmSEtWgkJ4TB_IY4LSI/s1600/IMG_3762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qs3y0om13IPd7oTPIgGac7_PKFj1PVnNYpH011PhrR5GleHLP1udSJNfCgvepXMJ9e0JutBOlWyrmxPo_TwYKsPtFlvj2EsC2DK7ulcVp-moj1YCRin390hlDnmSEtWgkJ4TB_IY4LSI/s640/IMG_3762.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The individual above, located just across the Deep River in Moore County, has yellowish orange corollas topped by fiery reddish orange coronas, while the plant below, located right beside it, was much more uniformly reddish orange.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj9z8iUqo5uUpeSSwELsYLbuBdnT2Oeh6LZYLp1z9iHkVUiskj_QKF7RawOJ7iinOnVbdoPVjEtvowEHfL172X8LAAl0Ng4Ob8Et7Hb_0otNyy1czuQBhjZLZnScM6Zzpnkk73VvYBF-y/s1600/IMG_3777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj9z8iUqo5uUpeSSwELsYLbuBdnT2Oeh6LZYLp1z9iHkVUiskj_QKF7RawOJ7iinOnVbdoPVjEtvowEHfL172X8LAAl0Ng4Ob8Et7Hb_0otNyy1czuQBhjZLZnScM6Zzpnkk73VvYBF-y/s640/IMG_3777.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We'll visit with some more butterfly weed in a bit, but for the moment, we wanted to share a glimpse of another of our more colorful milkweeds, <i>Asclepias purpurascens</i>, or Purple Milkweed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xHLEswhrhNtJ9T-V5PPaxwAMrhnc-nzF3HEZOrCNQLuHop5O-LPyeX452Y8vw3Alih2cuoJ_Q0FPQYKlXRRgZWXFdtpjEwDpIq0GHDfUqCFHsoaYNWqcb3uCiVBeCrc5hD_BWi2J0jJq/s1600/IMG_5023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xHLEswhrhNtJ9T-V5PPaxwAMrhnc-nzF3HEZOrCNQLuHop5O-LPyeX452Y8vw3Alih2cuoJ_Q0FPQYKlXRRgZWXFdtpjEwDpIq0GHDfUqCFHsoaYNWqcb3uCiVBeCrc5hD_BWi2J0jJq/s640/IMG_5023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This lovely native lives just down the hill from the butterfly weed above in Moore County. </div>
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Purple Milkweed is rather scarce in North Carolina, and this little patch is the only one we've been fortunate enough to find in our area. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzeZDHgjZ2p5GbIr9sTBrR_yb6a_7T_3ZsLjUuL2blLmBC43lj4GWpjbTLgcEXA-rItdiwG-s-wWdkdEExaKKv7yDNwvDBYPnxAzZRY3IheEEuRBxxUXekQkjSJ7Uem_QB9BcIs7GKE8V/s1600/IMG_5060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzeZDHgjZ2p5GbIr9sTBrR_yb6a_7T_3ZsLjUuL2blLmBC43lj4GWpjbTLgcEXA-rItdiwG-s-wWdkdEExaKKv7yDNwvDBYPnxAzZRY3IheEEuRBxxUXekQkjSJ7Uem_QB9BcIs7GKE8V/s640/IMG_5060.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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A variety of nectarers love this little beauty, and from an aesthetic standpoint, </div>
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she can hold her own with any of North Carolina's other native wildflowers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFyzDjWaSHHRqiM8Ce5_XBUWF02PXrIlSv6kNqD9OQA_t6MiSQnWpvYD_hezQmYuNCcKyL6hktS5AdCIcfyHitFszADzDym-d5sPhXTu535BRhysdmO5-oI2U2jGSVP-V_g-aMrnz3bPk/s1600/IMG_5067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFyzDjWaSHHRqiM8Ce5_XBUWF02PXrIlSv6kNqD9OQA_t6MiSQnWpvYD_hezQmYuNCcKyL6hktS5AdCIcfyHitFszADzDym-d5sPhXTu535BRhysdmO5-oI2U2jGSVP-V_g-aMrnz3bPk/s640/IMG_5067.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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The typical milkweed flower structure is apparent here, with the five hoods and horns on the corona,</div>
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but the five petals of the corolla are not quite as severely reflexed in <i>A. purpurascens</i> as they are in the clasping milkweed we were admiring earlier.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnOgOTGSoAWty7fDch2FO548Nai_7pqCngpq4_MC82CrRDcdIyk3XoKbYi1OVc7ihh9iPPo7WApZacv8NCJFczC1Kc-ZFNZL85-gfnJ14C2eava8aipDOwJ-eJVwhBvUrqWbc6tng_F9L/s1600/IMG_5080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnOgOTGSoAWty7fDch2FO548Nai_7pqCngpq4_MC82CrRDcdIyk3XoKbYi1OVc7ihh9iPPo7WApZacv8NCJFczC1Kc-ZFNZL85-gfnJ14C2eava8aipDOwJ-eJVwhBvUrqWbc6tng_F9L/s640/IMG_5080.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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This purple milkweed is situated near a small creek in a fairly recent logging cutover which has now been thoroughly overtaken by a dense tangle of vines and lush new growth;</div>
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a veritable botanists' delight!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8sKIMjkaS29Bs52DOfu4efOo7t1OVXC8jiDYakU3hnMRql2NMtIj18a6h5ObWKQ07yxa88fHOXrEQ7ZNOCikRatQ-Xs10Ve8GKdVOGe1QelknDJz15vKfUTOl0yrg67EVtnsxCBufzI-/s1600/IMG_4972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8sKIMjkaS29Bs52DOfu4efOo7t1OVXC8jiDYakU3hnMRql2NMtIj18a6h5ObWKQ07yxa88fHOXrEQ7ZNOCikRatQ-Xs10Ve8GKdVOGe1QelknDJz15vKfUTOl0yrg67EVtnsxCBufzI-/s640/IMG_4972.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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On our way back up to the ridge, we spy this fabulous little vine winding its way around the underbrush, climbing up the little sassafras saplings and such.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RwN4FdxvqLDIzlHc_4tfalhFjjeThO8tLTXQymUR1yUgGaOBV-jof93cnpFlz7HZvpRy7ea17A84Pcp1hJRtIDyjh0VycApIaOzzUk0RILrNUzwi5eS6v0MeF9bLGss1xB-4W8RpW1bq/s1600/IMG_5007-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RwN4FdxvqLDIzlHc_4tfalhFjjeThO8tLTXQymUR1yUgGaOBV-jof93cnpFlz7HZvpRy7ea17A84Pcp1hJRtIDyjh0VycApIaOzzUk0RILrNUzwi5eS6v0MeF9bLGss1xB-4W8RpW1bq/s640/IMG_5007-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We wonder at the deep purple blossoms, and remark that they bear some resemblance </div>
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to the five-petaled corollas of the milkweed we just left. </div>
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After consulting our good friend Bruce, </div>
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who's a stellar botanist and author and naturalist of the highest order, </div>
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we learn that this little beauty is in the same family as the milkweeds, </div>
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and is most likely <i>Matelea decipiens</i>, or perhaps <i>Matelea carolinensis,</i></div>
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known by a number of common names including spinypod and milkvine.</div>
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What a beauty, by any name!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9jZDSpGW13yNgRITp1DDRYoFGMu1g2N1XxnvxCFAkNq4vPnwB5a2Ib5jTQzEsgT-y7lLRfOxonyjcnuGQtsvIU9KVP_g0q2OSr0iGizT1JaEnzjShmq0dvnofxbGt0mqo2drLb03YEGz/s1600/IMG_4991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9jZDSpGW13yNgRITp1DDRYoFGMu1g2N1XxnvxCFAkNq4vPnwB5a2Ib5jTQzEsgT-y7lLRfOxonyjcnuGQtsvIU9KVP_g0q2OSr0iGizT1JaEnzjShmq0dvnofxbGt0mqo2drLb03YEGz/s640/IMG_4991.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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And now, more butterfly weed. </div>
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As it happens, there are a couple of varieties of butterfly weed in our neighborhood.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHe1AH1t9gWDEXUJl5EaszXRIGm_DKxQnsVL3riKDH33liR_eqDleRl0i48o02-dnN3E6CUlwUCID9DD06TJUBwHx5ibyNPjWkohlyNjBKmNLsRIy4ayvSYxDlxz1ND78_oQ-KU9qusbJ/s1600/IMG_5153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHe1AH1t9gWDEXUJl5EaszXRIGm_DKxQnsVL3riKDH33liR_eqDleRl0i48o02-dnN3E6CUlwUCID9DD06TJUBwHx5ibyNPjWkohlyNjBKmNLsRIy4ayvSYxDlxz1ND78_oQ-KU9qusbJ/s640/IMG_5153.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Brother Henry has protected the milkweed on his ditch bank in Johnsonville </div>
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from mowing over the years, </div>
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and now enjoys a thriving colony of some ten or twelve plants. </div>
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We took these photos on Memorial Day, just as the buds were opening...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWjEAyQejvZ1nKWmFGrM0VB5vkTBmUggPPv6rUoXQAKKC3P3nC5U5sBooroemkNXyC47idCO6Yng4T8_HM6wyIUWcgKJm8H06-huCZDmByNvSH6B5zMv4kFjZLBwwzx1DgqtEZjpwXJ7h/s1600/IMG_5157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWjEAyQejvZ1nKWmFGrM0VB5vkTBmUggPPv6rUoXQAKKC3P3nC5U5sBooroemkNXyC47idCO6Yng4T8_HM6wyIUWcgKJm8H06-huCZDmByNvSH6B5zMv4kFjZLBwwzx1DgqtEZjpwXJ7h/s640/IMG_5157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We haven't yet consulted with the experts, </div>
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but we suspect we've encountered both <i>Asclepias tuberosa L. var. Rolfsii, </i></div>
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Sandhills butterfly weed, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjr1mPxnTM7kGnqLBGGPTDMhm4S4QLLsNgAF9pjwoS_FLpbWd8b4dSecM7IJCjAqKOMLjQfX5EyYM6u_22oL5v7dbiFlaT8fDsa_r5h_g8HDO8FUY_10eK9cnzmHPzlMp0TabCELOem1_/s1600/IMG_5181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjr1mPxnTM7kGnqLBGGPTDMhm4S4QLLsNgAF9pjwoS_FLpbWd8b4dSecM7IJCjAqKOMLjQfX5EyYM6u_22oL5v7dbiFlaT8fDsa_r5h_g8HDO8FUY_10eK9cnzmHPzlMp0TabCELOem1_/s640/IMG_5181.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and the more broadly distributed</div>
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<i>A. tuberosa L.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MWlrHfSkuXx6UWHPNR0yqWpeIFGuLlBRM7rEJTnJLjxI-NEbznZEuHhO3Eu-xogK2IDPV2Cq-nu5cT84rdEiIlf31LSxsrL3cyCUMgM7gTRERSWtQP9pYhjELOUmS7i2uCFMTa8tJxQM/s1600/IMG_5195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MWlrHfSkuXx6UWHPNR0yqWpeIFGuLlBRM7rEJTnJLjxI-NEbznZEuHhO3Eu-xogK2IDPV2Cq-nu5cT84rdEiIlf31LSxsrL3cyCUMgM7gTRERSWtQP9pYhjELOUmS7i2uCFMTa8tJxQM/s640/IMG_5195.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And again, </div>
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by any name, their beauty is breathtaking...</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8jicAARGW6o6g2ppi0LsUzOseOMCQ7egZIxPADvwEmiei6Konh4IB2Sx50-G2cY9YY8HrVDV8uOOj4Je9SCyolGSEVL2kkRINoPE7TaKn_zAmXQ3o9RYgHuRgPJ2CTCGMieYdYzKbcPO/s1600/IMG_5228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8jicAARGW6o6g2ppi0LsUzOseOMCQ7egZIxPADvwEmiei6Konh4IB2Sx50-G2cY9YY8HrVDV8uOOj4Je9SCyolGSEVL2kkRINoPE7TaKn_zAmXQ3o9RYgHuRgPJ2CTCGMieYdYzKbcPO/s640/IMG_5228.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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as you gaze into their depths,</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO7gr7E9WusdTTxhPKN6yzHv5UVF9PSuQBkHl_BjXRh9KYo8MElT4xqbMUCWeAbFHy4m1nLslAq6DMhBZto3WgCFEuSiDlYa7vDaCtodh4Ys1i0HsxGstIUI7rvDxVds61zc9PcsEX40R/s1600/IMG_5237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO7gr7E9WusdTTxhPKN6yzHv5UVF9PSuQBkHl_BjXRh9KYo8MElT4xqbMUCWeAbFHy4m1nLslAq6DMhBZto3WgCFEuSiDlYa7vDaCtodh4Ys1i0HsxGstIUI7rvDxVds61zc9PcsEX40R/s640/IMG_5237.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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you can almost hear them whisper</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzgLQz6O8aO9Xl6CDRfm4qEQBVgm93L3WlSVRUTNBnh13VVBPgCDWwYHYFx8sksPEHqUd2QwdxK6i8XZLnNkQxrvP1kgHC0AhhbEjY4KVNnKyexGwyhxahbe490V4L1Scyjywtr-XASUd/s1600/IMG_5304+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzgLQz6O8aO9Xl6CDRfm4qEQBVgm93L3WlSVRUTNBnh13VVBPgCDWwYHYFx8sksPEHqUd2QwdxK6i8XZLnNkQxrvP1kgHC0AhhbEjY4KVNnKyexGwyhxahbe490V4L1Scyjywtr-XASUd/s640/IMG_5304+-+Version+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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welcome home!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRYO1jnOmNLKSxTO56O93nlwBDwFL9Fb3KGWkv4-r95Yl2eksAhyphenhyphenYXhjZFDUbvZJvLoVN2yZ_QfVeAp0XP-d0xw1Q91m043waAziZTWUnb38B4HQjic7IxYMSrsjiSTbkvY5vZ8pkhADu/s1600/IMG_5312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRYO1jnOmNLKSxTO56O93nlwBDwFL9Fb3KGWkv4-r95Yl2eksAhyphenhyphenYXhjZFDUbvZJvLoVN2yZ_QfVeAp0XP-d0xw1Q91m043waAziZTWUnb38B4HQjic7IxYMSrsjiSTbkvY5vZ8pkhADu/s640/IMG_5312.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Speaking of home,</div>
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our milkweed tour wraps up in a gentle drizzle along the barely discernible margin of an old field behind Papa Jim's house. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxw_GNDyzmWTCS5nF0H1kbi0t_Y-lVX11wluiqgr84_snerup6ieSvZ1vQlqrfKGBuC393-d9GJPZWTnvvkndt2oUJFpxNnGULPUtIsFnzScgkN2JQM-A3MACu0TIK_FQsXpuGkBBm46XY/s1600/IMG_5359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxw_GNDyzmWTCS5nF0H1kbi0t_Y-lVX11wluiqgr84_snerup6ieSvZ1vQlqrfKGBuC393-d9GJPZWTnvvkndt2oUJFpxNnGULPUtIsFnzScgkN2JQM-A3MACu0TIK_FQsXpuGkBBm46XY/s640/IMG_5359.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What was once a sandlot baseball field is now a sturdy stand of young longleaf pines, and right where the edge of the old field once gave way to the woods around the pond, </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx36TVUIwE0OJK4k9MwB6q27_ulvpTEVtxZM5fhhplIok9TP-FkqGyyWs-SitKLBMQbSPiXr8DqIAOVHJ48iREAhFshg5inMQ3QFrRDT1MWyp650W-5EriWjM8jLM9yOH5jXf4SYtpMgN/s1600/IMG_5384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx36TVUIwE0OJK4k9MwB6q27_ulvpTEVtxZM5fhhplIok9TP-FkqGyyWs-SitKLBMQbSPiXr8DqIAOVHJ48iREAhFshg5inMQ3QFrRDT1MWyp650W-5EriWjM8jLM9yOH5jXf4SYtpMgN/s640/IMG_5384.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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</div>
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we find a pale orange butterfly weed, </div>
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thriving right there where we left it,</div>
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all those years ago...</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6bWjx7rjakph638Mkohvopol9i2PZkv1Zi5qS32HZj9Dd2wA1zP_B2Rxj3WybSRv9ijP2wvT8h_XCSPj2ay16aEZgf2iA0zUSIJbuiz8h1q-eL8s8QqVGvw-z2IDCA-wgwpyomnpt8_Q/s1600/IMG_5375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6bWjx7rjakph638Mkohvopol9i2PZkv1Zi5qS32HZj9Dd2wA1zP_B2Rxj3WybSRv9ijP2wvT8h_XCSPj2ay16aEZgf2iA0zUSIJbuiz8h1q-eL8s8QqVGvw-z2IDCA-wgwpyomnpt8_Q/s640/IMG_5375.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and as we contemplate the changes and challenges that all those years have wrought,</div>
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there is a balm in the simple beauty of a flower, </div>
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rooted, and thriving,</div>
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right here in the same poor sandy soil that nourished us to adulthood.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And as our tour comes to an end, </div>
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right here where we first got started, </div>
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we reflect, </div>
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and we wonder</div>
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whether there might be a grain of truth in all those stories about </div>
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the healing power of milkweed...</div>
hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-34952460740609383322016-05-21T07:28:00.001-07:002016-05-21T07:28:44.723-07:00Listen to the Frogs...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Somebody's poisoned the waterhole!"</div>
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<br /></div>
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Just pull his string, and Sheriff Woody belts out the bad news. </div>
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There was a brief period in our household when we knew practically all of Woody's lines from </div>
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<i><b>Toy Story </b></i>by heart, </div>
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and little voices posed questions like:</div>
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"What is a waterhole?"</div>
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<br /></div>
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"But how did Woody know the waterhole was poisoned?" </div>
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<br /></div>
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"What was it poisoned with?"</div>
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<br /></div>
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I thought of 'ol Woody the other night when Hunter, </div>
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no longer possessed of that little voice,</div>
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but as inquisitive as ever,</div>
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took advantage of a rainy night to document a few of the amphibians ambling about the neighborhood.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSD8d-RHq2LxTkrwLq4GI62GeLUkcKilqIWWsbr2nriBfXQanOV8tokGLLocyNArJziGNcfgam2lf_WDCEJwfImImO0uOoZOmoN_pR9sSwSRIjmuoMYVXqBe0Anje38mDZKsDFh3mnqgU/s1600/IMG_2859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSD8d-RHq2LxTkrwLq4GI62GeLUkcKilqIWWsbr2nriBfXQanOV8tokGLLocyNArJziGNcfgam2lf_WDCEJwfImImO0uOoZOmoN_pR9sSwSRIjmuoMYVXqBe0Anje38mDZKsDFh3mnqgU/s640/IMG_2859.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This barking treefrog, <i>Hyla gratiosa, </i>didn't have much to say, </div>
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intent as it was upon safely traversing the traffic, </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vIMmgF0gLVQtPWqvE1Tj7jX46BM83evyx7KlGz3I_rPWrq7_Se9on02Hi1fyzgY9_P3ZV6DX8QA07CAHqHFiX05Id00oVSlAeU64xwZL2DNo3XTGKx8dJAGSx0ejRfDC47uCgN1R0ZBi/s1600/IMG_2880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vIMmgF0gLVQtPWqvE1Tj7jX46BM83evyx7KlGz3I_rPWrq7_Se9on02Hi1fyzgY9_P3ZV6DX8QA07CAHqHFiX05Id00oVSlAeU64xwZL2DNo3XTGKx8dJAGSx0ejRfDC47uCgN1R0ZBi/s640/IMG_2880.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but the Cope's gray tree frogs, <i>Hyla chrysoscelis,</i> had quite a story to tell,<br />
as they gathered by the fountain.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO_VnMK71l3JQUQgUg3jgX4UHx1ssNOOrmwjhK1YORLz07WSZFIoUH_Ex5_-RNkXmiHkP8Nu2Dx-s6h6ROy7mIRFB7UFeOcJt-ekdbhlDz7pcemFM5_YqsCcdlYP5fuL5IswtP0m-i-HE/s1600/IMG_2879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO_VnMK71l3JQUQgUg3jgX4UHx1ssNOOrmwjhK1YORLz07WSZFIoUH_Ex5_-RNkXmiHkP8Nu2Dx-s6h6ROy7mIRFB7UFeOcJt-ekdbhlDz7pcemFM5_YqsCcdlYP5fuL5IswtP0m-i-HE/s640/IMG_2879.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Their piercing trills, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
practiced and perfected over a few thousand thousand rainy nights,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnLxIBEmuN3gsX9iSXDMzjC3dmTUmyToPGfL8Ml4ZmsolF3Yjk3Qx9k6JvCC34BiXta2_okeXBfHdfofQDTot-nd_1ANNRyhpkoJhphzicDno_LQlr_6fW3MypntFl33s9yQw03pHXPxh/s1600/IMG_2887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnLxIBEmuN3gsX9iSXDMzjC3dmTUmyToPGfL8Ml4ZmsolF3Yjk3Qx9k6JvCC34BiXta2_okeXBfHdfofQDTot-nd_1ANNRyhpkoJhphzicDno_LQlr_6fW3MypntFl33s9yQw03pHXPxh/s640/IMG_2887.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
amounted to a passionate anthem of life,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3X9fiWP1zNGJRXehN05VcIZCocg_JQMIzS55peGaUeRMLOC8H4S_kxin5otx6R5LAHl0bCLC2ZT8zZTKwUjnv5f6ueSorQE_KkFBBUIp6wgQnKqbI5MJ2wwLbt0esR00b2uIw6wtW8QC0/s1600/IMG_2899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3X9fiWP1zNGJRXehN05VcIZCocg_JQMIzS55peGaUeRMLOC8H4S_kxin5otx6R5LAHl0bCLC2ZT8zZTKwUjnv5f6ueSorQE_KkFBBUIp6wgQnKqbI5MJ2wwLbt0esR00b2uIw6wtW8QC0/s640/IMG_2899.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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ecstatic echoes reverberating in our ears,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV09WaVlca9ujz2_HXxoRQ9yK2rXESEG3lT_x_xiQQ9BAq8OhxLcO2iA666iJacho0yR9sxvKLmYdvleI3RORjOyzBA8AW-tqWzL_zcruN5rY_laQDp5i2BcvUHLnPMwyUdyAdWRaUwG2t/s1600/IMG_2905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV09WaVlca9ujz2_HXxoRQ9yK2rXESEG3lT_x_xiQQ9BAq8OhxLcO2iA666iJacho0yR9sxvKLmYdvleI3RORjOyzBA8AW-tqWzL_zcruN5rY_laQDp5i2BcvUHLnPMwyUdyAdWRaUwG2t/s640/IMG_2905.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
as dozens of ardent males, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in and around the waterhole,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
eagerly advertised their availability</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZxA0YsHxdTkGm3tacxkKa7dy6k_aDN8GKvIXEUh3rJQmBQeI3x_crlgWAQARGSe15wvKcsKGq4Wajc1NMizA27ZcTGv0uT4GzDz1BmrKcfcflBVNA6ZYgHuawyqxlLiBmMCtE6Oru7Pg/s1600/IMG_2910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZxA0YsHxdTkGm3tacxkKa7dy6k_aDN8GKvIXEUh3rJQmBQeI3x_crlgWAQARGSe15wvKcsKGq4Wajc1NMizA27ZcTGv0uT4GzDz1BmrKcfcflBVNA6ZYgHuawyqxlLiBmMCtE6Oru7Pg/s640/IMG_2910.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
to swim with a willing mate in this impassioned dance of life. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuMi9VB2w9c-T60_8oFlLJsMw6KtW4ocr3gJQCEBU0m_B3oY1TUR2qcyyk8thv3dIcAYmTDqp0Q8-FVZWJTZjb-7r9bAruUA4bAXTRjANpgpKViBR5U2Ieblvodc7bi4vJz8DaFAmGldx/s1600/IMG_2919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuMi9VB2w9c-T60_8oFlLJsMw6KtW4ocr3gJQCEBU0m_B3oY1TUR2qcyyk8thv3dIcAYmTDqp0Q8-FVZWJTZjb-7r9bAruUA4bAXTRjANpgpKViBR5U2Ieblvodc7bi4vJz8DaFAmGldx/s640/IMG_2919.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A rendezvous in the rain, </div>
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insuring the future of their tribe for a few moons more;</div>
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another generation born of seed sown in the life-giving waters from heaven.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifPJGBrvhsLBNRQPdWIPhfYgksWFAPobX8BtFwKKGBehcpuv7kFMEQMAWqO-CWWK4UG_g-4UQ2Wk9AkhPpe2-0Sl4CBMyIUFjq3K0eEkrRhii9jWj2Eu_hVPrCjfOYwNgBn9ExBzmwtRq/s1600/IMG_2936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifPJGBrvhsLBNRQPdWIPhfYgksWFAPobX8BtFwKKGBehcpuv7kFMEQMAWqO-CWWK4UG_g-4UQ2Wk9AkhPpe2-0Sl4CBMyIUFjq3K0eEkrRhii9jWj2Eu_hVPrCjfOYwNgBn9ExBzmwtRq/s640/IMG_2936.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Embryos forming in an ephemeral pool, </div>
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free of fish and other pond-dwelling predators;</div>
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tadpoles maturing, quickly, </div>
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before the waters vanish, and young frogs with them.</div>
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North Carolina's amphibians, like those around the world, have declined precipitously in recent years, primarily due to habitat loss and degradation, which in turn make them more susceptible to disease. Because of their unique dependence on both the aquatic and terrestrial environments for survival, frogs are extremely sensitive to environmental degradation.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Even now, when we pull the string on that old Woody doll, the urgency in his voice is clear,</div>
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"Somebody's poisoned the waterhole!" </div>
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<br /></div>
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We humans have always shared the amphibians' dependence on life-giving water, </div>
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and in the face of their continuing rapid declines, </div>
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perhaps we'd be wise to listen to the frogs... </div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thanks to Hunter for sharing his frog photos for this post.</span></b></i></div>
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hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-58697494205363927352016-04-29T18:12:00.000-07:002016-04-29T18:12:02.544-07:00Scarlet Kingsnake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fantastical beasts abound in the wilds of Carolina, </div>
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but you must venture outside to find them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYtD-GzVyr8yO63qxx4h3EBVzqEMwfhLMQ-TQGJyJ83tq0Q19hkk6PT2ztRhKrUMFewCy1XW0SddnV12JABpIpWXcrnPIQ1gufmCIlko7ZmKk30eYG5bK0NHK7fdIzfIjstOEA-PEg2km/s1600/IMG_2489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYtD-GzVyr8yO63qxx4h3EBVzqEMwfhLMQ-TQGJyJ83tq0Q19hkk6PT2ztRhKrUMFewCy1XW0SddnV12JABpIpWXcrnPIQ1gufmCIlko7ZmKk30eYG5bK0NHK7fdIzfIjstOEA-PEg2km/s640/IMG_2489.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
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Outrageously patterned creatures of colors galorious,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCY7XwnA40ywWBMHPryTcjN0b3tUt5yS_vTEgHoEmvZHcXEUmW7A5TRxcP0UiILdGuzrqhh9g4feZSbulllhuKKVZ-cyvF_hZFO7bpVrJvqQQzCmirFaHNOag2v_2Phg1TVLo73zGRM90M/s1600/IMG_2493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCY7XwnA40ywWBMHPryTcjN0b3tUt5yS_vTEgHoEmvZHcXEUmW7A5TRxcP0UiILdGuzrqhh9g4feZSbulllhuKKVZ-cyvF_hZFO7bpVrJvqQQzCmirFaHNOag2v_2Phg1TVLo73zGRM90M/s640/IMG_2493.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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defying belief,<br />
<br />
even while restoring it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmSoHEHmhwREFumEDfYI7S8owtdF5SY-m5kef3BIWJSirO-qZrAiMxObieeEigLpXadif-LGY8ZSScfVbdOHSnKJaD1xwMrwl29tZ5p_4z5LcgiTufO2paWPP9wiq1l-xYP2XsLh85ZxP/s1600/IMG_2499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmSoHEHmhwREFumEDfYI7S8owtdF5SY-m5kef3BIWJSirO-qZrAiMxObieeEigLpXadif-LGY8ZSScfVbdOHSnKJaD1xwMrwl29tZ5p_4z5LcgiTufO2paWPP9wiq1l-xYP2XsLh85ZxP/s640/IMG_2499.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes, there are countless fantabulous creepers and crawlers<br />
more amazing than our minds could ever conjure;<br />
<br />
living right where they've always lived...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pAggL1iGzvpPrxRh1BLoodGtWaQCoAQBIvFS9Z3859TBPGILbGll1K_Ggn2LSdUDpeo_YZ8LE_8fQUGGns98dQYaw3H2tD5n9hg-GzF_3ULxT7I9J2PhWVja31eqc67PH3RZTYmyMp_E/s1600/IMG_2544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pAggL1iGzvpPrxRh1BLoodGtWaQCoAQBIvFS9Z3859TBPGILbGll1K_Ggn2LSdUDpeo_YZ8LE_8fQUGGns98dQYaw3H2tD5n9hg-GzF_3ULxT7I9J2PhWVja31eqc67PH3RZTYmyMp_E/s640/IMG_2544.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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but you won't find them under the couch or behind the TV;<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxHoShIqTLhUjxsXgy7KjMUOZPy1CbDc-gi7D8-KQ_o2vZI54RRzmrM-XxgqAzQqkl-Upa7WM8ajxAKA4yLMze90ATDt0nX5n3ajByxkUZcxDWH5uvwACIqtl2O4BjZoGYLIu-cysYjQa/s1600/IMG_2550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxHoShIqTLhUjxsXgy7KjMUOZPy1CbDc-gi7D8-KQ_o2vZI54RRzmrM-XxgqAzQqkl-Upa7WM8ajxAKA4yLMze90ATDt0nX5n3ajByxkUZcxDWH5uvwACIqtl2O4BjZoGYLIu-cysYjQa/s640/IMG_2550.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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No, not there.<br />
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For surreal as they seem,<br />
these neighbors of ours can only be found<br />
in the world of the really real, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Z2I6RZXKoKj19_On8UU5EAm1caEUE08AVptZyB3iSMH9TaEFCMT886BpNj9zAtsq4QxLyccT6vX65jWDudoytvS0VohULb0JxUZpKeW-oE0KUWkaU4MNDzP215QZoSGy_LUJGL-8MutW/s1600/IMG_2577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Z2I6RZXKoKj19_On8UU5EAm1caEUE08AVptZyB3iSMH9TaEFCMT886BpNj9zAtsq4QxLyccT6vX65jWDudoytvS0VohULb0JxUZpKeW-oE0KUWkaU4MNDzP215QZoSGy_LUJGL-8MutW/s640/IMG_2577.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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down on the ground beneath the pines and the oaks and the hickories,<br />
among the moss and the straw and the cones,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPUBNf7j1Tv3GnJhvUjZZsPcbCX7GVPZ4Lb578SPC8laVz1d2rB7OX0NBggpG4gbCxFGlaJwQLmoLn359mSGfXJWlJkVzIbn90Mhtm1tqarOCNsARxS1YicwfDlbio-3XqD8iiLD0v3W2/s1600/IMG_2584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPUBNf7j1Tv3GnJhvUjZZsPcbCX7GVPZ4Lb578SPC8laVz1d2rB7OX0NBggpG4gbCxFGlaJwQLmoLn359mSGfXJWlJkVzIbn90Mhtm1tqarOCNsARxS1YicwfDlbio-3XqD8iiLD0v3W2/s640/IMG_2584.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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and the pathway to that realm begins<br />
just beyond your door!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rlfEQkOtKTPRNk9kilVg0AUdNJhiZkcUOyWGGobCuadMt-Q01T_yypEkIrgdVB1SiWbw7051ZwZiefj-KfewjtzslHuvMsotjB1lvZedHRoPIAJQhAv7myjrvqsLeq3RaNGa2zZe4KtH/s1600/IMG_2588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rlfEQkOtKTPRNk9kilVg0AUdNJhiZkcUOyWGGobCuadMt-Q01T_yypEkIrgdVB1SiWbw7051ZwZiefj-KfewjtzslHuvMsotjB1lvZedHRoPIAJQhAv7myjrvqsLeq3RaNGa2zZe4KtH/s640/IMG_2588.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Scarlet Kingsnake<br />
<i>Lampropeltis elapsoides</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Hyberbole aside, an encounter with this remarkable animal is a rare and exciting treat for the dedicated naturalist or the casual observer. Even folks who routinely work in the woods often go a lifetime without a single encounter, so we're mighty thankful to have had the opportunity to meet one in person and share the experience through lens and pen.<br />
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The striking pattern of red, white(or yellow), and black stripes exhibited by the Scarlet Kingsnake is an excellent example of the phenomenon of Batesian mimicry in which a harmless animal shares an ecological niche with a venomous or poisonous animal and has evolved an appearance similar to the harmful animal, resulting in protection from a shared predator.<br />
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In this instance, the scarlet kingsnake strongly resembles the highly venomous eastern coral snake, whose habits and habitat it shares in southeastern North Carolina. The banding pattern is different enough to allow the careful observer to reliably distinguish between the two, however, and the difference has been incorporated in several memorable rhymes, along the lines of<br />
"Red touch yellow, kill a fellow; Red touch black, friend of Jack."<br />
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Interestingly enough, both snakes share their habitat with another harmless mimic, the scarlet snake, which is almost identical to the scarlet kingsnake except that its belly is solid white or pale yellow, while the kingsnake's banded pattern continues onto its underside.<br />
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Our native reptiles should be quite active from now until late fall,<br />
so stay tuned for more encounters!<br />
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hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-88039331480136442172016-04-28T18:47:00.004-07:002016-04-28T18:47:42.283-07:00Sanford Shorebirds - Kill-deer!!! Kill-deer!!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we're lucky enough to slip down to the coast for a few days, </div>
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we love a leisurely stroll on the beach with the shorebirds. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivja0oOqE1U-1XuIQkfiNrVkU4BMCjG0h6YuqMFDgnUrASnZtZrUHaUaRFU_OY_mfqSDqRi2r5XRILSq3CcfQJPC0ldPs0k96GhmJBpNIMnsVat4WVOkbd8J9V3D8a4OQw7iVCNOXPLQ0d/s1600/IMG_6598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivja0oOqE1U-1XuIQkfiNrVkU4BMCjG0h6YuqMFDgnUrASnZtZrUHaUaRFU_OY_mfqSDqRi2r5XRILSq3CcfQJPC0ldPs0k96GhmJBpNIMnsVat4WVOkbd8J9V3D8a4OQw7iVCNOXPLQ0d/s640/IMG_6598.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With cool names like sandpiper, sanderling, willet and oystercatcher, </div>
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and equally intriguing bills and plumage and calls, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWfaV-L69HwByStZHsHMFHiJ4pAnZ1_pOe-dA2s_oFQ4atb4ezi2_le8vwJZg7Ph6hjHIRxOpwBImmeoJZCETDRjcjAhPTMK6NgCkYcVGVFnIXxjVn_bd82W91Qkdwf5dvEQQmoHdD9G8/s1600/IMG_6599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWfaV-L69HwByStZHsHMFHiJ4pAnZ1_pOe-dA2s_oFQ4atb4ezi2_le8vwJZg7Ph6hjHIRxOpwBImmeoJZCETDRjcjAhPTMK6NgCkYcVGVFnIXxjVn_bd82W91Qkdwf5dvEQQmoHdD9G8/s640/IMG_6599.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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shorebirds offer even the most casual observer a bounty of fascinating </div>
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physical characteristics and behaviors to ponder and appreciate.</div>
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Among our favorite shorebirds are the plovers </div>
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(may rhyme with lovers or clovers, depending upon your mood);</div>
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and our favorite plover is the ubiquitous killdeer, </div>
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<i>Charadrius vociferous. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUBldK21Zdwk8qyy5muFFoIVgAL-uDcEfTnrkvMrFI3pCfTtnhh_vr97BYiS2W8d8BlJWE7rKc2TYL5luww4p1aeXguzFPrakewDP-9P6ROei7J2rzT8l8ksfQ_1K6fDPnub9L7AuhYQm/s1600/IMG_6600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUBldK21Zdwk8qyy5muFFoIVgAL-uDcEfTnrkvMrFI3pCfTtnhh_vr97BYiS2W8d8BlJWE7rKc2TYL5luww4p1aeXguzFPrakewDP-9P6ROei7J2rzT8l8ksfQ_1K6fDPnub9L7AuhYQm/s640/IMG_6600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The killdeer is a prototypical shorebird by almost any measure, </div>
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but we love the fact that it is quite common right here in Sanford, </div>
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a hundred miles or more from the nearest seashore!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wrAe26rr0ceGlDmur8AbpAga-UuHGDFSyapowCtUdc5Afzwq-d9pLKeHnqtZ2H2hdkJYH7dVWw9r5bzPY2RIyiqwu7H20eHMcQUOdZloHrAZtOcNEk4lSH885k_8vN4YJSnld4P_XicP/s1600/IMG_6601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wrAe26rr0ceGlDmur8AbpAga-UuHGDFSyapowCtUdc5Afzwq-d9pLKeHnqtZ2H2hdkJYH7dVWw9r5bzPY2RIyiqwu7H20eHMcQUOdZloHrAZtOcNEk4lSH885k_8vN4YJSnld4P_XicP/s640/IMG_6601.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like the whip-poor-will and chuck-wills-widow, the killdeer name is onomatopoeic, </div>
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as anyone who's ever heard the shrill and repeating "Kill-deeeer" or "Kill-deeee" on a late spring afternoon can attest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKvsmGg1dM4_mb3-3RpS4GeOvFRRSbdLSr5MLg3Z0PlUC9UFkJ7IyOnEws4W619GjfmTgPlQ1g1iU5VZq0KDw8GAL2LPplVKFI5IxIh8MNiE28MAY-pZKv2Pd6x06UwRh5O5OGwORUdkx/s1600/IMG_6602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKvsmGg1dM4_mb3-3RpS4GeOvFRRSbdLSr5MLg3Z0PlUC9UFkJ7IyOnEws4W619GjfmTgPlQ1g1iU5VZq0KDw8GAL2LPplVKFI5IxIh8MNiE28MAY-pZKv2Pd6x06UwRh5O5OGwORUdkx/s640/IMG_6602.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were not surprised when we heard the familiar piercing call during a recent stroll through </div>
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Historic Downtown Sanford, and we quickly spotted the caller wheeling swiftly overhead. </div>
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Seconds later, its mate began to vocalize from the gravel railroad bed, </div>
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just a few short yards from where we stood.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-iRzegqoVrjPLkzFimJ8Yi3gZo6-LwpWcSaB5Y5ay-XOSOp9r_zAR8r_4baUjKVapKNgHw9gD4LJJ32BM6IrNgnc3G6EO3KWlFTKKWSU34BYhEiGy5S__0v706gywQ-VlYAjiLUwxaeF/s1600/IMG_6603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-iRzegqoVrjPLkzFimJ8Yi3gZo6-LwpWcSaB5Y5ay-XOSOp9r_zAR8r_4baUjKVapKNgHw9gD4LJJ32BM6IrNgnc3G6EO3KWlFTKKWSU34BYhEiGy5S__0v706gywQ-VlYAjiLUwxaeF/s640/IMG_6603.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
And then the show began in earnest...</div>
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The ingenious bird feigned injury, dropping one wing to the ground </div>
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and dragging it helplessly as it hobbled and fluttered slowly down the tracks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlsQSRHml_aaOx9fI99s-69LrSVqYWG6OUJRBh9uZ0UbgiCry-tktbfcoH7akbQGc66ZJDm9bBkX08p1OGPQSrek5y3OUsFbfO3rnW_Ke1ZGTjTRbGBa_prnV0lFsz_8CJO_MyTlJsI-M/s1600/IMG_6605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlsQSRHml_aaOx9fI99s-69LrSVqYWG6OUJRBh9uZ0UbgiCry-tktbfcoH7akbQGc66ZJDm9bBkX08p1OGPQSrek5y3OUsFbfO3rnW_Ke1ZGTjTRbGBa_prnV0lFsz_8CJO_MyTlJsI-M/s640/IMG_6605.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was immediately clear that the bird was luring us away from its precious nest, </div>
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and we froze lest we inadvertently trample it. </div>
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Here is the terrain that confronted us...</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHLi4m_YD0gGSHvfn0aCHd8zH62wsVQlmjf5ZM1Ewx1vdUNr85md0uD3sZbBPiWWIoofMzcNViyjI6BCY-EiXv2bKJYcAJC6_ISosNfVx9RJnVQM7t-ehCHWoFRzI1lS6S8Q-yRGUD075/s1600/IMG_6678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHLi4m_YD0gGSHvfn0aCHd8zH62wsVQlmjf5ZM1Ewx1vdUNr85md0uD3sZbBPiWWIoofMzcNViyjI6BCY-EiXv2bKJYcAJC6_ISosNfVx9RJnVQM7t-ehCHWoFRzI1lS6S8Q-yRGUD075/s640/IMG_6678.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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and here from a different angle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5PVDefSra-XhMWO6g6Y5t-Bnk9_or0Yo2jRXAz2cO9rUASVIYXOCsQ0HQQufxeS3XXnJjpITQWa2CPb6BNRh2fBzcMopVZiSRvWRmugSE1M5SLZKFM5pk_ywBKeSIMXehwd2kobFb8g0/s1600/IMG_6679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5PVDefSra-XhMWO6g6Y5t-Bnk9_or0Yo2jRXAz2cO9rUASVIYXOCsQ0HQQufxeS3XXnJjpITQWa2CPb6BNRh2fBzcMopVZiSRvWRmugSE1M5SLZKFM5pk_ywBKeSIMXehwd2kobFb8g0/s640/IMG_6679.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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After several anxious moments, </div>
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distress calls echoing from the nearby walls,</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtAGE6Qic8A2ZXyjggI9SC5cEA702b0Rv5OUXggVHrlUBqLsWlIBcd5RowH8XVsxWxV7U_CiTEXNFDlGykFFm541ririOsX_Uqnr0gSzmHsevClmhZAormWihtni6kuz9EeZXGndnvYfi/s1600/IMG_6680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtAGE6Qic8A2ZXyjggI9SC5cEA702b0Rv5OUXggVHrlUBqLsWlIBcd5RowH8XVsxWxV7U_CiTEXNFDlGykFFm541ririOsX_Uqnr0gSzmHsevClmhZAormWihtni6kuz9EeZXGndnvYfi/s640/IMG_6680.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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our straining eyes resolved the puzzle, and cleared the way for our escape.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0qJEytSMibKzg9SXkHYC3t2Zl_n8H63UuE8bN25OuN5uTJyGOtaVdDqt5bBm5S7K0FXwRE5jsubmzup21xvzV2jUNK_JeypN_wlsc3cOqIlohunCSIm9sCfr7XywP_CP_pvQevnFykB_/s1600/IMG_6671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0qJEytSMibKzg9SXkHYC3t2Zl_n8H63UuE8bN25OuN5uTJyGOtaVdDqt5bBm5S7K0FXwRE5jsubmzup21xvzV2jUNK_JeypN_wlsc3cOqIlohunCSIm9sCfr7XywP_CP_pvQevnFykB_/s640/IMG_6671.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, Sanford has some shorebirds.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beautiful, passionate, clamorous birds.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Clever, resourceful, amorous birds.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And if tonight's adventure is any indication, </div>
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they'll be around for a good long time,</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BAjowKSv7hE2WTyBjT7j1k9r9c-Yn4U58pyQF948N6__yj4IUPGbAO5jESB05LVHwm3IFj51Yd9wjB18HYYv4r-85j3DzR7rKBjDcYsjun9C1O_KmYUcA4jXa_VyDYu1rBTERI41mr0X/s1600/IMG_6682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BAjowKSv7hE2WTyBjT7j1k9r9c-Yn4U58pyQF948N6__yj4IUPGbAO5jESB05LVHwm3IFj51Yd9wjB18HYYv4r-85j3DzR7rKBjDcYsjun9C1O_KmYUcA4jXa_VyDYu1rBTERI41mr0X/s640/IMG_6682.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
here on Sanford's rocky shores...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kill-Deeeer! Kill-Deeeeer!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><b>Thanks to Julie for sharing her fabulous photos!</b></i></div>
hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-7448345194888775812016-04-28T15:04:00.001-07:002016-04-28T15:04:44.988-07:00Yellow Bladderwort a.k.a. Golden-Crowned Flesh-Eating Water-Walker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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The sudden April shower is light, but steady,<br />
tickling the surface just enough to muddle our reflection<br />
as we peer out at the fascinating flotilla of flora before us...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwq9HSxKUpYhUz32afV3aHBX76VaigLMxaTo9Z0q402pHw3ES9I_GqaMfdI6o1aeaQW6sG6GoY4JlESR3yP8UlWJP3S_93_vPW9mJKDCBwAHFXd83y00m1lGyxBtmUPYTRJhp-Hp4GATU/s1600/IMG_0468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwq9HSxKUpYhUz32afV3aHBX76VaigLMxaTo9Z0q402pHw3ES9I_GqaMfdI6o1aeaQW6sG6GoY4JlESR3yP8UlWJP3S_93_vPW9mJKDCBwAHFXd83y00m1lGyxBtmUPYTRJhp-Hp4GATU/s640/IMG_0468.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
stalks mostly erect, some drooping just a bit beneath the accumulated weight<br />
of the raindrops on their shapely golden blossoms, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1lU7uC6XyxJSxAhty2Usab3ewEtKQpDgsWwHYenFaruKhF8teriVlFmO83Qeh9y5x9_lXPIvbzcR7lLLNFhV1Zes0evxJIIwjiEb3XUxnYvyaRyJ-jRw1XMm_utWiN1txyavyBgnd_SE/s1600/IMG_0470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1lU7uC6XyxJSxAhty2Usab3ewEtKQpDgsWwHYenFaruKhF8teriVlFmO83Qeh9y5x9_lXPIvbzcR7lLLNFhV1Zes0evxJIIwjiEb3XUxnYvyaRyJ-jRw1XMm_utWiN1txyavyBgnd_SE/s640/IMG_0470.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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we think we've seen these remarkable creatures once before, </div>
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farther east, </div>
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sharing the domain of other carnivorous plants like the venus flytrap and sundew.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZ4rgsJN_YWPJ4Mp5wmI7ZeIHSqyBTRIeDIROkjjiRQ5sz7_l0dt_RN8_bBhAJoP3Vx0rn5_0Hz0Tq8spYWeg1HE9jojlkjVpj52LgKXC1CW8D2ByVRmpC3oarkcjqC-kWd4OH8PvNSwW/s1600/IMG_0496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZ4rgsJN_YWPJ4Mp5wmI7ZeIHSqyBTRIeDIROkjjiRQ5sz7_l0dt_RN8_bBhAJoP3Vx0rn5_0Hz0Tq8spYWeg1HE9jojlkjVpj52LgKXC1CW8D2ByVRmpC3oarkcjqC-kWd4OH8PvNSwW/s640/IMG_0496.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
If we are correct, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then these are a species of bladderwort, </div>
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carnivorous plants which utilize miniature bladder-like organs on their "roots" </div>
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to engulf tiny arthropods and extract nutrients land-dwelling plants might obtain from the soil.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qaEFjUQPV62SBtaz39kswb7i3_8JWTcPuoP1t7MSPheXS7sI5gsAArZe7B4DDRDoJ_S_2rJ5DRnQecxWCxhyphenhyphenSb5Z818TqyyGGd3x5ScFGdLBR-OWDvIDKwtPRYePXZZo_1ZMGeumDlb8/s1600/IMG_0485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qaEFjUQPV62SBtaz39kswb7i3_8JWTcPuoP1t7MSPheXS7sI5gsAArZe7B4DDRDoJ_S_2rJ5DRnQecxWCxhyphenhyphenSb5Z818TqyyGGd3x5ScFGdLBR-OWDvIDKwtPRYePXZZo_1ZMGeumDlb8/s640/IMG_0485.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
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Interestingly,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the nearly dry trickle of a stream just behind the beaver dam,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a few dozen hardy souls are mimicking their terrestrial kin,</div>
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modified basal rosette of "leaves" resting directly on the saturated soil.</div>
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While out on the pond, </div>
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the rest of the colony seems to revel in their collective uniqueness,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4o9DDunE5LndzuQ2nQoJruAU0xpqd1fROBcI4ZMh07H2Bj56m6d1V_9P-1Wwn19ROfrssiJxIh9cV7A-Nee1pA_KolByVX7FF_p-vCFOr5HogOxs9VzHIQYqP8ggoSIJD63_JNeZYy6v/s1600/IMG_0504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4o9DDunE5LndzuQ2nQoJruAU0xpqd1fROBcI4ZMh07H2Bj56m6d1V_9P-1Wwn19ROfrssiJxIh9cV7A-Nee1pA_KolByVX7FF_p-vCFOr5HogOxs9VzHIQYqP8ggoSIJD63_JNeZYy6v/s640/IMG_0504.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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perched solidly near the pond's liquid surface,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZLFpl7QA81F04KWhMmRJK_DzLHtl_47cOvGxI0hgZTXtI7ncXV7pZIsS1yGF5Vdxdoth50mUMUJ2X30068jfuaCI_nrufZ9sA7x0AuMGg-o7uQePtrG4aWo_tZRgTX0mE8h-LI0SPBhU/s1600/IMG_0508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZLFpl7QA81F04KWhMmRJK_DzLHtl_47cOvGxI0hgZTXtI7ncXV7pZIsS1yGF5Vdxdoth50mUMUJ2X30068jfuaCI_nrufZ9sA7x0AuMGg-o7uQePtrG4aWo_tZRgTX0mE8h-LI0SPBhU/s640/IMG_0508.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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blissfully unaware of the oddity of their appearance</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBc0_5uWNJUz_XgD-qyfJqMRoe1gKHsurAYiujKoQJ__PufFsLtJpQc8MsCkPeAraCrbDqxty99XrQOtSVhj8nACjZ1w-Sme5DhcQndsq5nqi03fwuQLZBS_GEfKXXvq8UDEOJh9vDXuT5/s1600/IMG_0461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBc0_5uWNJUz_XgD-qyfJqMRoe1gKHsurAYiujKoQJ__PufFsLtJpQc8MsCkPeAraCrbDqxty99XrQOtSVhj8nACjZ1w-Sme5DhcQndsq5nqi03fwuQLZBS_GEfKXXvq8UDEOJh9vDXuT5/s640/IMG_0461.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the eyes of their now sodden earthbound observers, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
absorbed as we are in our watching </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of these golden-crowned flesh-eating water walkers.</div>
hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-43748685052095108362016-04-24T07:07:00.005-07:002016-04-24T08:17:59.173-07:00The Bivouac and the Bard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A walk along the woods edge in April is a wonderful experience for the wanderer. </div>
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Spring has transformed winter's dreary tangle of bare vines and branches into a marvelous mosaic of myriad leaf shapes and sizes in almost every shade of green, setting the stage for nature's next act. </div>
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Dominating this scene are the vines, </div>
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tendrils clinging, shoots advancing,</div>
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climbing, clawing, clambering,</div>
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sunlight drawing them nigh,</div>
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where buds erupt and blossoms open and pollinators abide!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KfwDrx-_ctl0UKEKG8hG4tfzexLv9EMe_5gXEzZ43NhIjKqkTtd0hDZACHrDVOHp2g5WQx7X2D7xlhtZZ8QUFLcdc6eL-JED5visqvLqoVDoyYh_COVQMxDnKRpVv0mxp0PB4aTYYkh_/s1600/DSCN3362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KfwDrx-_ctl0UKEKG8hG4tfzexLv9EMe_5gXEzZ43NhIjKqkTtd0hDZACHrDVOHp2g5WQx7X2D7xlhtZZ8QUFLcdc6eL-JED5visqvLqoVDoyYh_COVQMxDnKRpVv0mxp0PB4aTYYkh_/s640/DSCN3362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, Pollinators! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sweat bees and bumblebees and carpenter bees and wasps and the humble honeybee...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jtRUk-B_jX9VIBrzcs2_fGm_tIP3Gy3jT1tdFVJ8rQCHTs-X6SZSmSLvrAdgdZvURMK7BQ5KhJCFophAEUcFDmZRHH-S2drIK9yot8HgXlJnfqUhZ6eG7ta5ANzAjjcOORjbM_b-O-ZF/s1600/DSCN3374+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jtRUk-B_jX9VIBrzcs2_fGm_tIP3Gy3jT1tdFVJ8rQCHTs-X6SZSmSLvrAdgdZvURMK7BQ5KhJCFophAEUcFDmZRHH-S2drIK9yot8HgXlJnfqUhZ6eG7ta5ANzAjjcOORjbM_b-O-ZF/s640/DSCN3374+-+Version+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Without the bees, there are no fruit. </div>
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And without the fruit, there are no seeds. </div>
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And without the seeds, there are no plants.</div>
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And without the plants, there are no woods' edges to wander...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7oqJCgWAB6XKSYPoLF9zrTvUArW_Km-7nTECm26jBLperXejs6QMdrS_VSnPjxFVgBzpLV-bQ9OIenZjr9_MhL7B7ZAkUTbASPEwR43MjzHPTEs8FXS_LNDkhnItUvC6e-0urkIT6uqq/s1600/DSCN3374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7oqJCgWAB6XKSYPoLF9zrTvUArW_Km-7nTECm26jBLperXejs6QMdrS_VSnPjxFVgBzpLV-bQ9OIenZjr9_MhL7B7ZAkUTbASPEwR43MjzHPTEs8FXS_LNDkhnItUvC6e-0urkIT6uqq/s640/DSCN3374.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And with no woods' edges to wander, there are no wanderers.</div>
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Today, along this woods edge, </div>
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the bees and wanderers are one. </div>
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A rare and precious sight, this bivouac of bees.</div>
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Wandering in search of a proper hive, </div>
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scouts on the move, </div>
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the queen and her thousands of followers awaiting their consensus before settling anew.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIIMxKHuIr3J9diRfz4Rd7jfcf75WC8oLI91GI9betRec0Vqj-upUjTNJjdSIDmNbGfqJXP-fvZVD9RU92mp-WR_KukRx_AF-SYVF2_R8Q3Hg8louy7hyvDD1OZmgqlJANMEx5QBcgyGs/s1600/DSCN3379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIIMxKHuIr3J9diRfz4Rd7jfcf75WC8oLI91GI9betRec0Vqj-upUjTNJjdSIDmNbGfqJXP-fvZVD9RU92mp-WR_KukRx_AF-SYVF2_R8Q3Hg8louy7hyvDD1OZmgqlJANMEx5QBcgyGs/s640/DSCN3379.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
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This year, with the wanderers' help,</div>
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there will be blackberries and muscadines aplenty on the edge of the wood. </div>
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Next year and the next and the next?</div>
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That depends.</div>
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Perhaps the Bard posed The Question best, some four centuries back,</div>
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"To bee, or not to be..."</div>
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and still we wander, </div>
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and await the answer yet.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thanks to Brother Henry for the bivouac photos!</span></b></i></div>
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hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-63250464135194853722016-04-21T17:21:00.001-07:002016-04-21T19:06:58.789-07:00"Trees for North Carolina" - Celebrating Earth Day 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Trees for the Earth" is the theme of Earth Day, 2016.</div>
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In keeping with that theme, we're reflecting on a few of the beautiful native </div>
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North Carolina trees we've encountered so far this spring.</div>
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Eastern Yellow Poplar; Tulip Tree</div>
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<i>Liriodendron tulipifera</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR542CFtoL7kFMyQ4t4pMSQWWiqhoX_9zDPKjyD9Zss5WdnrQwjj9GhCBOkmvIzTD4tOHySuL6cJWfkKeUr-88cjmO8eM9yCBGEFfsP5f8oHGHU3JYlYvfSUnxtlCgd-7wFi1BXGHMkNrl/s1600/IMG_1070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR542CFtoL7kFMyQ4t4pMSQWWiqhoX_9zDPKjyD9Zss5WdnrQwjj9GhCBOkmvIzTD4tOHySuL6cJWfkKeUr-88cjmO8eM9yCBGEFfsP5f8oHGHU3JYlYvfSUnxtlCgd-7wFi1BXGHMkNrl/s640/IMG_1070.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The tulip trees are at the height of their blooming in central Carolina right now, so this would be a great time to treat yourself to a walk in the woods and better acquaint yourself with this forest giant.</div>
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Black Cherry; Wild Cherry</div>
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<i>Prunus serotina</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RZcIeRX-hzU8fWke4rM8cEnl8DVX6_VLex4-eQljFRNtUOcpNzb-kCVubQBxpvkIklkhIfOkDUhzw3ntDaGNms89qzTW2ZBIhvnpoDPREmBqJ3CkeimN7r44oJ2_brMm2ANwCzWPl58-/s1600/IMG_1094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RZcIeRX-hzU8fWke4rM8cEnl8DVX6_VLex4-eQljFRNtUOcpNzb-kCVubQBxpvkIklkhIfOkDUhzw3ntDaGNms89qzTW2ZBIhvnpoDPREmBqJ3CkeimN7r44oJ2_brMm2ANwCzWPl58-/s640/IMG_1094.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This famous NC native is perhaps best known for its valuable reddish wood, prized for furniture-making, but we love the profusion of white blossoms in spring and sweet/tart summertime fruit of the growing trees!</div>
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Sassafras </div>
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<i>Sassafras albidum</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSTnbydyeiNki-0DN66oPLDjXyoxsozd8y7W_FXRUTj4-AQuX9oNtgxZOTKUbL2wU4-ELw1zowHzNTGZo6lADHyp0A358I6G-L32-anzmEm3r9ZSD-Gl1adBSsgZpflsb7W79XnhPPjnU/s1600/IMG_1121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSTnbydyeiNki-0DN66oPLDjXyoxsozd8y7W_FXRUTj4-AQuX9oNtgxZOTKUbL2wU4-ELw1zowHzNTGZo6lADHyp0A358I6G-L32-anzmEm3r9ZSD-Gl1adBSsgZpflsb7W79XnhPPjnU/s640/IMG_1121.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
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Sassafras has finished its blooming, and is putting forth its distinctive leaves, which appear in three different forms, often on the same tree.</div>
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Sassafras' fragrant roots and leaves have been famously utilized for root beer, file powder (the thickening agent most famous for its use in Cajun gumbos), and a wide range of other herbal concoctions, including the home-brewed sassafras tea of our childhood. Here at Hoot Owl Karma we also celebrate its role as the host plant for Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19AlUcxCb77epYHEIyMPjfHVdVTd0f0EamrzjbRY-jgQcSZ20aWGOS02HhoLi3JmVGBPyWzTezhZQAxG0-dcFdj2q0l3mhvnkLpnv4qTwblINg5_VwpuTHvp9QcE7Gjw-b7dB5iTrVGtl/s1600/IMG_1129+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19AlUcxCb77epYHEIyMPjfHVdVTd0f0EamrzjbRY-jgQcSZ20aWGOS02HhoLi3JmVGBPyWzTezhZQAxG0-dcFdj2q0l3mhvnkLpnv4qTwblINg5_VwpuTHvp9QcE7Gjw-b7dB5iTrVGtl/s640/IMG_1129+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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American Sweetgum</div>
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<i>Liquidambar styraciflua</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimy5Mu4LIRbnFlFVAa0-9ENM2gRTEtv4LF2uT9DYXPzwYl8M2ktbJh7YPv6aV0BI10FGUuBbvuOsRNCDQkRAlopM-ClLwJ-qmpl5erhJbjJfxPZ2_I2_y5yV4t3LO5zYYxWTfqfvkQOw8H/s1600/IMG_9972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimy5Mu4LIRbnFlFVAa0-9ENM2gRTEtv4LF2uT9DYXPzwYl8M2ktbJh7YPv6aV0BI10FGUuBbvuOsRNCDQkRAlopM-ClLwJ-qmpl5erhJbjJfxPZ2_I2_y5yV4t3LO5zYYxWTfqfvkQOw8H/s640/IMG_9972.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We recently devoted another post to this stalwart of the southern forest, and although the mature "gumballs" can be a bit irritating underfoot, we admire her majestic stature wherever she grows - in the city park, along the woodland trail, at the margin of the farmer's field or deep in along the banks of the Deep River. Her distinctive blossoms are things of beauty and her star-shaped leaves brighten the tree line spring, summer and fall.<br />
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Eastern Redbud</div>
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<i>Cercis canadensis</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuGioxZiGio3qW7FBf8KHzXZYb-_OQ3pzRbuqWcG4Dzo3nNcYKocSZmiiskz1g1MGVKWEwAqLTk2ODMPN7ndcSXnmYMMFtqyn9jQbVUjD8kmUAYXp28dhqrIwTFP-lwfWfYAGRKEHJXjk/s1600/IMG_0947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuGioxZiGio3qW7FBf8KHzXZYb-_OQ3pzRbuqWcG4Dzo3nNcYKocSZmiiskz1g1MGVKWEwAqLTk2ODMPN7ndcSXnmYMMFtqyn9jQbVUjD8kmUAYXp28dhqrIwTFP-lwfWfYAGRKEHJXjk/s640/IMG_0947.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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This native flowering tree lends bold and welcome color to the roadside and forest understory during the early spring, and we particularly admire its unique and unorthodox habit of setting flower buds directly on the mature trunk of the tree. How cool is that?!</div>
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Black Locust</div>
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<i>Robinia pseudoacacia</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibm9qNO-NwwQxbk0dG53vdo6QEWYOelyK5jkplMOYbCMrrenbvxl5oq1KImfLENBKEoIfgUX43PRhniE9aeCPA1eMz_L-SWmWcBDbtLkr-0ufyTbNn19MHqAvM4TZJ8li4wJ7rOrDQoRAw/s1600/IMG_1778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibm9qNO-NwwQxbk0dG53vdo6QEWYOelyK5jkplMOYbCMrrenbvxl5oq1KImfLENBKEoIfgUX43PRhniE9aeCPA1eMz_L-SWmWcBDbtLkr-0ufyTbNn19MHqAvM4TZJ8li4wJ7rOrDQoRAw/s640/IMG_1778.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Black locust's bounty of ivory blossoms are a welcome sight in April across the width and breadth of North Carolina. Native to the mountains of our state, they have become naturalized elsewhere and now brighten roadsides and waste places throughout. Black locust wood has long been used to fashion fenceposts due to its extraordinary durability and resistance to rot. </div>
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Like the redbud tree, black locust is a legume from the family Fabaceae, which becomes more apparent as their bean-like seed pods develop later in the year. </div>
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Longleaf Pine</div>
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<i>Pinus palustris</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzRY_LgwuybDtg6pL5G0e02Vkhy4cMao7xIAuIFxAG1nExM7kYVbckj7kuWii60fTrxnh_YxzhxJSumskSGuj93l0BU4bvPpRm2C7Igy3e67TwBBuRCIoL9stOJCH_VmAldJl2QWRk-uX/s1600/IMG_1988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzRY_LgwuybDtg6pL5G0e02Vkhy4cMao7xIAuIFxAG1nExM7kYVbckj7kuWii60fTrxnh_YxzhxJSumskSGuj93l0BU4bvPpRm2C7Igy3e67TwBBuRCIoL9stOJCH_VmAldJl2QWRk-uX/s640/IMG_1988.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As daylight recedes on the eve of Earth Day here in the heart of North Carolina, we encounter a stand of recently planted longleaf pines, evidence of at least one landowner's commitment to ensuring North Carolina remains "The Land of the Longleaf Pine".<br />
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So Happy Earth Day from Hoot Owl Karma;<br />
why not celebrate by planting a favorite native tree this weekend?!</div>
hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-79442725304078010072016-04-21T12:22:00.001-07:002016-04-21T12:58:28.250-07:00A Lone Luna...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On a warm spring day, the luna moth emerges from its cramped winter quarters, </div>
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a small silken cocoon, and immediately begins to "inflate" its wings. </div>
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The wings will take a few hours to fill with fluid and assume flying shape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOXM_KErZLUX7MLDn8X9bK7cxzfjzzmhPktmkU_OuRJowW8QCXTU4h9G2njgA-15y5Q_AnX84W1YJtUbCYU2rrAdOWOY18zEWY7kR_ZQeJkirrpb7EYZC0shXJvgtAK_Ch8_JpNLQ6-3A/s1600/IMG_0513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOXM_KErZLUX7MLDn8X9bK7cxzfjzzmhPktmkU_OuRJowW8QCXTU4h9G2njgA-15y5Q_AnX84W1YJtUbCYU2rrAdOWOY18zEWY7kR_ZQeJkirrpb7EYZC0shXJvgtAK_Ch8_JpNLQ6-3A/s640/IMG_0513.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Once ready for flight, there are few creatures more alluring </div>
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than this delicate denizen of darkest night.</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her grace and beauty are other-worldly,<br />
as if she were an emissary from the goddess Luna herself,<br />
drifting like a solitary moonbeam across thousands of miles of darkness<br />
to enliven our humdrum existence<br />
with a measure of mellowest moonshine.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRU7TBzvEt59TrOQPkMSRe1iNUK3P678Mmi6Kxj5ymDxy-xWbx-XuBeofqo5R1pi4Rog4XbPVC-xbtVhQPg5mwTsKVKmhNZmzTFmNV0cgxwtl3qVGU5R_TBd24OfYy0HQbDAMaXoR1fYY/s1600/IMG_0518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRU7TBzvEt59TrOQPkMSRe1iNUK3P678Mmi6Kxj5ymDxy-xWbx-XuBeofqo5R1pi4Rog4XbPVC-xbtVhQPg5mwTsKVKmhNZmzTFmNV0cgxwtl3qVGU5R_TBd24OfYy0HQbDAMaXoR1fYY/s640/IMG_0518.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Luna, like her other Saturniid kin, has no functional mouthparts;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
eating is for the caterpillars.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Her brief, brief life is for mating,<br />
or for naught...</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zC5hNRcz6BEP9CtRIgkPPo_NBLQQ7t_SqQ7Qz1t_5Qf3fk7UWAzzLcrYo2dwDXQHjotp3pLYllbXkljTns_pYP0zJmegzX8FKQTtuS7eQ-TlBdEKhuwt5bI5ZhcRF3_uETAoEVuVW8bx/s1600/IMG_0530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zC5hNRcz6BEP9CtRIgkPPo_NBLQQ7t_SqQ7Qz1t_5Qf3fk7UWAzzLcrYo2dwDXQHjotp3pLYllbXkljTns_pYP0zJmegzX8FKQTtuS7eQ-TlBdEKhuwt5bI5ZhcRF3_uETAoEVuVW8bx/s640/IMG_0530.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Not yet fully inflated, and still damp from the morning's light rain, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the diaphanous green wings will be ready by nightfall.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then,</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoBC4BTdhjZ7P3lc6I50iYyzAtt5s_7KbsqPjnjBie3XbZ5E38aRiuikLalSVNXlY2NAS9MG-EQ0x5tGZMY9yfOK_v2-a-XqogL9bKixWis2GRNif2vFqwYlAWP3YGbAN_fB5PKKmGZul/s1600/IMG_0531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoBC4BTdhjZ7P3lc6I50iYyzAtt5s_7KbsqPjnjBie3XbZ5E38aRiuikLalSVNXlY2NAS9MG-EQ0x5tGZMY9yfOK_v2-a-XqogL9bKixWis2GRNif2vFqwYlAWP3YGbAN_fB5PKKmGZul/s640/IMG_0531.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
flight,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and pheremones,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and perhaps a rendezvous...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Luna moths were almost nightly companions in the summers of our youth. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drawn to the lights in the churchyard, and at the schoolhouse ,<br />
and at the ball field and over at Beck and Dan'l's house,<br />
they swooped and flapped and danced their way into the heart and the imagination.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today their numbers are in steep decline throughout their historical range. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's hoping that tonight this lone luna does not alone remain...</div>
hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-91595871823355157102016-04-19T21:48:00.001-07:002016-04-19T21:48:32.721-07:00The Wild Iris Are Blooming - Iris verna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At long last, the scraggly old oak has given up the ghost, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the sugary white sand at its foot is almost completely obscured beneath the layer of<br />
lichen-encrusted twigs and branches brought down by the winds of March. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFWl3czgn-RAswEr_VcWkIY-UyGnct_ki4NTDz29Wq7L4GPMQTu3behYt53o8THwgmsL3fFU4kZolsHl223OQp02ruyN_6xzCWkdcexAnD5CiQF6HuPX4JSUFDn2r3VLSHLlJH_hzk9_b/s1600/IMG_2152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFWl3czgn-RAswEr_VcWkIY-UyGnct_ki4NTDz29Wq7L4GPMQTu3behYt53o8THwgmsL3fFU4kZolsHl223OQp02ruyN_6xzCWkdcexAnD5CiQF6HuPX4JSUFDn2r3VLSHLlJH_hzk9_b/s640/IMG_2152.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The same stiff breeze that brought low the limbs has gathered the brittle brown leaves of several years past, assembling a montage of earth tones and dry, crumbling textures<br />
from what was once verdant and alive.<br />
<br />
A rather desolate scene it would be,<br />
were it not for the iris...<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Iris verna.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlK-n6BRXGtFa5vybPjSkO0H0UVVOK73x5Nd2TUUu3pJen-_K5VslgfjVcpRPqmmEITHDWwt9xicerTKxf_aGGr-DAtSfkKLCR09T7BMPerEm0fL7v5J8U1pseUnrEpYFeU9CNbtiq5gx/s1600/IMG_2094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlK-n6BRXGtFa5vybPjSkO0H0UVVOK73x5Nd2TUUu3pJen-_K5VslgfjVcpRPqmmEITHDWwt9xicerTKxf_aGGr-DAtSfkKLCR09T7BMPerEm0fL7v5J8U1pseUnrEpYFeU9CNbtiq5gx/s640/IMG_2094.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Dwarf iris, Dwarf wild iris, or Violet iris;<br />
by any name you choose,<br />
you won't forget her soon,<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yyA6lTwtTRkc42zHxIJ50c_5PUNvCXpd4e9nHs4NAF0UqE1MrihTyfWd4bfvjBV22HeJo9stgoVNjFalp6_cOYznvUrbq9T11RPb8JzJBKlpgDABteqXhZXznfKq8QFLAS9khsxBixBo/s1600/IMG_2160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yyA6lTwtTRkc42zHxIJ50c_5PUNvCXpd4e9nHs4NAF0UqE1MrihTyfWd4bfvjBV22HeJo9stgoVNjFalp6_cOYznvUrbq9T11RPb8JzJBKlpgDABteqXhZXznfKq8QFLAS9khsxBixBo/s640/IMG_2160.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
and here in the poor sandy soil beneath the long leaf pine and the hickory and the old dead oak,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjkRYi45kRJMYZYRqAiN_FmuI4-p8DKSUZf5hw6-yHqkjwfBlWMPnlHGG_BposVGiBAciwm7g0rObEgYHK2tYdgpT78q-j8WnZKBgFcWlxLQ46vECai28s_eTOdb2z-BGyu_ZXj27Gmvz/s1600/IMG_2098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjkRYi45kRJMYZYRqAiN_FmuI4-p8DKSUZf5hw6-yHqkjwfBlWMPnlHGG_BposVGiBAciwm7g0rObEgYHK2tYdgpT78q-j8WnZKBgFcWlxLQ46vECai28s_eTOdb2z-BGyu_ZXj27Gmvz/s640/IMG_2098.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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it just wouldn't be Spring without her!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsCg20MNyenGO8hQDkFbbY9zictfDWBmJFBMuBqrfH8u9OETuTzJl2Gh9Rr8D3r8xVHPpxWME6gscFQgk1fbLM0V-x_-AO4c98YMaa7OAXGXNMDtaMCHMQaf7ugtGC8OrtqHXiTHwozfX/s1600/IMG_2108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsCg20MNyenGO8hQDkFbbY9zictfDWBmJFBMuBqrfH8u9OETuTzJl2Gh9Rr8D3r8xVHPpxWME6gscFQgk1fbLM0V-x_-AO4c98YMaa7OAXGXNMDtaMCHMQaf7ugtGC8OrtqHXiTHwozfX/s640/IMG_2108.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
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I can still remember the thrill I felt as a nine year old boy, </div>
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my breath catching at the first flash of purple here under the oak,</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbm0raowJIp9ZWUduIzNDITZ5r063jr3vped9cxW3A8-z7y843yJjZAlAac9jIe9pmWujIAuEh1g6oCWMgS1mlcNKUYAdpPsdM4qiiF5ctUBrTzj3LDwBjeQ6m-0Ky2IvOeZ5AsPdJUFw/s1600/IMG_2110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbm0raowJIp9ZWUduIzNDITZ5r063jr3vped9cxW3A8-z7y843yJjZAlAac9jIe9pmWujIAuEh1g6oCWMgS1mlcNKUYAdpPsdM4qiiF5ctUBrTzj3LDwBjeQ6m-0Ky2IvOeZ5AsPdJUFw/s640/IMG_2110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
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then racing up to the house to report that the wild iris were blooming, </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH4IVL8pT-HbqifWAzP5JtUbu5CGNTATrusncWPi-kROrZ4ytFCjMatncl0VPWm3RRydXsxycYK8Ecxj5yGtnJhTW3fqPRPCXSIuRnOBfZIH8ChJ-zsyKOlTrww6diXafvL89nFwpohSC/s1600/IMG_2135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH4IVL8pT-HbqifWAzP5JtUbu5CGNTATrusncWPi-kROrZ4ytFCjMatncl0VPWm3RRydXsxycYK8Ecxj5yGtnJhTW3fqPRPCXSIuRnOBfZIH8ChJ-zsyKOlTrww6diXafvL89nFwpohSC/s640/IMG_2135.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
knowing that Mama and Jim and my siblings would all be as excited as I at the annual arrival of these little woodland sprites, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tBfoqvaimVRY-uJZjxsUWcrJu_S93amLd_7BJynzWDaZV_IYNfnxP_QjN-QuqCWcy1x0EyOfUHCcEfQ6mbTvpyvRoeJwBSpWNW-Fd_KmrmxhODpSWmlJHxEpB1YvgNtgnU55n9I7yGAC/s1600/IMG_2189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tBfoqvaimVRY-uJZjxsUWcrJu_S93amLd_7BJynzWDaZV_IYNfnxP_QjN-QuqCWcy1x0EyOfUHCcEfQ6mbTvpyvRoeJwBSpWNW-Fd_KmrmxhODpSWmlJHxEpB1YvgNtgnU55n9I7yGAC/s640/IMG_2189.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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so splendidly clad in their royal hues of purple and gold.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbbezpiw2RbZrH6tCU921LK28ra9DqNYNVvRmi2Cn7qrBaqiyHzm1pToJOyx6tl21S4D4TZuQhfsODtsOAlOCERyRN5A2Vzv8o6Oo1W6p7PcT46inX4VYlhOvQctbFUN4wWn0aqGvbDEE/s1600/IMG_2194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbbezpiw2RbZrH6tCU921LK28ra9DqNYNVvRmi2Cn7qrBaqiyHzm1pToJOyx6tl21S4D4TZuQhfsODtsOAlOCERyRN5A2Vzv8o6Oo1W6p7PcT46inX4VYlhOvQctbFUN4wWn0aqGvbDEE/s640/IMG_2194.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We knew all the spots where they had been known to appear, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but this location and one other behind the house </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
among the wire grass and the turkey oaks </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
were always worth watching, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the most reliable by far. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy98yKcUL5c7K-SwHoiq-_sOEg1zSh8RXQ4_FltGbsJoAotCyaVhpOtBPuNjZ9KKTr72UOXctEfQVzRDePY7x-YD8FwpqG9nVuuTw3ZRGtmg6mQAB75j2YzIQoMDlKp-WsrQjikgh7J7dT/s1600/IMG_2212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy98yKcUL5c7K-SwHoiq-_sOEg1zSh8RXQ4_FltGbsJoAotCyaVhpOtBPuNjZ9KKTr72UOXctEfQVzRDePY7x-YD8FwpqG9nVuuTw3ZRGtmg6mQAB75j2YzIQoMDlKp-WsrQjikgh7J7dT/s640/IMG_2212.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
And for some reason, as a young boy, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I took great pride in being the first to report their arrival. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Silly, perhaps, but true.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tZU4h226a2gVgeE9a686sfGikCgr33UjUBIatS4RaDQ0Qg3datzNv16fYrMceRkwejSujau6Zvw3HfNHor9O83umlTxX7vGBYUGTXVNvAMsgSXmo2fHtUUuu8bXcS4nHcF8J8gnboG_7/s1600/IMG_2224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tZU4h226a2gVgeE9a686sfGikCgr33UjUBIatS4RaDQ0Qg3datzNv16fYrMceRkwejSujau6Zvw3HfNHor9O83umlTxX7vGBYUGTXVNvAMsgSXmo2fHtUUuu8bXcS4nHcF8J8gnboG_7/s640/IMG_2224.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I suspect now that the exhilaration of discovery was to a large degree relief;</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKbFAI6wmk3xMiYY0G9C4e-cW8V3EbDaJevlHuDEqBMdTZZH1Z3M7HEqJQjj9EguFZezCcE7JkRh-SDvTTPCigBW-pez1MU-HyTC1CvJE6K2s6TIhyvywjPtH5A6Vjd5QeMHL33-FnhCp/s1600/IMG_2226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKbFAI6wmk3xMiYY0G9C4e-cW8V3EbDaJevlHuDEqBMdTZZH1Z3M7HEqJQjj9EguFZezCcE7JkRh-SDvTTPCigBW-pez1MU-HyTC1CvJE6K2s6TIhyvywjPtH5A6Vjd5QeMHL33-FnhCp/s640/IMG_2226.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
relief </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that the busy-ness of our lives, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
even then, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some four decades ago, </div>
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had not progressed to the point that we would completely overlook </div>
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such a significant marker of Spring;</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eL2VUC4JofJB7L-TOEzbu7iilN9vgxJXW6kk5BrX-kktLV_vdCH-aAR4Alf1drv6FLaN0SqOhhv_amkOTweuzuhSqhJkxuuOqVYM-JQC5wupPC8lXFiA_prorQGOQy4yaIPKZmSOBOhy/s1600/IMG_2244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eL2VUC4JofJB7L-TOEzbu7iilN9vgxJXW6kk5BrX-kktLV_vdCH-aAR4Alf1drv6FLaN0SqOhhv_amkOTweuzuhSqhJkxuuOqVYM-JQC5wupPC8lXFiA_prorQGOQy4yaIPKZmSOBOhy/s640/IMG_2244.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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for their stay is so brief, and their arrival time so fickle,</div>
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that a single week without vigilance </div>
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could doom us to a two year wait between sightings! </div>
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I swear I felt that same old thrill on Saturday when Papa Jim called with the news...</div>
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"Jimmy," he began, </div>
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"I just drove the jeep down to the end of the yard, and the old wild iris are blooming..."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGzm-8tvrPCmCHQl7eSQY_GYWSOjleUhcG-6YwF8MskqqwP0wCTUpMJEBLL-Skiv7FJIfxJFDTnVRyCGHxwu01XUxSsLaamL_RuV79w3ihec__biaFWJjXrhw-Hpg-0VPH_dm-CwRdq-N/s1600/IMG_2269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGzm-8tvrPCmCHQl7eSQY_GYWSOjleUhcG-6YwF8MskqqwP0wCTUpMJEBLL-Skiv7FJIfxJFDTnVRyCGHxwu01XUxSsLaamL_RuV79w3ihec__biaFWJjXrhw-Hpg-0VPH_dm-CwRdq-N/s640/IMG_2269.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
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When I arrived, late Sunday afternoon, </div>
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there were thirteen</div>
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glorious wild iris blossoms </div>
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smiling from the shade of the old dead oak, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5APlBhUHub9MfIcEhZ7JXfuI5YlRDXu0YTC1rUYiOY714x4y5e4TaOAYKC44FuDNZUgcA_FwYlZ3xFyhyphenhyphenCh0l1AMbFR5IWtrHMghq8kzqFbCVpLLoASkmZCFzKZSu06DHi2NBiXPz6-mm/s1600/IMG_2282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5APlBhUHub9MfIcEhZ7JXfuI5YlRDXu0YTC1rUYiOY714x4y5e4TaOAYKC44FuDNZUgcA_FwYlZ3xFyhyphenhyphenCh0l1AMbFR5IWtrHMghq8kzqFbCVpLLoASkmZCFzKZSu06DHi2NBiXPz6-mm/s640/IMG_2282.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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and as I knelt stiff-kneed in the sand,</div>
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my little-boy heart sang out,</div>
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"The Wild Iris are blooming!"</div>
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<br />hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-22953191164358509562016-04-18T17:52:00.001-07:002016-04-18T17:58:23.540-07:00Spring in the Jungle...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The nest is made, and the eggs are laid,</div>
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but now the brood is hungry...</div>
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Loggerhead shrike peers intently from its perch in the maple, </div>
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ready to pounce at the slightest sign of prey in the field below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREJ6Op_q8LKPMrDzG_G3i4ngoVGUmmz2fDbMZh8WDPZqEk1Bmocfk5SJ8-2H344GYAPUzgQqIrtQsps44Vc9motLN49LCWdKNhyBFvq0pw1pZiKRO1lahMbc-UaD-z97n0zdc4c7UCjCO/s1600/IMG_1557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREJ6Op_q8LKPMrDzG_G3i4ngoVGUmmz2fDbMZh8WDPZqEk1Bmocfk5SJ8-2H344GYAPUzgQqIrtQsps44Vc9motLN49LCWdKNhyBFvq0pw1pZiKRO1lahMbc-UaD-z97n0zdc4c7UCjCO/s640/IMG_1557.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gone are the lazy days of winter, </div>
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with merely one mouth to feed, </div>
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or a shrub or two to defend from your rival. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Hds8R4TrjIZylATO35_p9t4g6rWNEzlB2DMPlQ4mPvJsLDp2aGVxQyFlKrrP68gBK2DdEPr4ot7nKcdOlP_XVacjGVagfd8T_Ve7u-V-isXE-RLQr2WIegVqQsdWlkYxaHUnY5KSfC0X/s1600/IMG_1565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Hds8R4TrjIZylATO35_p9t4g6rWNEzlB2DMPlQ4mPvJsLDp2aGVxQyFlKrrP68gBK2DdEPr4ot7nKcdOlP_XVacjGVagfd8T_Ve7u-V-isXE-RLQr2WIegVqQsdWlkYxaHUnY5KSfC0X/s640/IMG_1565.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now has begun the life or death business of feeding the family.</div>
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Northern mockingbird is on the hunt as well, </div>
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perched atop a nearby bush,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQBHn5Nd2nM6RBAzgAgrIs8XqHfSdRUXt490gT1N2UVhDx7nYI1ixXbXdWg1HjCxqRf9y9lEKam_aGj2Ek2rHfv1pCg-IoYjHqTXI9RreQt_VA-nJHYxvemaj2VEPIL06RqVU6TbHDW8G/s1600/IMG_1598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQBHn5Nd2nM6RBAzgAgrIs8XqHfSdRUXt490gT1N2UVhDx7nYI1ixXbXdWg1HjCxqRf9y9lEKam_aGj2Ek2rHfv1pCg-IoYjHqTXI9RreQt_VA-nJHYxvemaj2VEPIL06RqVU6TbHDW8G/s640/IMG_1598.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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while house finch pauses, </div>
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pensive, </div>
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in the shadows below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6DxO4D-3DCh_oV5ktliK6zPCxLwqPHNCTSuSOOvJ8yJdfD8dDtFfM0vJKmFetOK2WehZHMIsD3F7iZ-Xw1T1bzlEgntoY51D_tGFKCdwCuatZ3sLa1weO1Muoz8Av95bfWbH1_svP0Ic/s1600/IMG_1610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6DxO4D-3DCh_oV5ktliK6zPCxLwqPHNCTSuSOOvJ8yJdfD8dDtFfM0vJKmFetOK2WehZHMIsD3F7iZ-Xw1T1bzlEgntoY51D_tGFKCdwCuatZ3sLa1weO1Muoz8Av95bfWbH1_svP0Ic/s640/IMG_1610.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Feeder is freshly filled, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht64L1U-83NudbT4PhLI2F-YqbKu9UblhN-IjKVhqgpWgiRIVqX9JO_SITZQKK2vvT1cuK3mNJ9YrQ1777b5S3XkEUyUVSHwysDh0GMKK4Z0aY8DOhvD2VriV1pepyHpvYHrGS5Zv7C7iA/s1600/IMG_1608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht64L1U-83NudbT4PhLI2F-YqbKu9UblhN-IjKVhqgpWgiRIVqX9JO_SITZQKK2vvT1cuK3mNJ9YrQ1777b5S3XkEUyUVSHwysDh0GMKK4Z0aY8DOhvD2VriV1pepyHpvYHrGS5Zv7C7iA/s640/IMG_1608.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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but a full feeder attracts the competition as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyCIX3nA2y_faUWt6eHYR_4hLqvg793vB0Q2RJ6uqRv56hM6-3_2JY4K-42ke1RXtVreq9qMXq6lzca80G9OJNaXwH4PeptWxD6C5ls4T8q3adJPDEUaMCvuCOZdjmksQKsfCdOcDe_Qf/s1600/IMG_1251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyCIX3nA2y_faUWt6eHYR_4hLqvg793vB0Q2RJ6uqRv56hM6-3_2JY4K-42ke1RXtVreq9qMXq6lzca80G9OJNaXwH4PeptWxD6C5ls4T8q3adJPDEUaMCvuCOZdjmksQKsfCdOcDe_Qf/s640/IMG_1251.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sunshine and blue skies</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6B_QfN2xoaKLU_V1RcLa3ekZJrdPI8bUa-xXTT43GVQwQktfSuJPXZ6A68XeQ97ZSGqbPQylbrmMy8Cj-Mu0l1XIruzRHAxNHsF7im6SLdG1n-5hY8sy_xKAU7wm1iASWAUFOQ2XeRD0h/s1600/IMG_1307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6B_QfN2xoaKLU_V1RcLa3ekZJrdPI8bUa-xXTT43GVQwQktfSuJPXZ6A68XeQ97ZSGqbPQylbrmMy8Cj-Mu0l1XIruzRHAxNHsF7im6SLdG1n-5hY8sy_xKAU7wm1iASWAUFOQ2XeRD0h/s640/IMG_1307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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only barely the jungle disguise...</div>
hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-60239445050094649352016-04-18T10:23:00.002-07:002016-04-18T11:20:27.675-07:00Tent Caterpillars; Weaving the Web of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Along about the ides of March, the first small "tents" appear, pitched among the forked lower branches of the silver-skinned wild cherry at the corner of the vacant lot next door. And with their appearance, we know that Spring is here. Sure, there will be another cold night or two, possibly even another frost, but remarkably, every year, the hordes of hairy caterpillars seem to pitch camp at just the right time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmygaF8F7HNlBqROabCsMSbeGOuldyL-R6ya71ZpUeD8Tm1E-y9QHXlLIr8rUp-ZJHhyphenhyphenjsVQYg86BfCBtCEDng58ANnyCezbvCWpV7Kou_8egs-MBVAhwQPItcFgDoOPpdunoh_Z2jcZX/s1600/IMG_0969+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmygaF8F7HNlBqROabCsMSbeGOuldyL-R6ya71ZpUeD8Tm1E-y9QHXlLIr8rUp-ZJHhyphenhyphenjsVQYg86BfCBtCEDng58ANnyCezbvCWpV7Kou_8egs-MBVAhwQPItcFgDoOPpdunoh_Z2jcZX/s640/IMG_0969+-+Version+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And "just the right time" is that moment when the cherry trees don the tiniest hint of green. Over many a millennium, the moth and the tree have reached an understanding...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZwobJKPWdLf-m6x02-J6XmSElIeI3Lm-z7DHmEUTlhLqK2ikNggMCjQVZZAHbnV20Q89PZ1gFjYbBojrg1TAilUyowNGoedOGZY_RuiVLvi09XX_XI7nQ-jFAbOIW0D6XtseW1fMlBnA/s1600/IMG_1035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZwobJKPWdLf-m6x02-J6XmSElIeI3Lm-z7DHmEUTlhLqK2ikNggMCjQVZZAHbnV20Q89PZ1gFjYbBojrg1TAilUyowNGoedOGZY_RuiVLvi09XX_XI7nQ-jFAbOIW0D6XtseW1fMlBnA/s640/IMG_1035.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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the young moths can gorge themselves on the first crop of tender greens, but they must eat quickly and satisfy their hunger before the deciduous trees have lost their springtime impulse to re-foliate, or the trees will eventually suffer and die, depriving future moth generations of their ideal food source.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2xRo0p7A4W5Rbu6QHZdEYKHLKh4dzLJIeiH4PeLx_NgQf6I7fMSSHjnFaFOtFpTpb3FPjCaZ5E6klyycsVSC1oZHHezIFKO4gKmadUExs4gUvOysPomJbyIcpHdYxoigIyc6XmgQYV1F/s1600/IMG_0983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2xRo0p7A4W5Rbu6QHZdEYKHLKh4dzLJIeiH4PeLx_NgQf6I7fMSSHjnFaFOtFpTpb3FPjCaZ5E6klyycsVSC1oZHHezIFKO4gKmadUExs4gUvOysPomJbyIcpHdYxoigIyc6XmgQYV1F/s640/IMG_0983.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Judging from the numbers, size and beauty of this year's caterpillar clan,</div>
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and the healthy stand of wild cherries populating the wood's edge,<br />
the arrangement seems to working out pretty well for all concerned...</div>
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This year's encampment is a couple or three weeks old, and many of the caterpillars seem to have reached near maximal girth, but a few youngsters are still arriving in camp.</div>
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There's a chill wind blowing this mid-April afternoon, so tonight the leaf-chomping cats will cozy up for warmth in their silken shelters, </div>
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only to emerge on the morrow for more feasting among the cherries.</div>
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So strong is the urge to eat that little escapes their relentless jaws, right down to the lovely cherry blossoms themselves.<br />
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Branch by branch, up the trunk they roam,<br />
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and when the last leaf on the present limb is gone, the tender shoots of the twining vines of poison ivy and Virginia creeper are fair game too!</div>
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As the sun sets on another day,<br />
Spring offers a little reminder to all who will heed...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-IQJnnJ0GtQF-bjvZc3LZg7EOEGb96PBpjS_KBnKGwl9hx38_46pLUg0Awq-53Mt-z6uTTvYEYZicgy52XYdbKLbnyWzIOAaApVwDRDKWc7l3TLL8VKrpJu0zFgWOZ9pE9ZR-UF3xTI9/s1600/IMG_1112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-IQJnnJ0GtQF-bjvZc3LZg7EOEGb96PBpjS_KBnKGwl9hx38_46pLUg0Awq-53Mt-z6uTTvYEYZicgy52XYdbKLbnyWzIOAaApVwDRDKWc7l3TLL8VKrpJu0zFgWOZ9pE9ZR-UF3xTI9/s640/IMG_1112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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in the intricate ivory curves of the cherry blossom, </div>
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which will nourish the pollinators for a few more weeks yet,</div>
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and eventually yield a bounty of nutritious treats this summer </div>
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for all manner of birds and other critters;</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rhlIwzKUIHGUAbp2rHocbYA2yIxpPlKB8o9qf4BQeER5Zch8fFCmOQEFhWXmCPLbZyHpX24iKDBD9542kUJSlD91990EXsN9vF_jBkgpDcHssX9Kg144HSCofJJG-w1F8wzoy8Pz3J2c/s1600/IMG_1063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rhlIwzKUIHGUAbp2rHocbYA2yIxpPlKB8o9qf4BQeER5Zch8fFCmOQEFhWXmCPLbZyHpX24iKDBD9542kUJSlD91990EXsN9vF_jBkgpDcHssX9Kg144HSCofJJG-w1F8wzoy8Pz3J2c/s640/IMG_1063.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and the rich palette of colors and textures that are the nascent moths of the tent caterpillar clan,<br />
converting the verdant new growth of the black cherry tree into creepy crawly vittles for birds and turtles and fish, et al.<br />
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What a privilege to witness this age-old drama unfold again this year on a chilly April afternoon in the heart of Carolina,<br />
renewing our awareness of the intricacy and beauty of the delicate web of life that we all share.</div>
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<br />hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-83468500364353492202016-03-23T04:50:00.000-07:002016-03-23T04:50:03.927-07:00Trees Abloom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For months, the limbs are bare. </div>
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Red-shouldered hawk sticks to the noonday shadows near the trunk of the gnarly oak, </div>
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lest its aquiline silhouette scatter the foraging squirrels below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIilmyqg8jH7CejxUpOhU6hV_UFbaisZqj8ZFechOQFvs3behvok_sW2MQlm1ACmA2O3jQHgB4HxEaorHeGpuKHWK79h9VjJnYDnsMZn0XvdGuKuj9nOOaszghvMkFFJlWgtEwn5gK1AkJ/s1600/IMG_9619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIilmyqg8jH7CejxUpOhU6hV_UFbaisZqj8ZFechOQFvs3behvok_sW2MQlm1ACmA2O3jQHgB4HxEaorHeGpuKHWK79h9VjJnYDnsMZn0XvdGuKuj9nOOaszghvMkFFJlWgtEwn5gK1AkJ/s640/IMG_9619.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nearby, however, maple breaks ranks with her bare-branched kin; </div>
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at long last, a tree abloom! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQ7kz7_TIAGn3lVagcocBVFNIIoYswTMFUDeGGmfbcy1huSl1eBK8sgd2gwApcZ3m7C-b_LwvFTf3ye1WEmP4hmFhKPjLJpSgapTxJDLZ3BPHGbU6wz_tTGGfKMVS5oMh9GEdszo_y0D4/s1600/IMG_9671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQ7kz7_TIAGn3lVagcocBVFNIIoYswTMFUDeGGmfbcy1huSl1eBK8sgd2gwApcZ3m7C-b_LwvFTf3ye1WEmP4hmFhKPjLJpSgapTxJDLZ3BPHGbU6wz_tTGGfKMVS5oMh9GEdszo_y0D4/s640/IMG_9671.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Weeks before the cone-bearers release their clouds of golden dust, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mTfNqZvDKx2KQGyDRg2jz9TC-gjWfamdSTOdNQGmqxzkvmuuTVnWqcFmAsUg44fhNxnAM7jyi3QbjcKehzbyToWMGUs1_19hWON1iW5t6IqbJ4dNdO7Bir9ddnvAbkm2SYHApPEt-UCs/s1600/IMG_9673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mTfNqZvDKx2KQGyDRg2jz9TC-gjWfamdSTOdNQGmqxzkvmuuTVnWqcFmAsUg44fhNxnAM7jyi3QbjcKehzbyToWMGUs1_19hWON1iW5t6IqbJ4dNdO7Bir9ddnvAbkm2SYHApPEt-UCs/s640/IMG_9673.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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their deciduous neighbors discreetly erupt in a silent explosion of reds and yellows. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS-EfllBK6Hx42H3qFr9oOPYUHtods7RZT_zbLNXZ8VXirWlRsKxTR9aNHYYlPXJqbbyRWdUa6LVAq7wKfHdWchyOYo0W72OBElrjG0Eayb9z_iWzF3Fas63zQm-oGTx52iTrOKg4P-26/s1600/IMG_9675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS-EfllBK6Hx42H3qFr9oOPYUHtods7RZT_zbLNXZ8VXirWlRsKxTR9aNHYYlPXJqbbyRWdUa6LVAq7wKfHdWchyOYo0W72OBElrjG0Eayb9z_iWzF3Fas63zQm-oGTx52iTrOKg4P-26/s640/IMG_9675.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These intricate organs, attended largely by equally inconspicuous pollinators, </div>
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will bear an abundance of winged seeds a few weeks hence;</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghghErOz0V7SYmETIfXeiuJP-biqFazxX3_j14v1bg3zncGCWZeyxcRI08F1FBCrtdsJDYMl88jbCDw-vTkMjMrfD5xTc8FAfdx0BkRIFGTzaZdt1pg6b4gRI30YV_utW36OM2LSn3FLw5/s1600/IMG_9683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghghErOz0V7SYmETIfXeiuJP-biqFazxX3_j14v1bg3zncGCWZeyxcRI08F1FBCrtdsJDYMl88jbCDw-vTkMjMrfD5xTc8FAfdx0BkRIFGTzaZdt1pg6b4gRI30YV_utW36OM2LSn3FLw5/s640/IMG_9683.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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for now, however, </div>
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they're content to color the leafless shore with their subtle hues,</div>
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their true splendor lost on all but the most careful and curious watchers,</div>
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here at the brink of spring...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxpInTnfYV3nOK6kID9EX6Yehz1MSOV2nwFRMaZ4vce71Y604V6kBz-GkATCrd-or9W14RM5Ed-bn67HfNiteW81YgJj6SN6Ez0kftymmBC8J0ao0Zs-xCPhuCej5ZC8Qzy9mF7_oXoBB/s1600/IMG_9705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxpInTnfYV3nOK6kID9EX6Yehz1MSOV2nwFRMaZ4vce71Y604V6kBz-GkATCrd-or9W14RM5Ed-bn67HfNiteW81YgJj6SN6Ez0kftymmBC8J0ao0Zs-xCPhuCej5ZC8Qzy9mF7_oXoBB/s640/IMG_9705.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
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Farther along the way, a favorite patch of wild chickasaw plums prepares the way for a late May feast at nature's table,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj9QAUl7elvjoHprxWHKAIpZ1Nt4inMD5mXA51nUZMslNCCj_1EdbgzZWzXPxtme53w66ClORshH9LhvIFotgamVV6YKCdgZQOULPs8y5pHilRpqAa0eDe0Kpz0EFcRFMlBnGc-tw88tJ/s1600/IMG_9716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj9QAUl7elvjoHprxWHKAIpZ1Nt4inMD5mXA51nUZMslNCCj_1EdbgzZWzXPxtme53w66ClORshH9LhvIFotgamVV6YKCdgZQOULPs8y5pHilRpqAa0eDe0Kpz0EFcRFMlBnGc-tw88tJ/s640/IMG_9716.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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abundant tiny blossoms bursting forth,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfhtu04xcghALcPV3LN_WpToxgPOzWP_9rub5Y1z3UVotQAQtu4O_gHxn9ACHtYSAX588bfbMgyWyD8_lKNY61x3LNpivit-KpAfDgA6MP70PJnj2cGdhCmcogAb4kppHxIOjAhy8LqSX/s1600/IMG_9721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfhtu04xcghALcPV3LN_WpToxgPOzWP_9rub5Y1z3UVotQAQtu4O_gHxn9ACHtYSAX588bfbMgyWyD8_lKNY61x3LNpivit-KpAfDgA6MP70PJnj2cGdhCmcogAb4kppHxIOjAhy8LqSX/s640/IMG_9721.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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each a potential plum, </div>
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soon to be plucked by other clever inhabitants of this sandy spot just beyond the shade of the long leaf pines,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Mn8AOgBnt5YR6QOmAhNu_uv4ctSWp_rvMgiDK5mwTHYyOXKyAkfsUokNQf_HIPdUjPlup0-h_REM-mZ7jE2JgyBgBNbcoQCiu7c2wWaP_AZnHidp8XyrSLCqBt__iDTa_CDLiB5O59Rm/s1600/IMG_9727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Mn8AOgBnt5YR6QOmAhNu_uv4ctSWp_rvMgiDK5mwTHYyOXKyAkfsUokNQf_HIPdUjPlup0-h_REM-mZ7jE2JgyBgBNbcoQCiu7c2wWaP_AZnHidp8XyrSLCqBt__iDTa_CDLiB5O59Rm/s640/IMG_9727.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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but simply eye candy for now, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TKDxSPCqg9fHBKuzaRB8n3F9NP4mCUfWvL0GHAHfcWyELelhgzqHnR2YSha9Z0XsD8y8BfPdhfoTEGJh6qhmmfGB4J7-EiW4RWn9mz9pVF9TEzyYvurNuEFOw9l7aXW9vKpimv1b2ro8/s1600/IMG_9733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TKDxSPCqg9fHBKuzaRB8n3F9NP4mCUfWvL0GHAHfcWyELelhgzqHnR2YSha9Z0XsD8y8BfPdhfoTEGJh6qhmmfGB4J7-EiW4RWn9mz9pVF9TEzyYvurNuEFOw9l7aXW9vKpimv1b2ro8/s640/IMG_9733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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a lovely libation for the keen-eyed few who pause to drink them in...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLFHYtWrwkJwO1DVJI2SiNoZZebkLmAHJTs-g4UokhQ-FBXu10jpS0cwl6-AflvXyCRbAV1N-Aj0F7OWUswkBm-MjXrwHeX8dbBkXIXPnRsdz2ZcBEVwe8and1-ULFriFDfZ0v8nYySq1/s1600/IMG_9749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLFHYtWrwkJwO1DVJI2SiNoZZebkLmAHJTs-g4UokhQ-FBXu10jpS0cwl6-AflvXyCRbAV1N-Aj0F7OWUswkBm-MjXrwHeX8dbBkXIXPnRsdz2ZcBEVwe8and1-ULFriFDfZ0v8nYySq1/s640/IMG_9749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The vines have awakened as well, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH323TnRxYm6p-7n4C5Xm6PgpcqV503Hmv3I1f7yj_ewjSGv18BlRbRd7ItaVYtUsK5kheTvzL2K-ZcICMf_glURrKhk3v4hhQ4jsyxruGwuConE9e8jZsE2VFNY6AWm_Y06P01zDq9V20/s1600/IMG_9755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH323TnRxYm6p-7n4C5Xm6PgpcqV503Hmv3I1f7yj_ewjSGv18BlRbRd7ItaVYtUsK5kheTvzL2K-ZcICMf_glURrKhk3v4hhQ4jsyxruGwuConE9e8jZsE2VFNY6AWm_Y06P01zDq9V20/s640/IMG_9755.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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the woody cords and weathered leaves of native Carolina jessamine, </div>
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<i>Gelsemium sempervirens</i>, </div>
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now adorned by spectacular golden trumpets,</div>
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declaring unequivocally the advent of spring,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheia0vbkhWd55P4brTBoHx7VvQ5PQk9ZGqmZSNUL_XV1hIylSV8QVCN3WhVo15FevCM6NsHG4-idEm8N1hSnhXNa1yBF3wRjSH9q7Afv4T5rXhobGEoFvBpdRN2kTDp5lQ9U4NlHlFrrLx/s1600/IMG_9765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheia0vbkhWd55P4brTBoHx7VvQ5PQk9ZGqmZSNUL_XV1hIylSV8QVCN3WhVo15FevCM6NsHG4-idEm8N1hSnhXNa1yBF3wRjSH9q7Afv4T5rXhobGEoFvBpdRN2kTDp5lQ9U4NlHlFrrLx/s640/IMG_9765.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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bearing priceless gifts,</div>
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free for all who will but pause to partake of the bounty...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqie7QrjbqykNxFlsvU7t5Gv9hSVkWfbdsGMVtTkhfIRSWjuZL2uhZPZA33PFkQ262izOAV-iWTAr9xpfZPTav4-PjDm1pPXpT-fnBj9hfcsUl5koflRNtbCveB6ab0jWlcpYr7C9Z2nQo/s1600/IMG_9796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqie7QrjbqykNxFlsvU7t5Gv9hSVkWfbdsGMVtTkhfIRSWjuZL2uhZPZA33PFkQ262izOAV-iWTAr9xpfZPTav4-PjDm1pPXpT-fnBj9hfcsUl5koflRNtbCveB6ab0jWlcpYr7C9Z2nQo/s640/IMG_9796.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_1494629264"></span><span id="goog_1494629265"></span><br />hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-628494099097928372.post-80007361298982832432016-03-19T07:46:00.000-07:002016-03-19T07:46:31.390-07:00The Tree and the Air That We Breathe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The massive old trunk has been rooted right here in this spot for some eighty years, maybe more. Liquidambar styraciflua, sweet gum. </div>
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So named by humans for the "liquid amber" which flows from its flesh when wounded, early European visitors to North America spoke of the sap's pleasing aroma when burned, and it has long been a commercially important timber species.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK-MqrC-OEA23Z-rgRXMVAyYK2HBAUlW33OWlhwpPhYPboUXaFf_ZClIm9GXa1rBsIMfwDkWsc5GlkXpsUP8q9iBL3sQ8oM8TYmxoX0-6g4XuMtoOLdfz6RXvrDCPFCTR_RwyFbNqTK1e/s1600/IMG_9972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK-MqrC-OEA23Z-rgRXMVAyYK2HBAUlW33OWlhwpPhYPboUXaFf_ZClIm9GXa1rBsIMfwDkWsc5GlkXpsUP8q9iBL3sQ8oM8TYmxoX0-6g4XuMtoOLdfz6RXvrDCPFCTR_RwyFbNqTK1e/s640/IMG_9972.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But today, standing here in silent communion with this magnificent individual, </div>
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we ponder the sweet gum as a fellow living being, </div>
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child of a shared Creator;</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHsZBSqIUsQHPLR9kYsz8vxiJMJgpu6L5xGQmZiu26U9BCHp5WXWtKNNG4hxBtUrJNgC0cavae9MgGyyXZ96qN_l1JsL1vH4XIOrGvE6u0deqQlz10FPhvDAMEbCxtAG5LffCg0EbEqts/s1600/IMG_9975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHsZBSqIUsQHPLR9kYsz8vxiJMJgpu6L5xGQmZiu26U9BCHp5WXWtKNNG4hxBtUrJNgC0cavae9MgGyyXZ96qN_l1JsL1vH4XIOrGvE6u0deqQlz10FPhvDAMEbCxtAG5LffCg0EbEqts/s640/IMG_9975.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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a healthy, mature deciduous tree in its prime, </div>
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awakening, as it were, from a long winter's nap.</div>
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A profusion of blossoms;</div>
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hundreds of delicate snowball clusters,</div>
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fertile, alive, beautiful!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rUjLkztEaTkMcUQ2Zdu0nGB3ZH1gfe2MlQy0FT05qe1162LPWHnuuSc1rl_IYKxGCrtPol1axlujncBu7OIvIGbldLzJgjmeRHBSL81_5cKPOcDjfOwHDiv_-9C7L5vozezhbBd2BGlt/s1600/IMG_9961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rUjLkztEaTkMcUQ2Zdu0nGB3ZH1gfe2MlQy0FT05qe1162LPWHnuuSc1rl_IYKxGCrtPol1axlujncBu7OIvIGbldLzJgjmeRHBSL81_5cKPOcDjfOwHDiv_-9C7L5vozezhbBd2BGlt/s640/IMG_9961.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each flower cluster attended by a tiny dangling "gum ball", </div>
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repository for fifty or more tiny tree seeds,</div>
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part of this year's crop of thousands,</div>
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most of which will become food for fellow creatures, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01stQ-QS34zSRnrIgXvPkmIsm2AfNoYHJRE27mcXj1BHT55hF1z-CuJUuhbN4fQ9-oswqZq33JdrMsg88JqALHz3s40MdHhxFIJFYTIo3PN52qZGGaj1U0VgkfHJ6XxVzrDgE-mmppHeI/s1600/IMG_9963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01stQ-QS34zSRnrIgXvPkmIsm2AfNoYHJRE27mcXj1BHT55hF1z-CuJUuhbN4fQ9-oswqZq33JdrMsg88JqALHz3s40MdHhxFIJFYTIo3PN52qZGGaj1U0VgkfHJ6XxVzrDgE-mmppHeI/s640/IMG_9963.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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a few of which might someday take root in the soil below and become tiny saplings,</div>
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and then,</div>
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...who knows...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6be7D1MQuTKc-7QveQwCAUM7a6oCP6nJFdGJa5hqQhT65GT92rFIfMWgsiXiB6Xg3ULN337qFRllbs3g_lZLt-ndjPJBR_DDQxt_mN07bogcxAL3zxdAu-xnCIWA3bI60i4t-IBKdyJN9/s1600/IMG_9975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6be7D1MQuTKc-7QveQwCAUM7a6oCP6nJFdGJa5hqQhT65GT92rFIfMWgsiXiB6Xg3ULN337qFRllbs3g_lZLt-ndjPJBR_DDQxt_mN07bogcxAL3zxdAu-xnCIWA3bI60i4t-IBKdyJN9/s640/IMG_9975.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And don't forget the leaves, </div>
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tender, gloriously green stars,</div>
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dancing in the brisk spring breeze, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1lMnZc7ulbMDhNNGcvk_YI786ixqMU038Kw_17TTREEghudgiCeNP6j6CxvkK9r-kG1rVAFwwOfugtzmoc-ASFDAMr9MXRZhA7EEPgvwC8xb0vASC3zjUYHQtVs73otfOQcoFddGcXZn/s1600/IMG_9984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1lMnZc7ulbMDhNNGcvk_YI786ixqMU038Kw_17TTREEghudgiCeNP6j6CxvkK9r-kG1rVAFwwOfugtzmoc-ASFDAMr9MXRZhA7EEPgvwC8xb0vASC3zjUYHQtVs73otfOQcoFddGcXZn/s640/IMG_9984.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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as though to break free from their terrestrial tethers and ascend, </div>
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swirling gaily, </div>
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straight up into the bright blue heavens above.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3H6XZFL38LBH_d6pcFxpjEZql3jrhy6VjXK6jg_6XAgZRcR9tNNzVRvooj_YKAogaVeD909hOo6_TjKCt3395QXE6BFior86c98My4M7AQQXaS44iGqYMnTTaV-4vDzvQ4MwoyjgvtBIa/s1600/IMG_9991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3H6XZFL38LBH_d6pcFxpjEZql3jrhy6VjXK6jg_6XAgZRcR9tNNzVRvooj_YKAogaVeD909hOo6_TjKCt3395QXE6BFior86c98My4M7AQQXaS44iGqYMnTTaV-4vDzvQ4MwoyjgvtBIa/s640/IMG_9991.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
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And as we stand in wonder before this complex and beautiful organism, </div>
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we breath a silent prayer of gratitude,</div>
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for life, and beauty, and the very air we breathe,</div>
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and for this amazing creature,</div>
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whose dancing leaves of green renew the depleted air,<br />
making possible our next life-giving breath...</div>
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hootowlkarmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03823424825665590253noreply@blogger.com0