I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to walk in the woods an hour a day on my lunch break to find out what there is in my (very small) corner of the world. Sometimes I have to force myself to slow down and "smell the roses". Literally. This blog is dedicated to what I see on my lunch breaks.Temperature: 75°
Humidity: 61%
Cloudy
Humidity: 61%
Cloudy
Within a few minutes of starting my walk I heard rustling in the branches above me. I stopped to look up, noticing two birds. They were dark all over with a long distinctive tail. I move a few steps to get a better look and...... OH MY GOD! What is the deal with the mosquitoes? It's been a while since I've lived in the south. I had forgotten that they come out so early in the year. Needless to say I quickly abandoned trying to ID the birds. (By the way I believe they were Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) but who knows? My blood was at stake, I wasn't sticking around).
Moving on (muttering about stupid skeeters) I spotted a Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) on a log sunning itself. If you've never seen one of these then look it up. They are such an amazing lime green color you would swear it can't possibly be natural.
Now the thing about the trails around Jones Lake is that they can get really boggy, so you cross plenty of boardwalks while you're out and about. I find these are the best places to spot many of the animals that are hiding (in plain sight) out there. I chalk it up to the wood boards being warmer then the ground around them (and if you are cold blooded, then this is like a day at the spa!). Today I scared a Broad-headed Skink (Eumeces laticeps). It leaped into the leaf litter under the bridge. Funny thing is, it's fat coppery tail was in full sight (kinda reminded me of little kids who cover their eyes and are convinced you can't see them).
Moving on through the clouds of mosquitoes, I was almost ready to abandon my walk when I heard movement in the leaves. Score! It was one of my favorite forest animals, the Southern Toad (Bufo terrestris) which is pictured above. When I saw the handsome fella, I of course had to check his feet. No webs to be seen anywhere. Yes sir, most definitely a toad. I love the dark spots on their backs. It's almost like someone drew them on with a marker.
As I made my way back to the office I could hear plenty of animals skittering. I can't say I blame them, I really do sound like Godzilla crossing the boardwalks. Even with my heavy tread I did manage to spot a Southeastern Five-lined Skink (Eumeces inexpectatus). I wonder if his fancy racing stripes make him run any faster?
Almost done with my walk I spotted "The Elusive Butterfly". Nope, that's not it's official name but that is what I call it. It's a long story, perhaps one I will elaborate on tomorrow.
Moving on (muttering about stupid skeeters) I spotted a Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) on a log sunning itself. If you've never seen one of these then look it up. They are such an amazing lime green color you would swear it can't possibly be natural.
Now the thing about the trails around Jones Lake is that they can get really boggy, so you cross plenty of boardwalks while you're out and about. I find these are the best places to spot many of the animals that are hiding (in plain sight) out there. I chalk it up to the wood boards being warmer then the ground around them (and if you are cold blooded, then this is like a day at the spa!). Today I scared a Broad-headed Skink (Eumeces laticeps). It leaped into the leaf litter under the bridge. Funny thing is, it's fat coppery tail was in full sight (kinda reminded me of little kids who cover their eyes and are convinced you can't see them).
Moving on through the clouds of mosquitoes, I was almost ready to abandon my walk when I heard movement in the leaves. Score! It was one of my favorite forest animals, the Southern Toad (Bufo terrestris) which is pictured above. When I saw the handsome fella, I of course had to check his feet. No webs to be seen anywhere. Yes sir, most definitely a toad. I love the dark spots on their backs. It's almost like someone drew them on with a marker.
As I made my way back to the office I could hear plenty of animals skittering. I can't say I blame them, I really do sound like Godzilla crossing the boardwalks. Even with my heavy tread I did manage to spot a Southeastern Five-lined Skink (Eumeces inexpectatus). I wonder if his fancy racing stripes make him run any faster?
Almost done with my walk I spotted "The Elusive Butterfly". Nope, that's not it's official name but that is what I call it. It's a long story, perhaps one I will elaborate on tomorrow.
Picture found at: Frogs On Ice
1 comment:
Audrey ... spotted you over at Jo's blog. Question: Is you or is you not the Audrey who used to pass by my desk at the Aquarium all the time and always stop to say hi or chit chat with me? You can see my lovely (if older than dirt) face on my blog.
(not seeking blog traffic ... would just LOVE to know if that's YOU)
If so, you were one of my favorite young folks on the job ... if not, please excuse the delirious sounding comment.
Nice blog, by the way!!
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