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An abundance of snakes

/ Rebecca / 13 Comments

While walking around the boardwalk at Reelfoot Lake, we came upon a large number of water snakes that were swirling ferverishly in the water.  We were not sure at the time what we were witnessing, but have since found out that it was a breeding or mating ball.  In the spring, female snakes put off a pheromone scent which attracts males.  The male snakes then track the female, and a breeding ball occurs when there are many males competing over the same female.  In these photos, the female is the largest snake.

And since pictures don’t do the situation justice, here is a short video clip that gives a better idea of what a breeding ball looks like.

“Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.”  ~Alfred Hitchcock

Passing through

/ Rebecca / 5 Comments

Photos taken yesterday evening as a storm system passed through, bringing with it some imposing clouds.  It was impossible not to pause a moment and be amazed.

“We’ve got one short, precious life here on earth.  Let’s not spend it hurrying.  ~Aliza Latta

A sea of yellow

/ Rebecca / 19 Comments

Bright-yellow Bulbous Buttercups are in full bloom in the fields and along the roadsides of West Tennessee.  These non-native plants are considered wildflowers by some — and invasive and noxious weeds by others.  Although they add beauty to the landscape, they also  compete with native plant species and are mildly toxic to livestock.

“I’ve learned … that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.”  ~Unknown

Sandpipers

/ Rebecca / 3 Comments

While driving along the Mississippi levee, in the distance I spotted a small flock of birds that were flying in a formation that looked like a light brown cloud.  They were not ones that I normally see in the area, so I wondered what they were.  Later, as we were driving along a road next to a flooded farm field, we spotted this little flock of birds, which explained what I had seen earlier.  I believe these are Pectoral Sandpipers.  They are common spring migrants in Tennessee from early March to mid-May.

“Live your life as an exclamation rather than an explanation.”  ~Isaac Newton

Along the walking trail

/ Rebecca / 4 Comments

One afternoon this week we enjoyed a pleasant stroll along a greenway near our home.  Part of this trail goes through land upon which a railroad right-of-way once ran, including an old railroad bridge.  Here are a few shots of the rural scenery that were taken along the way.

“Somewhere between the start of the trail and the end is the mystery why we choose to walk.”  ~Unknown

The Great Egret and the frog

/ Rebecca / 8 Comments

 

This Great Egret, wading around in the shallow water, had just caught a frog as I happened upon the scene. Not bothered by my presence, he continued to enjoy his tasty treat.

“If you have to swallow a frog, don’t stare at it too long.”  ~Mark Twain