If that kind of stuff is interesting another one I really like is the ancient chinese “flower war” between the poets “scholars” and their plum blossoms vs the merchants and their peonies. The scholars essentially argued that plum blossoms better represented the people because it was one of the earliest to bloom and even flowered while the winter snow was still upon them. It was simply, but strong and beautiful. It embodied the Confucian ideologies. A popular teaching expanded upon by Zhu Xi.
If you ever have time and want to though it’s a fun subject to dedicate a few weeks to.
I’ve got more pansies popping up in the flower bed – I love how hardy they are – I didn’t realize they could survive the winter, but some did and re-bloomed.
Just saw a PBS show on butterflys, they showed how painted ladys migrate on wind currents from Northern Europe to Tropical Africa, the longest migration of any insect. So if we can’t travel, at least your butterfly’s can.
The bottom photo shows 2 of 4 giant turkey vultures perched on top of a derelict house that had had their huge wings outspread, sunning themselves in the cool morning. They really looked imposing and a little sinister. Sadly, they folded up their wings as I approached for the picture.
Those pansies look great considering the snow storms and moose traffic you get up that way.
I watched that too. It was interesting that they manage to ascend to the altitude necessary to exploit the winds needed for the journey. I didn’t catch whether their migration takes place in multiple generations as the Monarch’s does. But I imagine it is at least two generation, on going South and one going North. Another question I had is whether the painted lady that migrates up out of Africa is the same as the one we have over here. I wonder how much of a migration our painted ladies make.
Painted ladies are lovely, and what a great thing to do with the kids. I can’t wait to see some painted ladies show up in my garden in a few weeks time.
I know right!? Monarch butterflies? Pfft, what a bunch of softies!
I think the show stated they have multiple generations going north, but at the end of summer, the individuals in the north are the same ones that arrive in Aftrica.
‘Twas my birthday yesterday and the wife and kids got me some kit to upgrade my Euro. Red Ant (Myrmica rubra) setup. Specifically, a nest chamber and an outworks arena.
The mushroom is some species of Boletus. I’ve not IDed it yet but most likely , even if it was not maggoty, it’s inedible as seen by the blushing black tints. Really focusing on learning more spring and summer edible mushrooms this year. So far the puffballs sautéed in garic and oil is the best. Just don’t mistake them for the egg form of the fatal destroying angel and slice them in half to ensure it’s pure while and not yellow.
We do. Some of the biggest alligators on record has been found in the baldwin and Mobile County deltas and up through Alabama and Florida. Constantly see 12 footers. Alligator snapping turtles to that are 60-80lbs often.
This is not pic. But I’ve seen dozens this size and sometimes it’s just as shocking and pulse racing to suddenly see a 80lb+ alligator snapping turtle come out of underwater brush 6 feet below you while swimming in a creek lol.
