1.18.2012

Miscellany

During the course of the day, numerous things will catch my eye.  Sometimes they are things that others may find interesting and other times, not so much.  Trouble is, I never know which it will be...

For instance, here we have a supple-jack vine growing up a tree and through a hole in the tree.  It goes in on one side,


and comes out on the other.  I find myself wondering what's going to happen when that hole eventually closes as the tree grows.  It is going to be very odd looking, don't you think?


And then there are the little unexpected treasures like this empty swallowtail chrysalis on the underside of a holly leaf.  I love happening upon things like this. 






Some things that I happen upon may be considered gruesome by some folks.  Take this particular find...


Yep, it's a opossum head that has been liberated from its body.  It was just sitting along the edge of the trail.  Don't you wonder what lucky predator went to bed with a full belly on a cold night as a result?  Sure, the outcome was probably not one the 'possum wanted, but that's the way it goes in the swamp.


Besides, it gave me a great look at the unfortunate critter's hind foot.

Some things that catch my eye just make me mad.  I spotted a bit of unnaturally bright color on the forest floor and I knew immediately what it was.


See it there in the center of the photo?   Arrgghh...another balloon!


I HATE BALLOONS!  Or, perhaps more accurately, I hate the fact that some people don't think twice about letting go of helium-filled balloons.  People, what goes up, must come down.  When it comes down it is no longer a festive party decoration, it's litter.  And dangerous litter, too, particularly if it lands in the ocean - and the ocean is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.  Please, please, please do not release helium-filled balloons!!!!!!!
(This concludes my rant - at least until I find another balloon miles out in the swamp.)

7 comments:

Ellen Rathbone said...

Rant away! More ranting might curb this problem.

Pablo said...

I with you on the balloons!

KaHolly said...

You always find the neatest things (minus the balloon, of course).

R.Powers said...

That possum face looks so fresh.
Stupid balloon releases.
Florida actually has a law about that, but I don't think most people know it exists.

Marvin said...

You never know when you're going to find something interesting. That's why I always try to carry a camera.

Party balloons are a curse.

swamp4me said...

Ellen,
I wish something would curb it!

Pablo,
They are a nuisance. I found one once that had been released by an elementary school class. It had an address to write back if you found one of their balloons. I wrote back with plenty of information for the student to share with his teacher :)

karen,
Haha...glad you think the things I find are neat.

FC,
It was fresh. Neatly severed and resting as you see it in the picture. I'd love to know what ate it. As for the balloon...

Marvin,
I've missed a few things because my camera was inaccessible -- it's frustrating to say the least. And the world would be a better place without party balloons!

Patricia Lichen said...

Worse yet: when weddings purposefully release balloons. But maybe that's out of fashion by now?