I can't get the underlining off!!?? (Click to enlarge)
I was looking out the window in our bedroom today when I spotted movement in the side yard. Lo and behold it was that guy above, booking across the lawn as if he was still in a race with the hare! I ran downstairs, grabbed the camera and joined him in the yard. He stopped, trained an eye on me and stood his ground. He didn't flinch, he didn't withdraw into his shell and he didn't move while I was in the yard. I watched him for a few minutes; studying his handsome shell markings. Isn't he gorgeous!? There's a close-up photo below.
Ah, The underlining stopped! How'd that happen?Then as I walked the deck, I found this abandoned snail shell - a marvel of engineering if there ever was one. I placed it on the weathered deck post (I have always admired the patterns it has evolved) and proceeded to shoot several photos - as you see below.
And last, the writing spider whose web keeps getting destroyed. She was on our deck stair railings for about 2 weeks and when the grass mowers destroyed his web, she moved on to our kitchen storm door. Every time we exit or enter that door, she shows her displeasure by bouncing up and down. Her web suffered some damage today, so I expect her to work all night to repair it. And by the way, she is over two inches long.
Addendum: I moved that spider today; at the behest of mr. kenju, I gently swept her off the door onto my broom and then deposited her in the ivy under my climbing rose. I looked at that spot two hours later, and she had set up housekeeping between the ivy and the rose canes. She was apparently not bothered by the move at all.
Addendum: I moved that spider today; at the behest of mr. kenju, I gently swept her off the door onto my broom and then deposited her in the ivy under my climbing rose. I looked at that spot two hours later, and she had set up housekeeping between the ivy and the rose canes. She was apparently not bothered by the move at all.
Today is the birthday of my neighbor Anne, who sometimes reads my blog. Have a great birthday, Anne! It is also the birthday of my friend and co-worker, Rhonda. She doesn't read my blog, but maybe someone will tell her I wished her a happy birthday, too.....LOL.
19 comments:
That first fellow is absolutely stunning! It almost looks unreal because the design and colors look painted on, don't they? He is really STUNNING!
Snail shells are so very reminiscent of some sea shells, too...I've always been amazed at the designo of this one of yours plus those from the sea, as well.
And that Spider is quite extraorinary, too, my dear! You've got a lot of very interesting creatures living close to you, Judy....How truly wonderful!
Is that a tortoise, a turtle or a terrapin?? And isn't he just the handsomest creature! Are they wild in your neck of the woods> How lovely!
And the spider - not my favourite creatures, but he is very handsome. Their webs amaze me. We had one in our garden and the anchor strand was about 3ft long. How did he get from the tree to the bush to anchor and start the web? Must be mightly good jumpers!
Do you think he is someone's beloved pet on the run?
Loved the visit with natures art work. Nature really puts us to shame. Great shots.
Happy Birthday Anne and Rhonda.
What wonderful visitors you've had! The turtle's shell is gorgeous. The snail shell and spider are so beautiful! I love webs, and have photographed many.
Did the spider writer "Some Turtle" in its web?
We have a resident spider that is also huge and builds huge webs that will bounce you back if you run into them.
Happy Birthday Anne. Hope you read Judy's blog today. You'll be better for it.
Happy Birthday Rhonda. You are missing a lot by not reading Judy's blog.
Hi Kenju....
I think that is what is referred to as an "Eastern Box Turtle". I know one thing, it is definitely a beautiful little creature and it's great you got to get a photo of it there in your yard.
Oh, and Judy....
If my information source is correct, it indicates that that is the only "land species" turtle in North Carolina.
And....are you ready for this? It is also your State's official reptile!
Now you can start collecting something besides frogs! lol
Alan, thanks for all the info. Now I'm even happier that I got to see this one!
That turtle really is handsome and he knows it, lol! That spider however.... shivers!
Great pictures! I'm keeping an eye on all our neat spiders, too. :-)
Great photos! I love snail shells too. Such beautiful artistry. Love that turtle and spider web. Things look great there. Glad the underlining stopped. Yikes.
While I'm no fan of spiders, I have to admit they're fascinating.
One point about yours - - it's probably a 'she.' The males are about a quarter as large as the females, and often serve as her post-copulation snack. That's ONE way to deal with the whole 'relationship' issue! :)
I'll have to send you the pic of my spider, she's getting bigger. She even moved her web further out. Love the marking on the turtle. Natures handy work is awesome.
All great photos, but I love that turtle picture.
It almost look as if it has been hand-painted.
The markings on the turtle shell are most unusual and beautiful. I have never seen one like it and am awed.
I don't mind spiders if they will catch flies and other undesirable bugs. Your is a big critter.
That has to be hands down the prettiest box turtle I've ever seen. It looks like it just got out of a bath, doesn't it?
Happy Birthday to Anne!
Your garden has so much going on!
thanks for bday wishes! it was a good one. I love living where there is so much nature around us ALL the time, even if I wish the spiders followed better rules. I peacefully coexist until tangled up in a sticky web...then I'm in getaway, get-it-off-me mode.
Post a Comment