Whew. Some little storm we had a week or so back. Irene came knocking on our door here in southeastern North Carolina, dumped some needed rain, and trimmed our trees. Some old ones went down, a lot of branches and leaves left behind. And, a number of shingles from quite a few houses took leave.
In the middle and southern sections of the coast, we were lucky. Minimal wind. The Outer Banks, though, didn't fair as well.
And, of course, further north, the former hurricane dumped a LOT of rain on some of the Northeast. More rain than they needed, that's for sure.
A rather unfortunate by-product of all the needed rain here in eastern North Carolina was a depletion of the oxygen levels in the creeks and rivers. Heavy runoff carrying all sorts of vegetation reduced the O-2 levels, particularly at depths. It happens somewhat regularly, but it's the first time I've noticed it up close.
At Tideline Marine, on the banks of the New River in Jacksonville, I counted 31 small flunder in about an inch of water. Bill Tarplee, trained as a biologist, explained that there was more oxygen at the surface, and the fish were trying to get as close to the surface as they could.
This guy was about three inches long. He was one of the almost three dozen I could see at the boat ramp.
They were stacked up, almost on top of each other, vying for oxygenated water. Bill said that surface winds add oxygen to the water, and that's what the fish and crabs were looking for.
Unlikely friends, but in a time when air is precious, it's time to put aside differences.
This guy is partially out of the water.
The fish and crabs stayed on the ramp for several days. Unfortunately, several perished, but, with any luck, the majority survived.
One little guy has returned to the area. He's pretty cool, and only about two feet long. Just as cute as any reptile can be, I guess. I really believe he's developing a personality. Seems to be smiling when he sees me. Of course, he could be sizing me up, thinking of dinner.
A word of advice...don't feed wild animals, especially predators. There's no reason for them to become dependent on us for food. Let them be, as my grandmother would have said.
Do as I do. Take pictures.
He is kinda cute, you must admit.
In the middle and southern sections of the coast, we were lucky. Minimal wind. The Outer Banks, though, didn't fair as well.
And, of course, further north, the former hurricane dumped a LOT of rain on some of the Northeast. More rain than they needed, that's for sure.
A rather unfortunate by-product of all the needed rain here in eastern North Carolina was a depletion of the oxygen levels in the creeks and rivers. Heavy runoff carrying all sorts of vegetation reduced the O-2 levels, particularly at depths. It happens somewhat regularly, but it's the first time I've noticed it up close.
At Tideline Marine, on the banks of the New River in Jacksonville, I counted 31 small flunder in about an inch of water. Bill Tarplee, trained as a biologist, explained that there was more oxygen at the surface, and the fish were trying to get as close to the surface as they could.
The fish and crabs stayed on the ramp for several days. Unfortunately, several perished, but, with any luck, the majority survived.
One little guy has returned to the area. He's pretty cool, and only about two feet long. Just as cute as any reptile can be, I guess. I really believe he's developing a personality. Seems to be smiling when he sees me. Of course, he could be sizing me up, thinking of dinner.
A word of advice...don't feed wild animals, especially predators. There's no reason for them to become dependent on us for food. Let them be, as my grandmother would have said.
Do as I do. Take pictures.
Cathy Sheridan Think I managed to post a nice comment on the blog - I'm never sure of these things - "liked this one a lot" is what I tried to say
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