It Seemed Like A Good Idea…

Tuesday, December 14, 2010,

It seemed like a good idea. Just take this one bug from one jar and put it into another. Never mind that it was a tarantula in a jar marked “Cobalt Blue – Fast and aggressive.” Cobalt Blues, I learned, prefer a vertical environment as they like to live in tunnels beneath the ground, coming up for dinner as needed. Before he could be moved, however, he needed to be dug out of his old digs


Then it was just a matter of tipping him from the old jar into the new one.


Sometimes the best laid plans…well, you know.

He’s supposed to be inside that jar. Whoops.


And so it goes. Another adventure at Sweetbriar. It should be noted that I did nothing here but take photographs. Any stories alleging that I screamed like a girl are completely unfounded. I was already across the county line when this guy hit the floor. JK

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Red-tailed Hawk At Sweetbriar

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Red-tailed Hawk

This is one of a pair of Red-tailed Hawks at Sweetbriar Nature Center. Sweetbriar, in Smithtown, NY, is one of my favorite haunts. The place has a lot to offer a guy like me. There are several well-maintained trails that take you through varied habitats, including woods, open fields, and since the Nissequogue River passes by, even wetlands. Lots of photo opportunities.

Isn't this bird is beautiful?

Sweetbriar specializes in nature-geared educational programs and animal rehabilitation. Housed on the grounds are several animals that are too badly injured to be released back into the wild. This Red-tail is one of many “animal ambassadors” living here. They complement the educators and really help to make the lesson stick. I also feel that when anyone gets a good, close look at these animals, or any animals, they can’t help but come away thinking that we should do everything we can to preserve these creatures and the places they need to live. JK

So regal, so impressive.JK