Once spring arrives here in western North Carolina, I begin spending several mornings a week at one of my favorite places–a tract of wild land, that to most people looks like a lot of unruly weeds. In summer some of the plants are taller than me (6 feet!) and it is buzzing with honeybees, wasps, and other pollinators, along with lots of spiders and their webs. This means there are tons of one of my favorite photography subjects–the silken masterpieces of spiders, especially when covered with tiny beads of dew. These are awesome! And I am definitely addicted to finding and then transforming them into art.
I love this place and the variety of plants and animals I know I will find there to photograph and observe.
I was recently out there exploring and checking out the progression of spring when I happened upon something that was so cool I just had to share it with you. I recognized it immediately, but was especially excited to see so many in one place. In all my time outside, I have stumbled upon a single one of these masses, but never so many.
I’ve made a video puzzler out of it so you can be there with me. The property where I made the video consists of wide, open meadows, 5 ponds, a stream, and small bit of forest. The land is set between a rural road and the French Broad River. There is an abandoned building along the road beside the meadows. This is where I took the video.
If you recognize these gray, oblong masses, use the comment box below to give your answer. Did you know that this week will mark the first day of spring, on the 20th? That means I will choose a winner for my quarterly drawing. Have you guessed at least one puzzler correctly? If you said yes, and are a blog subscriber, maybe I will choose your name! In which case you will get an email from me this week asking for your address so I can mail you your prize. Puzzler #191 is the last chance to get your name in the drawing!
See you again soon and, as always, I hope you have an awesome weekend! I also hope you make time to get outside and discover your own awesome “treasure”–whatever that happens to be for you.
Owl pellets!!! I’ve never seen so many
Yes! Me neither! That was the mother life of owl pellets!
Hi, Sharon, These ‘oblong masses’ are owl pellets likely regurgitated by a fairly large owl like a Barn Owl or possibly a Great Horned Owl. Murray
Murray— you are correct! I am going to try and see the owl who makes them… will let you know. Have a great day! Thanks for reading.
Good evening Lollygagger. I am going to go out on a limb (no pun intended) and guess these are pellets from the wisest animal in the woods. Our buddy the Owl 🙂
Spring is here!!!!
Bill Smith
Bill, I’m glad you went out on a limb, as of course your guess is correct! And yes, spring is here!! Woo hoo! I’m ready. Happy Sunday!
Are they owl pellets?
Barb— they are indeed owl pellets! Great guess! Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. Hope your day is fabulous!