Chronicaling the lunacy of taming three acres in Tidewater Virginia, one square foot at a time!

"Gardens... should be like lovely, well-shaped girls: all curves, secret corners, unexpected deviations, seductive surprises and then still more curves. ~H.E. Bates, A Love of Flowers


Sunday, August 29, 2010

Non-Gardeny But Way Cool

The pictures were taken at the Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills around 445Pm. I stopped at the pier to check out the rip current and wave situation, given that it was coming on low tide. I noticed the yellow rod bent over and some commotion on the end of the pier.

According to a NOAA "Fish Fact Sheet:"
Black tip sharks are one of the most common shark species found inshore off the coast of Florida. Although the majority of shark bites in Florida are likely attributable to this species, there has never been a fatal attack credited to this species in this region.

Scientific name: Carcharhinus limbatus

Distribution: Off the east coast of the United States black tip sharks range from New England to Mexico but are most commonly found between North Carolina and Texas, especially in spring and summer.

Habitat: This shark inhabits shallow coastal waters and estuaries and offshore surface waters. Black tip sharks use shallow inshore waters from South Carolina to Texas as nursery areas for their pups in spring and summer. They can be found in groups as young or adults feeding in shallow water.

Life history: This species is a relatively fast growing shark, reaching maturity at about 4-5 years of age and living longer than 10 years. Number of pups per litter is usually 4 to 6. Maximum size of black tips off the U.S. eastern seaboard is about 6 feet in length

Management: In the Atlantic, black tip sharks are part of the large coastal shark management group, which is overfished; commercial and recreational fishing regulations are in place for this species.














Friday, August 20, 2010

Morning Walk

Being virtuous and taking a morning walk on Bay Drive this morning, decided to take my camera along for some pix of mid-August flora along Kitty Hawk Bay.

I frequently drive past this sunflower patch, now past peak, but cheery in determination to live.

The sun rising cast a beautiful light on the clouds and water...
The Live Oaks are beautiful...
Not sure what this is...but something must eat those fruits...
This annoying weed makes a pretty flower, but is killer with thorns and tough to eradicate in a garden bed.
Mimosa full of pods....
Trumpet vine with pods...

This garden mess in front of my house....I love the orange and blue. The Rosemary is insane. I have learned to appreciate its messiness and sprawling...the butterflies don't seem to mind.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Dog Day Thunderstorm

Hazy, hot and humid, spell afternoon and evening thunderstorms and an opportunity to take some sky pictures...
This cloud was rolling across the sound...



Nags Head Fishing Pier...






Hopefully the rain will revive the parched gardens...

Friday, August 13, 2010

Giant Swallowtail...

...munching on Lantana on a hot summer day.
So graceful in flight, a single wingbeat taking it from flower to flower.
Close to 6 inch wingspan.