I arrived at my sit spot at 3:30pm on November 8th. I decided to go during the day, which is when I typically go, unlike my previous visit during the nighttime. I did this sit spot session during the day because of the weather and because I knew I would not be able to drag myself out of bed to watch the pond in the chilly morning. Although my previous session was interesting, I decided that I prefer going during the day for the security and for the warmth of the sunlight. I also preferred being able to see the animals during the day, as I was unable to get good photos at nighttime.
My last sit-spot was done at night when it was rather cold, so this visit was definitely different from my previous session. Since my last daytime visit, a lot of things have changed in the surrounding areas, although the weather was back to the nice and warm temperatures from my first sit-spot. Since the last time, most of the trees surrounding the pond have lost their leaves as the weather transitions to the cold of fall. The tree I sit under has lost almost all of its leaves, so it lacks the shade that it had previously offered, though the leaves that have fallen are interesting to look at due to their massive size. Along with the warm weather, the sky was quite beautiful and mostly clear, with a few clouds.
When I had first arrived at my sit-spot, I was welcomed by the sounds of insects and birds calling, and a large turtle who was sunbathing in the middle of the pond. Unfortunately, the turtle quickly fled into the water before I had the chance to get a good look to be able to identify it. I assume it was a large water turtle, as it did not look like it was the right shape to be the common snapper I had seen previously. While I was sitting on my blanket, I was able to also hear squirrels in the distance making their warning calls, while a few nearby bounced around the trees. I also had the chance to spot an interesting insect with white fluff on it after it landed on my shirt. I later looked up the insect and found out that it was a woolly aphid, which basically look like fluffy gnats.
woolly aphid
This session was more enjoyable than my last session, as I was able to sit without a jacket and I was able to see the animals more clearly. This session presented more sounds and sightings of animals than when I came at night, which is likely due to the warmer weather bringing them out. I was able to actually hear insects this time, which was much different from the pure silence of the night session. The night session did allow me to see what I’m sure was an otter, though the daytime allowed me to get better pictures of the area and gave me a chance to photograph anything that could have appeared. The pond did not seem to attract much nocturnal life, especially in the cold, so the day was a better option for viewing nature. I then left my spot around 4:30pm too head back inside.
a leaf from the tree above me
the sky
pond filled with leaves
the barren tree
Hi Harlie,
your sit spot is gorgeous, wow the pictures are amazing! I personally think an hour after dawn and right around dusk are the prettiest times to go because of the way the sun falls. The wooly aphid is so cute, I never have things like that happen to me and it makes me sad:(
Your sit spot is so pretty!!I’m glad you were able to see a turtle, and have seen some different types of them. The wooly aphid is adorable, are they native to this area?
Harlie,
I am OBSESSED with wooly aphids. As someone from the area, I can tell you that they are everywhere if you look hard enough. I have a picture of one that landed on me a year or so ago. They are the cutest insects ever but can be harmful to plants and trees sometimes.