I could tell you that I had a breakthrough today. I could also tell you that I would like to exterminate the last hour and a half or so from my hippocampus. But truth be told, I’ve always been one to exaggerate the truth. So, if I was to regurgitate my 3rd sit-spot experience to you, and it fell victim to either pole of the previous extremes, it would probably because today it fell perfectly in the middle. At 70 degrees, it wasn’t too hot or too cold, there was wasn’t quite enough sun in the sky to leave you squinting, but the creek still reflected the sun rays, and there was a slight, unbothersome breeze. The day just felt…neutral.

One of the first things I noticed during my focused observation time was how quiet everything was. Not in a “Help, I’ve fallen in the abyss and can’t get up”, sort of way, but there was such a profound deficient of natural sounds that It forced you to think about what else was missing.  There were barely any birdcalls at all. Despite last time’s experience I barely saw any other animals besides squirrels either. I wish I knew about the other, less inconspicuous animals that inhabit the area beside the creek. Were they off busy preparing for hibernation or were they feeling particularly shy that day? Just when I thought I’d be walking home empty handed, something black appeared in the corner of my eye. It was a wing. Several wings, and beaks. They were vultures! My excitement was short lived when I realized that a hoard of vultures only meant one thing. There was a large, dead, half eaten deer laying in the creek. Isn’t nature beautiful?

didn’t want to get too close without scaring the birds away

In my pursuit for an answer to this question, another one popped into my head: “Where the heck are all the insects?” Then, I looked down at my warm sweater and jogging pants. Ectotherms don’t have warm sweaters and jogging pants. It was rather painstaking, but eventually I was able to locate my invertebrate: a tiny black ant on one of the creek rocks. While I was observing him, he was moving mighty quick to be going nowhere. At times he just kept walking into circles. My hypothesis is that the little guy was injured. After I was done breathing down it’s neck, I left it to shuffle in peace.

the little ant dude

 

Since my sit spot is located at Carvin’s Creek, the water does play a big role in the mini ecosystem in that area. It’s obviously home to many invertebrates and fish, as well as larvae. Without the water source, my spot would look a lot different as well since sycamore trees prefer to grow near water, as does the various wild plants that branch out across the creek bed.

Carvin’s Creek

In conclusion, this experience was underwhelming in the best way possible. I think that this experience also gave me a taste of what this winter would be like, since It already seemed like everything was beginning to wind down a bit. I’d also like to add that when it does begin to get a little colder, I’m excited to see what new changes will begin to blossom in my little area.