One of our favorite things to do is to go outside and take a closer look at some of the normal, everyday things that we often tend to walk right by. Today, a short walk down the road showed us some marvelously ‘usual’ delights.
Our first discovery was this strange, pocked object. Any guesses?
It’s the top of a dandelion, the seeds having drifted off on the wind.
Then we came across this, which reminded us of the skin of an alien.
It’s actually oozing sap from a red pine tree.
Further along our journey we came across this beautifully colored pattern, like an exotic rug.
This is a tent caterpillar. Can you see the spiracles where it breathes?
This one amazed us. It looks very odd, and we had never bothered to look at one up close before.
This is the point where a pine cone breaks free of its branch and falls to the ground.
Finally, we couldn’t help but notice a not so subtle beauty — this lovely beetle who was spreading its wings out. We weren’t sure if it was injured or doing something else, but we couldn’t help but stare.
What a lovely world we all live in!
Posted on May 27th, 2010 by Kenton and Rebecca
Filed under: Nature Inspiration
Very very cool! Thanks for the closer views. That beautiful green beetle is a Six-spotted Tiger Beetle, one of my favorites.
I LOVE those macro shots!
Everyday items are truly magical at that range. I would have never guessed the dandelion. The others I MIGHT have. But probably not.
Hi Jackie! It was SO fast! Skittered about and it was only luck that allowed us to get a shot. Thanks for the ID!
Hello Sharon,
It really is amazing to see things close up, isn’t it. The dandelion was our favorite — sort of a like a huge marshmallow thingy. Definitely weird =)
Absolutely beautiful photos. It is always fun to look at the world in a different way. Things we often take for granted have a subtle beauty all their own. I think my favorite photo of this collection is the tent caterpillar….gorgeous markings.
Thanks MObugs!
We definitely agree with your thoughts. As for the tent caterpillar, we had been seeing them for days as they crossed the road during our walks, and were always amazed by the intricacy of their colors. We were so curious to get a close-up with the camera, and were delighted with the results. What a spectacular creature!
Agree!
With nature, ‘Extraordinary is in the ordinary’ if you take the time to go look for it!
I have just seen the first preview of National Geographic’s 6-part series of Tourism Queensland’s ‘Best Job in the World’.
I know it might seem a bit off topic but the truth is that National Geographic has helped ignite junior biologists around the world!
I was excited about the chance to see a place I traveled to in the past…in HD!
Hi Michael,
We haven’t seen that program (no television, so it’s difficult for us =). We definitely agree, however, that good nature programming can really inspire.
I love your blog! This post which showcased that lovely green beetle reminded me of a post I did on my blog which is about rare & fascinating creatures - check it out if you’re interested!
Hi Carly!
Thanks! Love yours as well — those are truly some amazing critters you’re featuring — from lovely to nightmare! =) (Well, we think they’re all cool, but . . .)
Agree! With nature, ‘Extraordinary is in the ordinary’ if you take the time to go look for it! I have just seen the first preview of National Geographic’s 6-part series of Tourism Queensland’s ‘Best Job in the World’. I know it might seem a bit off topic but the truth is that National Geographic has helped ignite junior biologists around the world! I was excited about the chance to see a place I traveled to in the past…in HD!
Hello Coleen! Thanks for sharing! We really do live in an amazing world
Beautiful blog! I love everything about nature and all it inspires…