Fantastic Frog

When I walked outside, around midnight, I noticed the outline of something that looked similar to a Leopard Frog in the shadows.

I retrieved a flashlight and returned to find the creature gone.

 While searching the area, I spied a cat walking under the deck.

As I got closer, I realized that the cat had a frog in its mouth.

I exclaimed so loudly that the cat dropped the frog and ran.

I quickly crawled over and picked up the limp frog's body.

I was furious because the cat had attacked the frog.

That was my favorite type of frog to photograph.

As I solemnly returned to the house, I felt a slight movement.

I rushed the frog into the bright light, for a closer inspection.

It appeared to have some minor wounds on its right side.

I prayed that I had gotten there in time to save its life.

I carried the frog inside to rinse the dirt and grass off.

It started kicking with both back legs, as I washed it.

That startled me and made my night, all at once.

That frog was a fighter; it was going to survive.

I prepared a container to keep it in overnight.

It didn't protest as I closed the vented lid.

It tolerantly rested in a far corner.

The next afternoon, I took the frog outside for some photos.

As soon as I removed the container lid, the frog leaped out.

I chased it back and forth in the yard, until it gave up.

I returned the frog to the house for another bath.

It escaped from my hands and dove into the sink.

I finally had to have a serious talk with the frog.

I said that I deserved some good pictures,

since I had saved it from the crazy cat.

That talk must have done the trick.

The frog settled right down and 

let me get my photographs.

I released it, afterward.

What a Fantastic Frog.

Southern Leopard Frog

You can View my Nature Photography here:

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Black Woolly Bear

I spotted a bristly black caterpillar on a dank November night.

It was fervently feeding on some light green leafy vegetation.

When I touched the prickly hairs, it curled in a defensive circle.

That was the first time that I noticed reddish rings on its body.

That captivating caterpillar was two and a half inches of total awesomeness.

I did some research to find out what kind of caterpillar it was.

I had happily happened upon a Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar.

That fuzzy caterpillar would eventually change into a wonderful white moth with shiny black and iridescent blue circular spots.

The moth would have a three inch wingspan and a beautiful blue belly with orange markings.

GOD created the coolest creatures.

Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar

You can View my Nature Photography here:

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Highlighted Heron

It was a blustery afternoon and I was searching for a Heron.

The birds had apparently taken shelter from the strong wind.

I rounded the coming corner with a healthy helping of hope.

I looked in a slough to my immediate right, in anticipation. 

A Great Blue Heron stood feeding from the muddy bank.

I was elated.

I quickly found a good vantage point and I began snapping.

The sun was playing peek-a-boo and I was losing light fast.

The Heron looked up and began walking in my direction.

My heart skipped a beat as I waited for the punch line.

Where was it going?

I momentarily lost sight of the Blue in the camera's viewfinder.

My eyes frantically scanned the area where it had been fishing.

I hoped that I didn't accidentally frighten it, making it fly away.

As I looked down, I saw that it was fishing directly below me.

The evening sun was illuminating its beak, causing it to glow.

I thanked GOD for my many blessings, as I snapped my photographs.

Great Blue Heron

You can View my Nature Photography here:

http://al-powell.pixels.com/

Snazzy Sliders

Clouds obscured the sun as I perused the pond perimeter. 

Near the waters edge, I startled a Frog, that returned the favor.

He shrieked an alarm and noisily belly flopped into the water.

SQUEEK...SPALOOSH!

I located my wits, steadied myself and continued my journey. 

I saw something ahead like small green leaves on the wet sand.

I approached for a closer look, my bare feet sinking in the mud.

I suddenly realized that they were green and yellow Turtles.

As I gently picked the tiny reptiles up, I had a vivid childhood flashback.

I had a similar small green and yellow Turtle, as a little kid.

I recalled a clear container with water and a plastic Palm Tree.

I wondered what became of that Turtle; what had I named it?

No idea.

They sprang to life as I rinsed the dried mud from their shells.

Scratching my fingers with their claws, they tried to get away.

They had summoned surprising strength from those little legs.

I placed them in the palm of my hand and carried them to the soft, warm grass, to dry.

They let me take photos, while they basked in the sunlight.

The sun highlighted the intricate designs on their stunning shells.

GOD's handiwork is clearly evident in the smallest of details.
Impressive.

I enjoy the exploration of Nature now, much as I did as a child.

Each newly found creature affects me like a shiny new toy.
Finding two at a time; now that is a big ole bonus.

Twin Turtles!

Yellow Bellied Slider Turtles

You can View my Nature Photography here:

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