“You only need sit still long enough in some attractive spot in the woods that all its inhabitants may exhibit themselves to you by turns.” H.D. Thoreau
With fondness, I recall exploring the wilder areas along the levee, woods, lakes and fields of the Mississippi Delta during my early years. When most children would still be sleeping, I would tip-toe into the kitchen and leave a note to my parents – then strike out in search of my horse. On horseback and other times on foot, I often made my own trail – depending on the whims of each day.

Fields on one side of the levee, woodlands (and the river) on the other…
On a hot summer day I might ride my horse into the deep woods and sit beneath a grand old tree. I don’t remember having profound thoughts – I just visually soaked in the surroundings and merged with the peace and beauty of wherever I stopped. Sometimes I rode ‘back in the fields’ where the persimmon trees grew – or along the lower bogs that drained the higher areas. Discovering an explosion of yellow wildflowers intermingled with cat-tails, I wove those small aquatic flowers into my horse’s bridle then resumed my journey. Even when young I rejoiced in seeing new species.
After describing one particularly-exotic flower to our neighbor, I learned its name: “Maypop,” and he – a mentor to me – always took time to satisfy my curiosity. “When I was young,” he smiled, “we liked to stomp on the ripe fruit – and they popped!”
I never saw the ripe fruits, but now I live where that delicate flower has a monster cousin: passion fruit, called maracuya in Ecuador. With a rich unique aroma and quite-tart flavor, maracuya is popular (and affordable) for juices and desserts. (Do you think that those Mississippi Maypops produce an edible fruit as well?) I have veered far from my original GPS location, but that childlike curiosity remains intact!
Here in Ecuador, most every week presents opportunities for discovering new-to-me birds. Just when I think I’ve exhausted the possibilities, something new crosses my path. A bright sunny day provides great light and shadows for photos, though identifying small birds high in a tree is a challenge. Many times I take the photos but wait to view images on the computer to confirm the birds for the day.
Recently a lovely feathered surprise appeared on the computer screen. It was photographed eating small berries with the euphonias, and its turquoise colors – not seen against the bright sky – were very clear on the computer! “What IS that bird?” Sometimes a bird’s name brings a chuckle to my heart, as did this one:
“Yellow-tufted Dacnis”
Another day a rattling sound stopped me cold in my tracks. The rattle came from a sloped area with thick vegetation and seemed to be level with my eyes. Scanning slowly and half expecting to see a snake, I was surprised to see a Peruvian Pygmy Owl staring back at me! The vibration seemed to be coming from the owl, yet it was motionless – as was I! (Do Pygmy Owls rattle their tails when threatened?) I finally located the source of the noise… Can you see it in the photo?
Giant grasshoppers must be a favorite food of the Pygmy Owls, as this is my second time to witness their prey-catching skills.
This next image shows an owl with another victim. I hope that the locals cherish this species’ help in pest control!
Every so often the Brown Wood Rails make an appearance, unlike last year when they provided almost-daily photo ops. Sometimes in the early mornings or at dusk, their yelping announces that they aren’t extinct! A few days ago I saw movement in the area where the rails often entered the yard – and yes, even though I was not wearing my contacts, I saw the small brown shape! Focusing the camera on the shape, I could see the viewing screen – but wait – that wasn’t a wood rail!
What a precious rabbit! Not detecting my presence, it slowly hopped across the yard and out of sight!
This morning – again without contact lenses, I was sure that the rabbit was back – same spot. Again with the camera’s help, I took a few photos and then looked at the screen while taking more. No – it wasn’t a rabbit:
The Brown Wood Rails often yelp from that side of the yard, which this year has much more cover than their previous hiding places.
Returning from a long walk, I approached the small stream in the road near the house. High in a Cecropria tree on one side, the Palm Tanagers and Orange-fronted Barbets flitted from limb to limb. At ground level, clusters of butterflies loitered near the stream. Tadpoles and small fish populated the shallows, and I checked the upper limbs of the Cassia trees in hopes of spotting the Laughing Falcon. As I prepared to step through the shallow water, my primal reflexes stopped me before my eyes/brain registered the reptile in the water. Equally as sudden, I relaxed – and smiled.
Much like its cousins in North America, the South American Snapping Turtle has a reputation for a nasty temperament! This one appeared traumatized – maybe from its pilgrimage downstream or from a close call with a passing motorist? Pulled tight into its shell, it barely moved as the water inched it slowly across the paved area. I sat and watched. A man on a motorcycle stopped out of curiosity, took photos then continued his journey. I wondered if the locals eat turtles, and if so – would the turtle be captured – or run over- if I left it in the road. With another half hour before dark, I carefully nudged it (with caution with my boot) past the drop-off, and watched as it blended with the rocks and water.
No human can match nature’s gifts of adaptation! Before leaving the turtle in peace, I covered it with wet leaves in case the motorcycle guy returned to capture it!
I sent the photos to Alejandro Arteaga, who had shared a PDF of the Reptiles and Amphibians of Ecuador. I said that it looked much like the same snapping turtles from Mississippi – and we were always told that if a snapping turtle bit your finger it would not let go until ‘it thundered.’
Alejandro replied, ” …Thank you so much for sending me the pictures of this beautiful turtle species. I am happy to see these guys are still hanging in there in Manabí 🙂
What you did was smart, and probably the best for the turtle.
Oh, beware… this turtles bite as strong and as fast as the north American snapping turtles..”
Rabbits and turtles and wood rails and always new surprises; I wonder what will be next! I’ll close with images of a Squirrel Cuckoo and its breakfast buffet.
“Each person’s journey is unique, but once you merge into the rhythms and pulse of our Earth, you’ll find a spiritual comfort that won’t abandon you in difficult times.” Lisa
Lisa, I love the creatures. Great pictures, especially the owls. Keith
Those owls are pretty great – I have lots and lots of photos – but each visit seems worthy of new photos!
As usual, great photos and narrative! With only a few exceptions, we have pretty much daily visits from these birds. I have never seen a snapping turtle here though, but we do not live near the river. I, like you, love to just sit and let the inhabitants of this area fly or stroll by. Life is good in Ecuador!
Thank you, amigos… Yes, it was a surprise to see the turtle – and a joy to watch it. You might not have the snapping turtles but those olive ridley sea turtles come ashore every so often —- and most likely you’ve enjoyed seeing the little hatchlings head to the ocean?
I’ll bet you continue to see new birds as well!
What’s blooming in your yard?
Your post fills me with hope and joy today, Lisa.
Thank you for such a genuine and sensitive comment! If we could all start each day – and end it – with hope and joy, the world might be a much-healthier place for all. I hope that your week is going well.
Hope the same for you, dear friend!
Thank you again for taking us on your wonderful nature walks. So beautiful.
Thank you, for going on the walk – and thanks, also, for sharing the D-Day story.. I read it off line at home and it was wonderful.. You are a very talented writer and ‘teller of (true) stories.’
Great observations – thanks for the journey
Thank you so much for taking the time to take a cyber journey in Ecuador! Your comments are always appreciated.
Such a wide variety of beautiful life-forms, Lisa. I almost feel as if I was walking in the woods with you! Though the giant grasshopper makes my skin crawl; whenever one of those guys head my way – and we have a few kinds of giant locusts here too – I shriek like a 4-year old girl!
Oh that is funny – I cannot imagine grasshoppers affecting anyone in your family!!! I once leaped into a plastic chair when the mouse ‘we’ were chasing/trying to herd out of the room – dashed in my direction.. Later my friend said, ‘You screamed like a girl.’ One has to laugh!
😀
At least you have the excuse that you ARE a girl! In my case it is just embarrassing!
😀
that gave me a great chuckle!
You not only live in one of the world’s most beautiful spots, you see all that is around you. Thanks for sharing!
“The artist’s eyes never rest,’ is so true! I’m lucky to have so many things that are worthy of seeing – or perhaps it’s a gift of finding beauty in most all things? Thank you Hugh!
Ola Mi Favrito Hermana! It’s all about the journey….and taking the reverse gear to relive happy memories. Loving the tagalong opportunity as you share the view. Hoping all is well. Xoxo Raye
Thank you, Amaiga-hermana! Probably six months ago Linda/Task at Hand/Lagniappe posted an image of small yellow buttercup-type flowers, and that memory came flooding back… I realize how lucky I was to have the freedom to roam the landscape – and that Nature provided most everything needed to keep me occupied!
Thank you for getting the turtle to safety!!
Of course you would love that special encounter! If would have been nice to sit and watch until the sun totally set – but I suspect that the turtle would have been even more patient – and waited until all humans were out of sight!
What a lovely nature walk you took me on. I could feel myself in your tropical paradise. And your childhood rides sound perfectly idyllic!
Alison
Yes, and you are keeping us with appetites for amazing Asian foods and destinations! A good friend of mine plans to visit Japan and China, and I plan to ‘insist’ that she read many of your posts… Presently she’s trying to get her visa paperwork in order…
Oh I love that you’re sharing my posts. Thank you!
That’s a no-brainer option for me… what better way for someone to prepare for a journey than to light one’s candle from yours?!!!
xox
Your world seems so exotic to me Lisa, but I expect mine would seem pretty exotic to you too! We currently have a major diamondback turtle research project underway, and of course the giant loggerhead turtles are currently laying their nests on our beach – 259 nests so far for a very banner year. Does my heart good to see nature thriving despite our attempts to foul the planet they depend on. Beautiful post.
259 nests? That sounds huge – enormous! Yippee for the turtles and the future hatchlings!
Definitely a record year coming up Woo Hoo!
Recently I’ve felt as though I might as well be in Ecuador. I’ve been exploring new territory, and it’s been remarkable. At one point, I thought I was about to be attacked by something huge, given the amount of noise it was creating. Well, not so much. It was the biggest red-eared slider I’ve ever seen, heading for a pond.
I don’t know how it is for you, but it’s easy for me to get disoriented in a new place: strange birdcalls, unrecognizable plants, different smells. It’s hard to sort through it at first, and hard to sort through the impressions. You do a marvelous job of “sorting through” Ecuador for us. I’m hoping to do the same with the east Texas piney woods — carnivorous plants and all!
Yes, it’s very challenging but oh, so rewarding – and it keeps us alive and in touch with all of our senses – so important as we get older…
You do a great job of sharing your world with us as well!
weird; I just replied to your comment, and now it’s as if not.. will watch to see what happens – maybe it’s a sluggish connection!
Clearly, it was that sluggish connection. It came through just fine!
What an odyssey in time and space you’ve put into a single post, from the Mississippi Delta of childhood to Ecuador as you experience it now.
I tracked down the Thoreau quotation that you began with. It’s from the section in Walden entitled “The Battle of the Ants.”
‘The Battle of the Ants,’ – how fun!
I have a long quote from Thoreau in the queue… it’s at the end, the ‘why I left,’ which is quite eloquent when he states perhaps he had several more lives to live!
Thanks Steve!
Squirrel Cuckoo and Laughing Falcon? You’re killing me. So, whose little muddy paw prints are those in the first image? Made me think racoon, but I don’t see toenails. I think that turtle was saying “Thank you, Ms Lisa, for saving my life.”
You made me laugh too! I’m not sure on the footprints and thought perhaps someone might know.. I need to find an animal footprint guide for this area!
Wherever you are, you settle in and drink deeply. So many things to discover….it never ends. I enjoyed the reverie about your childhood – surely that freedom you enjoyed molded your spirit, and that neighbor who answered your questions let you know that asking is good. So you keep asking, and the net grows bigger, and more answers come. 🙂 It’s always a pleasure traveling with you, amiga!
You are often here in spirit when I admire exotic flowers or twisted vines or a raptor slicing across a blue sky. This new chapter will be very different, but as I have stated, it’s the carrot on the stick that keeps me moving forward!
Such an abundance of wildlife in your surroundings. Cool to learn more about your childhood adventures – which I see continue in your adult life in Peru.
Thanks Otto; my soul still feels young, but at time my body reminds me that I’m no longer that little tomboy. I’m glad to have had almost all of my life in the outdoors – such a tonic on many levels.