The Amelia Bulletin Monitor

IRRUPTIVE SPONTANEITY

Of Birds and Critters


YOUR MAJESTY POSES — Captured under perfect lighting conditions, my camera records a Tom displaying a wide spectrum of color reflecting from his plumage. Such visual magnificence is rarely witnessed, even among the best of wildlife observers. No wonder Mr. Tom impresses the ladies. Photo by Joe Lively

YOUR MAJESTY POSES — Captured under perfect lighting conditions, my camera records a Tom displaying a wide spectrum of color reflecting from his plumage. Such visual magnificence is rarely witnessed, even among the best of wildlife observers. No wonder Mr. Tom impresses the ladies. Photo by Joe Lively

OK, so the title may suggest a debate topic. Well you be the judge. An irruptive event refers to an appearance of a wildlife species that has left his normal home area and shows up in your neighborhood. An example would be a Snowy Owl that normally is found in extreme northern latitudes, like the Arctic tundra. Yup !!! Happens right here in Southside Virginia, in Amelia and neighboring counties. Spontaneous refers to how fast something happens, perhaps instantaneously – like BOOM !!!

Recently, many readers have described events or sent me photos of critters that appeared spontaneously. These critters were also new to the observer’s home environment or new to our awareness.

So, irruptive? The objective of my simple article is not to cause confusion or a battle over semantics, but to show you some unusual critters that showed up right under our noses or on our game cameras. And a lot of strange stuff shows up that we never realized was here.

Following turkey season, most assume that all tom turkeys immediately cease their pompous strutting. Last week, one of the chicks from my ol’ mama hen came by to see if I was still offering free treats. Her nest had recently been disrupted by hay-cutting. I was thrilled, but soon left to ready my boat for some crappie tormenting. About 20 -30 minutes later, I heard a ground-shaking gobble. I went back to investigate. Oh Lordy!!! Three big, boss tom turkeys, in full strut, were busy romancing two little hens. They paid me no attention, so I went back into the house and got my camera. You can see the results and be the judge. Irruptive or spontaneous?

SNEAKY PETE — While these two tom turkeys performed a synchronized dance to romance the hens, another Tom tried to usher those hens away from the immediate area. Few humans ever witness such a beautiful performance. Photo by Joe Lively

SNEAKY PETE — While these two tom turkeys performed a synchronized dance to romance the hens, another Tom tried to usher those hens away from the immediate area. Few humans ever witness such a beautiful performance. Photo by Joe Lively

One member of my church family apparently is a “b’ar wisperer.” He frequently has multiple bears lollygagging around his house. One of his cameras recently captured a monster b’ar, barely 200 yards behind his house. That bear not only had the audacity to show up in broad daylight, he picked a comfortable spot for a nap and laid down. Must have been a strenuous night for b’aring around.

NAP TIME— This Monster B’ar was captured by my friend’s camera, behind his house. Then that b’ar had the audacity to lay down and take a nap. He must have had a strenuous time b’aring around during the day. Contributed photo

NAP TIME— This Monster B’ar was captured by my friend’s camera, behind his house. Then that b’ar had the audacity to lay down and take a nap. He must have had a strenuous time b’aring around during the day. Contributed photo

Another example of spontaneous and/or irruptive behavior came from Al Wilder. His camera captured a young deer chasing two ‘coons. Photo evidence suggests that the ‘coons were seriously intent upon getting away from the deer. And we thought all God’s critters got along peaceably with Bambi. Certainly spontaneous.

The final examples occurred this past winter. Two different individuals in Amelia County notified me that we truly had an irruptive event (spontaneous too). In two separate areas a Snowy Owl had visited the county. One was sighted perched in a tree and the other was found dead along a roadside.

No photos were taken to avoid potential problems with overzealous Federal Wildlife authorities. But, thank you Lord, for the privilege of allowing us to see some natural wonders, no matter fast or from where they came..

OUTDOOR NOTES: Crappie are almost jumping into our coolers. Many are small, but some are whoppers.

SPONTANEOUS ACTION — Another reader sent in this unusual image showing two poor ‘coons kicking up their heels, demonstrating every intention of getting away from a small deer. And all this time, we thought all critters got along well with Bambi. Contributed photo

SPONTANEOUS ACTION — Another reader sent in this unusual image showing two poor ‘coons kicking up their heels, demonstrating every intention of getting away from a small deer. And all this time, we thought all critters got along well with Bambi. Contributed photo

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