Post by trehopr1 on Mar 5, 2015 8:27:05 GMT
A favorite pastime of mine during my youth was looking for wild Saturniid cocoons on my way to and from school. During several winters of my youth I tasked myself with finding whatever large cocoons I could in the time frame of my daily school walks. Yes, I really did have to WALK to school back in the day ! Anyway, each morning or afternoon with books in hand (pre-backpack days) and eyes "peeled" on the horizon before me; I set out on the hunt for Cecropia, Polyphemus, and Promethea.
It really was quite the challenge as none of those species were really common. But, they were there. And ohh... the thrill in locating one --- finally ! All along I felt much like a predator seeking out its quarry.
From a distance oftentimes, my eyes would "sharpen" at objects buffeted by the winter winds or things simply looking out of place. And the mind would then race with reckless abandon ! Is that a leaf ? Ball of twine? An insect gall ? A remnant bird nest ?
Investigation was almost always warranted. As cocoons can take on the guise of most anything natural. That's the ruse.
I carried on my sorted "winter safari" in all manner of winter conditions. Cloudy, Rainy, Snow Coming Down, Sunshine, Blustery winds, and abject tranquillity ! I soldiered on... But, I always had at least one eye open for anomalies along my paths. It was my QUEST to make these otherwise dull trips an ADVENTURE.
Each day re-inforced my beliefs that naturalists are of a kind....unlike any other. It's at times difficult to covey such interests to others and more often than not they just don't get it. However, one still must pursue the passion that your born with.
I don't walkabout as much these days as I did in my youth. However, when I do get the opportunity to do so I still find that I can't help but keep one eye on the road in front of me and the other --- on those bushes and trees......
It really was quite the challenge as none of those species were really common. But, they were there. And ohh... the thrill in locating one --- finally ! All along I felt much like a predator seeking out its quarry.
From a distance oftentimes, my eyes would "sharpen" at objects buffeted by the winter winds or things simply looking out of place. And the mind would then race with reckless abandon ! Is that a leaf ? Ball of twine? An insect gall ? A remnant bird nest ?
Investigation was almost always warranted. As cocoons can take on the guise of most anything natural. That's the ruse.
I carried on my sorted "winter safari" in all manner of winter conditions. Cloudy, Rainy, Snow Coming Down, Sunshine, Blustery winds, and abject tranquillity ! I soldiered on... But, I always had at least one eye open for anomalies along my paths. It was my QUEST to make these otherwise dull trips an ADVENTURE.
Each day re-inforced my beliefs that naturalists are of a kind....unlike any other. It's at times difficult to covey such interests to others and more often than not they just don't get it. However, one still must pursue the passion that your born with.
I don't walkabout as much these days as I did in my youth. However, when I do get the opportunity to do so I still find that I can't help but keep one eye on the road in front of me and the other --- on those bushes and trees......
