I sat several hours on a “observation platform” at the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge hoping to film animals (or any nature) that I encountered. The swamp didn’t disappoint me.
There is more after the page break and mission statement.
The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge. We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns.
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I was filming a family of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks when I heard the roar of gators in the distance. It was a deep rumble that vibrated everything. I tried to record the sound but my equipment would not capture the low frequency. I’ll offer the video below to show how gators make the alarming noise I heard.
This behavior is used to establish territory and declare a mating desire. One thing to notice in the video, is the water nearest the animal will pulsate from the sonic blast of the bellowing. That vibration lets any submerged gators feel the roar also.
Everything nearby (for a several hundred foot diameter) will hear or feel that deep roar. Waterfowl I was watching all jumped out of the water when the roars began (a lot like the response to a Life guard’s whistle, “Everyone out of the pool”.)
It was an interesting event to see so many birds pop into trees and bushes at once. Then I remembered that most waterfowl have huge feet that would be more sensitive to vibration.
Snowy Egret with huge yellow feet
Roseate Spoonbill with big grey feet
Big green feet on the Green Heron.
Can you imagine what it would be like for these guys?
The wife reminded me (after I scheduled this diary) that she has a doctor’s appointment and needs a driver. I will be dropping in later than I want, but I shall return.
I hope you’ll consider this an Open Thread and lead us into new and adventurist places.