Happy Good Friday, mates. Wilson here to finish up sharing the photos from Mum’s recent outing to the Denver Aquarium for this week’s edition of Nature Friday. As always, we’re joining Rosy and Sunny from the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop. Be sure to click on the link to see what scenes were shared by others. But before I begin to share the rest of the photos, can I just say Spring has left the building and done a boomerang back to Winter again. Yesterday was a right proper Spring day with temps in the mid-70’s. (22cº). Today when we woke up, it was 28ºF and snowing. We can expect anywhere from 3-6 inches of white stuff. It’s not accumulating on the sidewalks but I think our walk this morning will require lots of waterproof layers. Can anyone explain why Mother Nature can’t seem to decide what season she wants to be?
The Mum: Good morning, House Pony. I see you’re raring to go. Is it because we returned to winter today? You seem to get a bit frisky when the temps drop.
Wilson: Umm, something like that, although I was perfectly content sleeping on top of your legs this morning.
The Mum: Yeah, about that…you know you’re killing me at night with this “dog pile” behavior. What’s up with that?
Wilson: Dog pile? I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m just staying close to you for a couple of reasons. One, I think enjoy it and two, since I got groomed last week, I’m a little short on hair and thus a tad chilled.
The Mum: I tried to cover you with a blanket on your bed but you end up kicking the covers off and then jumping on my bed.
Wilson: Well your bed seems a bit more comfy. So does the sofa. I REALLY like the sofa…well so long as you’re on it.
The Mum: We’re gonna have to have a ‘come to Jesus chat’ about that. It’s becoming harder to read a book when you’re sprawled across my lap.
Wilson: I’m just staying close in case you get stuck on a word. Consider me as your reading tutor.
The Mum: {eyes rolling} I see we’re going nowhere fast here so let’s wrap up my visit to the Denver Aquarium, ok?
Wilson: Works for me. This first one is going to freak everybody it so feel free to skip this part. Why in the world would you take a photo of a Green Tree Python? He looks quite intimidating!
The Mum: Hey I’m not a fan of snakes either, but he was quite fascinating. I learned that they are arboreal (meaning they live in trees, not on the ground); their luminescent scales give off a green light and help them blend into the trees allowing them to stay camouflaged; unlike most snakes, they don’t lay eggs-the females give live birth to their offspring and are quite protective of them; they aren’t venomous; they have a unique skull shape that’s different from other snakes, was told they make great pets for experienced snake keepers and live a relatively long time for snakes.
Wilson: No, nope, not a chance…if you think you’re going to bring home one of those, you’re sadly mistaken. And that is non-negotiable. I put my paw down on this, Mum.
The Mum: Don’t get your knickers in a bind. There’s not a chance that one of those guys will become a Ranch Hand any time soon. But you gotta admit, they are quite fascinating to watch.
Wilson: Well I’m glad we agree on the part where there’s no chance of them coming here. I don’t even think I’d enjoy eating them and that’s saying something!
The Mum: I should say so! For you to not be interested in eating something has to be a first. Well, what about these fish?
Wilson: Whoa…those Kokanee salmon are quite colorful and I hear they are pretty tasty, so yes, you can put them on the menu. And so is that trout. I heard the Cutthroat Trout is Colorado’s state fish, did I get that right?
The Mum: You’re are right. They are a big hit among Colorado anglers. They were first discovered by the Spanish explorer, Francisco de Coronado in 1541. Lewis and Clark made notes of their presence in their journals in the early 1800’s as they were exploring the Western US.
Wilson: You told me your highlight was seeing the Sumatran tigers, Rudi and Luhahn. Sumatran tigers are extremely endangered with probably only about 400 of them left in the wild. They are the smallest of the subspecies and have the darkest coats, allowing them to blend in quite well to their habitat. Did you know all tigers have unique stripe patterns much like humans fingerprints? They tend to sleep around 20 hours a day. You think there’s some truth to Sumatran tigers being the source for the expression, ‘taking a cat nap?”
The Mum: {snickering} They are truly majestic; I could watch them for hours as they play and move around their enclosure.
Wilson: I see you found Nemo, Mum. Those clownfish are quite colorful, too!
The Mum: Yup, I DID find Nemo! I think Dorie was in that tank as well but she refused to swim with Nemo while I was there and because there was such a crowd, I needed to move along to the Lionfish. Talk about a fearsome looking fish.
Wilson: Those fish are quite invasive I understand. Native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific, the fins are venomous to small fish. Fatalities can occur on very young children, the elderly, or anyone who is allergic to the venom. Healthy adults fare better but in some cases they can sure make you uncomfortable for several days. I’d hate to be poisoned by one of those guys.
The Mum: No kidding…that would definitely make for a bad day.
Wilson: You seem to have a fascination with stingrays, Mum.
The Mum: I love watching them swim around so effortlessly.
Wilson: So what the bloody heck is this fish?
The Mum: I think that’s a Shovelnose Ray but I didn’t make a note about it. It was most fascinating with its long nose and tail. There was another fish I forgot to note. It might be a young Lumpfish, but I wouldn’t bet the Ranch on it.
Wilson: Hmm, it’s kind of interesting but definitely not scary like this Moray Eel. My heavens…look at those teeth! Now do you understand why I hate water.
The Mum: Those eels are pretty scary looking, I’ll give you that. I saw a green one, too that was positioned in a “S” shape under some rocks. It’s creatures like this that made me decide diving in the ocean was not my scene. I’m more of a ‘walk along the shoreline’ kind of person.
Wilson: Yikes…they come in green too? No, thank you. I think I’m done with all the creatures of the sea. I’m glad you are more of a dry land kind of mum. Hopefully we’ll get back to photographing flowers and land animals next time. We hope everyone has a lovely celebration of Easter and Passover. And don’t forget to get outside and view the natural world in between egg hunts and Seders. Have a fabulous holiday weekend.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Mee-yow what a grate vissit to THE Aquarium Miss Monika! THE Python iss spectaculur….to llok at….safelee….from a disstance!
Wee Love THE Tygurr foto….furry sad there are so few left inn THE werld.
Wee like THE Nemo fishie…THE other oness are scarey…..wee stay n land OKay?
Willson wee agree about Mother Nature…..wee have had snow (melted) an hail an Funderstormss an it iss barelee 40 F degreess out….BRRRRR!
**nose bopss** BellaDharma an (((hugss))) BellaSita Mum
Thank you, dear kitty and mum. We sympathize with you on the weather-it was 28F yesterday! Shiver. And we agree about the creatures of the deep blue sea being just a bit more scary than we’d enjoy comfortably. If want to be scared, I’ll watch a movie. 😉
Wee agree!!! Shark Moviess are kewl…on Tee V!!! Wee watched “THE Shallowss” last month an it was furabuluss! It wass filmed in 2016 an starss Miss Blake Lively….it’ss as guud as “JAWSS”!
Toay it went up int 60’ss???? Wee got rain this mornin from Missouri an THE warm temp. Iss kewlin off now. Cray cray weather….. *sighss*
Hmm…I’ve not heard of that movie-I’ll have to check it out. Thanks. We’ve got some moisture forecast later this week-it will be interesting to see what form it takes. 😉 If in fact the forecast is correct.
It’ss furry guud an lookss so reel-alistick!! Wee nevurr seen it beefore eether Miss Monika…..
Java Bean: “Ayyy, that is quite the collection of critters!”
Charlee: “The tiger is our favorite.”
Lulu: “Of course it is.”
Chaplin: “Happy Easter everybunny!”
Hee, hee…their just big kitties, right Charlee? Happy Easter greetings to you and all the other critters from Wilson and me. 🐰
I think the House Pony is temporarily the House Easter Wabbit! Love all the photos – my Mom really does NOT like snakes but a totally green one is more interesting than the usual snake for sure. Critters of the deep can be a little intimidating with scary teeth and habits too. Meanwhile back at the Ranch (!) – we want to wish you all a happy Easter Eve!
Hugs, Teddy and Mom
Thanks, Teddy and Mom. Glad you liked the photos. I think you nailed it about the snake. I was practically hypnotized watch it. Hoping you have a terrific Easter.
Whoa that snake!!! EEEEK!
And those eels…like snakes in the water! Another loud EEEK!
And that is a very handsome tiger. BTW, what are tigers and arboreal snakes doing at an aquarium??? LOL!
Thanks for a great tour of that place, Wilson and Monika!
Love your Easter decor, Wilson…we got tortured too…but the payoff was some yummy treats!
Thanks for the kind comment. I think the snake and tiger exhibits represent the Indonesian aspect of the aquarium. There were other similar critters that seemed out of place but are part of the ecology of that area. There were a lot of creatures I either didn’t photograph or the photo didn’t turn out. Hope the treats were worth the Easter decor. Wilson was a good sport about it. The hard part is getting him to sit in the right spot. His positional aesthetics are somewhat different than mine and trying to move 80 lbs is no easy feat. LOL
Beautiful photos, except for the snake. I especially like the tiger. XO
Thanks, Ellen. They are really special to watch. Have a nice holiday weekend.
Those were all amazing photos!!! I hope you both have a fabulous holiday weekend.
Thanks, Terry. Nature is quite the artist; we just have to look for her art. Have a lovely Easter weekend.
A forty-two degree swing in one night? Who’s controlling the weather? Pete Hegseth?!!!
That’s really nuts. Here, it’s not been quite so drastic. The heat still kicks on at night and we need the AC some days but thankfully, no swings that would make me want to find that island from Castaway.
As for the python, wow! That color green is simply mesmerizing. I’m not a snake person either, but that’s wow right there.
Sumatran tigers and majestic, yes to this. The fact there are only about four hundred of these beautiful creatures roaming the earth makes me sad.
What a time you had at the aquarium!
Wilson . . give mama some space at night huh big guy? LOL
Have a wonderful holiday weekend
Thanks, Marc. As always your comments made me smile. Pete Hegseth. Bwahahaha. You slay me! Here’s hoping you have a great holiday weekend and avoid those 40+ degree temperature swings. 😀
If I got a smile, my work here is done. 😉
You guys give us smiles with your Friday gallivants, so it’s right back atcha!
It’s supposed to be nice. Supposed to be . . .
Peace and love to you guys
Blush blush, Marc…you always say the nicest things. It’s a tad chilly to start the day but should get back around 50. It’ll give the landscape a nice drink of moisture as the 4 inches of white stuff melts. Have a fantabulous weekend. Cup playoffs start so you can imagine where I’ll be.
The NHL playoffs always give us something we didn’t expect. This year will be no different.
I hope your Easter was lovely.
A grand tour of the aquarium, Monika. It sounds strange to hear you had snow. I guess Spring will come for good when ready.
We’ve had snow as late as Mother’s Day it’s not really a surprise but the up/down things are coming way too frequently. Happy Easter!
I’m with you on the walking-on-the-beach part. I’m generally with Wilson on the rest of his observations. Still, these are beautiful photos.
Thanks so much Dan. I know lots of people like the ocean and all the wondrous creatures in it. I have this thing about being able to touch the bottom with my feet.
Glad you liked the pics. Not too bad for a cellphone, if I say so myself. Course, you should see all the fails! Haha
… big fuzzy blue ears … (June is correcting mine Mommy’s comment) … she just woke up from a mid afternoon nap and did not put on her reading/writing better-to-see you with glasses, silly woman … love you Wilson
Not a problem on the blue vs. pink ears. Wilson didn’t mind. I know exactly how it goes with the reading glasses thing. How exciting to have a great aquarium in Baltimore. The exhibits are a real challenge to photograph and I can honestly say I had a fair share of major photo fails but these last two weeks, it felt good sharing the ones that turned out decently. Being inland, I forget it’s there since I’m a dry land kind of gal and default to mountains and plains before thinking of oceans. I know I should pay greater attention-healthy oceans mean a healthier planet. Wilson & I send our best wishes for you and June to enjoy a wonderful holiday weekend.
We have an amazing aquarium here in Baltimore, but oh my goodness: we’re never able to capture such beautiful photos as you have!!! Stunning each and every one. Our fave is the first with the big fuzzy pink ears, he’s adorably cute … happy bunny hopping!
Wonderful images Monika and like you, I’m more a walk-along-the-shore person! Wishing you and sweet Wilson a happy Easter and much love from our house to yours 🤗❤️🐾 xxx
Thanks so much, Xenia. When you live with mountains, it’s easy to forget oceans and jungles. Wishing you, Paul and precious Bria a wonderful holiday weekend.
This is an interesting collection of critters. I’m more of a cat person than a water person. Some of the water critters are scary looking.
Thanks, Kate. I know what you mean. Some people really enjoy being in the sea, I prefer dry land. Open water seems a tad too dangerous for me (sharks, anemones, Lionfish, Moray eels just to name a few of the dangers!). Hope you and the kitties have a good holiday weekend.
Lovely header!
With you about the kind attentions of canine reading tutors…..
Thank you, Helen. You’re always so kind with your comments. Have a lovely holiday weekend with the Thugs. Hugs and tail wiggles.
The green python is a pretty thing, but like you, I’d rather not have one in the house! Aquariums are fascinating places to visit, though I haven’t been to one since my kids were young.
It stopped me in my tracks. Then I shivered and moved along. I hadn’t been to the aquarium in ages so it was nice to introduce it to Halia on her birthday. I hope I can go back frequently to cultural places like this as she grows up. Have a wonderful weekend.
As a diver, I’m a big fan of anything ocean!! Lionfish have spread everywhere and, have even threatened reef life in the Caribbean. Such beautiful pictures, thanks so much for joining Nature Friday! Have a super holiday weekend.
Thanks, Beth. Wilson and I give our wholehearted endorsement of your enjoying the ocean. Those Lionfish are truly invasive as well as dangerous.
Signed, us folks waving from the beach. LOL
Great shots of the critters, that tiger looks like my tabby when he wakes up from a nap!
Hahaha! Those tigers are so incredibly beautiful. I wish I could have had captured the two of them playing together. Their keepers say they enjoy wrestling one another. Alas, too many people trying to see them and we were running out of time to wait. Here’s wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend.
What beautiful pictures! I love the tiger. But none compare to Wilson with his bunny ears. Too cute!!! I wish Chester would let me put ears on him. He’s not having it. Have a great weekend, hope it warms up.
Thanks, Martha. It’s fun place to go for things in the ocean. The tigers however are always my favorites critters there.
The trick with getting Wilson to pose with bunny ears and other stuff has been super short photo sessions and lots of treats. It’s a good thing he’s very food motivated. 😉 Happy Easter.
That dad gum eel looks about and scary as anything. I love each and every picture!!!
Thanks, Carole. They are truly creepy creatures. And not very hospitable either! Have a great weekend.
The aquarium pics are wonderful (I can almost feel the water), but the Easter Dog wins. Give him a kiss for me.
Thank you, Jacqui. Wilson says thanks for the kiss-I swear that boy is such a lover. 💙 Have a lovely holiday weekend.
Great photos, Monika! I always get so much glare that there isn’t anything left to salvage. But you’ve inspired me to go visit the Aquarium — I haven’t been in ages!
Thank you, Amy. I learned the hard way, it’s all where you stand to avoid glare off the glass. I wasn’t 100% successful but tried to pick the best of the lot. It’s worth a trip. Just make sure you have a full wallet. Tix are kinda of pricey I thought and hopefully you won’t mind all the kids on field trips. But it’s a fun place to visit every so often. It was especially cool watching Halia take it all in.
I love reading about your adventures! Beautiful pictures. You especially caught the vigor of the tiger. I hope you and your clan have a wonderful Easter celebration.
Many thanks, sis. It was fun sharing this part of the natural world with Halia on her birthday. Happy Easter!
Gorgeous photos. Not creatures I’d like to meet up with in person, but quite fascinating to look at. Have a lovely holiday weekend!
Thanks much, Debra. I agree. I’m not into ocean critters but they truly as fascinating. Hope yours is a wonderful holiday weekend.