Sunday, June 21, 2009

Mountain laurels

I find my best hunting is up here on the mountain top, in the clearing for the power lines.

Here we find a herd of mountain laurels. They have gathered into a defensive formation.


After a long stalk and a quick chase, I managed to cut one of the calves away from the herd.


Now for a quick hike back down the mountain. Here is one I planted in 2006. It seemed fine in 2007, but suddenly died towards the end of the year.


In the morning sun, the next day.


You might notice the maximum security fence surrounding the laurel. Of course, I wouldn't want he/she/it/plant/Kalmia latifolia to wander off. The laurel is confused and frightened in its new home, and might get hit by a car if it strayed. But there is more to it than that, and therein lies a tail. Or two. Or a lot.


To be continued...
~

9 comments:

Another Kiwi said...

Baby Orangs have to have 6 feeds a day, so I am told by Teevee. I hope you are giving the mountain laurel enough to eat. It will wander off otherwise.

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

I've staked that fence into the rocks thoroughly, Another Kiwi.

Sure, the bigger ones could rip it right out, but a tyke like this one should remain confined for a few years, at least.
~

zombie rotten mcdonald said...

I prefer free range laurels.

Another Kiwi said...

I'm sure that Thunder provides enriching material for the Laurel, ZRM. Some toys, books and puzzles to help it not get bored. My only concern is that it will not be able to express natural behaviour in captivity, leading to some psychological problems in later life. Is it going to have access to a laurel psychologist?

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

All it wants to do is sit on the couch and watch Sponge Bob.

I figure it should stay outside (for its own good, of course).
~

M. Bouffant said...

You, sir, are an ent.

zombie rotten mcdonald said...

A Miscre-ent.

Another Kiwi said...

Hey, hey!! less of the entomology

Jennifer said...

Awesome! Grizzled went through a similar ordeal with a red oak... Rufus is now positively fabulous and has been freed from his fence and the neighbors' mockery... actually, one neighbor cheered when Rufus was freed yet actually stayed in the yard.