Lens-Artists Challenge #51 – UNIQUE
“It never fails to amaze me how the most ordinary day can be catapulted into the extraordinary in the blink of an eye.”
Jodi Picoult
This week Amy invites us to talk about uniqueness. You may be thinking, what’s so unique about a deer? Here on our little island one of the most unique (and special) things is the frequency with which one can encounter some of nature’s most beautiful creatures. Exhibit A of course, the sweet face of the little deer peering at me one day last week from the woods that border my running path.
“Extraordinary magic is woven through ordinary life. Look around!”
Amy Leigh Mercree
Speaking of encounters, perhaps a bit less beautiful (except maybe to another alligator) but equally extraordinary, the fearsome fellow above was just on the other side of my running path the same day I encountered the deer. They’re amazing creatures really – relatively unchanged from prehistoric times although happily somewhat smaller. This fellow was probably 5 or 6 feet long and couldn’t have cared less about the presence of yours truly and my trusty Fuji. Look closely at his neck just behind his head and you’ll see a metal tag, which is part of a study currently underway on the health and habits of these amazing reptiles.
“Every snowflake is unique, yet they are each perfect.”
Donald L. Hicks
Another example of the unique nature of our island is the welcome presence of our wild bobcats. I captured this image some time ago on the famed Ocean Course – known to golfers worldwide. Our bobcats are well-studied and fervently protected. They are our primary means of controlling the deer population on the island, as well as the pesky marsh rats that lurk in our dense grasses. One never knows when a bobcat will appear, so it’s best to be camera-ready at all times. Although they are typically deeply hidden in the marsh grasses, they can also be found crossing our boardwalks and roads to travel throughout the island.
“Uniqueness is the highest gift of existence.”
Amit Ray
Above, a tryptic of some of the other iconic creatures we see here on Kiawah. First, our dolphins – caught in the act of strand feeding. This is a unique behavior practiced by the dolphins of coastal South Carolina. They form teams to herd baitfish (typically mullet) onto the beach. They follow the fish out of the water and feast on them, leaving many to be devoured by watching seagulls. This amazing act of nature has been studied and filmed by National Geographic as evidence of the dolphins’ ability to communicate, work as a team and teach their young. Next to the dolphins is a newly-hatched loggerhead turtle. Here on our protected barrier island, 300+ pound mother turtles crawl onto the beach in the dead of night to dig nests and lay eggs. The hatchlings emerge some 2-3 months later, usually right around dawn, and make their way to the ocean water beyond. Happily, this season there are already some 300 nests, promising a record year for these special creatures. My image was captured just as a nest’s last hatchling crawled to the ocean one pre-dawn morning. Last but not least, one of our iconic bobcats crossing a boardwalk between the Ocean Course and the marsh beyond.
“It’s the hundreds, thousands, or millions of little things that separate the ordinary from the extraordinary.”
Darren Hardy
I’ve posted quite a few images of our beautiful birds of late but honestly I never tire of seeing and shooting them. I was driving home from the golf course one day and happily had my camera and a long lens in my car. Fortunately no one was tailgating me because when I spotted these colorful creatures sharing a shallow pond I slammed on my brakes and yanked my car to the side of the road as fast as you can say Roseate Spoonbill!
“Each creature is a unique piece of art to be respected and believed in.”
Sameh Elsayed
OK, I’ll admit it, the adorable creature above is NOT one that is found in the wild here on Kiawah. Last month I donated my time to photograph a charity tennis event to which one of the contestants brought this little cutie. I’d never seen one like it, and have since forgotten what breed it is, but I couldn’t resist including it as a truly unique creature. Feel free to respond with the name of the breed if you know it!
We look forward to seeing what’s unique about your world in your responses this week, and hope to see you next week right here on Travels and Trifles.
hello. I am a new blogger who also loves to write about travel. I love your blogs.Can you please go and check out my blog and give me some advice. Thank you!!
Will do, thanks for stopping by
Those are unique deer ears. My sister has deer that transits through her neighborhood. It appears her house is on the “deer trail”. Nice bobcat photo. 🙂
PS – I hope your granddaughter is doing well with her summer horse-riding season.
Thanks David. She’s very excited about a major show coming up in Vermont. Will be interesting to see how she does in the larger field of competitors
May I ask which show and what level she’ll be riding. Deborah and Elizabeth rode in Vermont when they were newly-minted novices. Trish, their coach/instructor, also rode in Vermont as a beginner, novice and junior from her home barn in NC. Practically every major rider has rode in Vermont, so your granddaughter is in good company. Make sure she enjoys herself and have a little fun. It is part of the experience too. 🙂
It’s the Vermont Summer Festival (or Summer Special) in Manchester July 2-6
>
Deborah and Elizabeth rode that one, 2007(?). They enjoyed that one since it was their first big show on the road. 🙂
Excellent! Will et u know how it goes
>
Great nature post, Tina. I’ve never seen ears like that on a deer. Looks quite unusual. The baby loggerhead is sweet.
Thanks Jane – have asked Jim Jordan about the ears – very unusual
>
Tina, this is a beautiful post and a great tribute to the wildlife on Kiawah Island. It is so important to appreciate and respect the wonderful natural environment Kiawah’s residents are privileged to enjoy. A revered treasure which that cannot be duplicated.
Thanks Sylvia, as you know, it’s an amazing place with amazing examples of nature at its best.
>
Great post, Tina.. The little cutie stole my heart.. Love it so much..
That deer is anything but ordinary to me, Tina. Fantastic to be able to record such an image so sensitively. 🙂 🙂 It’s a lovely home you’ve got yourself.
Thanks Jo – she (or I suppose he) was so very sweet and posed so beautifully for me!
all truly UNIQUE shots Tina….great EYE!!! couldn’t take my eye off that little doggie…truly unique as i too have NEVER seen ….darling!!!
😊 thanks April, that little dog was SO adorable!
Sent from my iPhone
>
Pingback: Lens-Artists Challenge #51 : Unique | nowathome
They are all little cuties in their own ways. Even the alligtor maye? Great shots as always amd I love your quotable perspectives.
Thanks Dor, they do have those big old eyes don’t they LOL!
Hi Tina,
I LOVE the ears on that sweet looking deer. I just want to say Awwww to it and the adorable lil puppy.
Nice selection for the unique topic. I had to smile while viewing the baby turtle trying to make its way to safe waters.
Have a super week …
Isadora 😎
Thanks Izzy, that little deer was really sweet !
Sent from my iPhone
>
A “unique” gallery of gorgeous images without a doubt. Have a great week Tina
Thanks Andrew, you too!
Great post, Tina.
Thanks Jane
Sent from my iPhone
>
Such a beautiful collection of images you have Tina. It would be hard for me to pick a favorite.
Thanks Amy, glad you enjoyed
Sent from my iPhone
>
Wonderful photos again. Sadly, wilderness is now extraordinary. Luckily, you seem to have it near your doorstep.
Lucky for sure IJ, thanks.
>
I love each of these pictures !! And can that dog get any cuter???
I know, right?! Thought he was a puppy but his owner said he was full grown! Thanks Nora
>
Lovely post. You inhabit a unique and wonderful place!
I totally get your urge to pull off the road to get that shot, Tina! Love all the unique images and the quotes to go with them. I will say that the deer’s ears look somewhat unique. The spoonbills are amazingly pink and unique!
Thanks Terri. Yes, I guess deer get cauliflower ears too 😊😊. Thanks for stopping by
Tina, what an incredible environment to inhabit. Truly, the wild is at your doorstep.
It is that Sally! Thanks for stopping by
Pingback: Lens-Artist-PC-51-Unique – WoollyMuses
Wonderful images and elegantly presented, as usual! I love all creatures except spiders and cockroaches – and your creatures in Kiawah are truly astounding. Unique and beautiful – even the gator. But I would not go too close – not even a long lens might help…
😊 long lens is definitely in order Ann-Christine! Many thanks
Sent from my iPhone
>
I will have to buy an even longer one…
😊
Beautiful images Tina, every creature is so unique in its own right,and I especially love your capture of the deer 🤗💖 xxx
Thanks Xenia, didn’t he/she have the sweetest little face?!
What fab images….you’re so prolific!
LOL I guess I am a bit prolific 😊. Thanks Sue
😊😊
Pingback: lens-artists challenge #51 – unique | myguiltypleasures
Tina, what a fabulous gallery and post. You are a fantastic author and photographer.
Yes, our nature and all its gifts to us and creatures are very unique. So is our body … and I would love to do a post about our body and how it works and heals, but the problem is lack of images. So I had to go in another direction. https://wp.me/p293Pw-hHh
Many thanks Viveka, you’re right about it but photos would indeed be an issue!
OK, I read every comment so far being curious as to the breed of that puppy. I don’t know either but it’s sure a darling photograph. Makes me want to get another dog. Only saving me from that is our condo rules against pets. >grin<
LOL, my friend Laurel said it’s a Teddy Bear Pomeranian and sent me a photo. That’s it for sure John!
Thank you Tina. Beautiful reminders of our love for Kiawah.
Jim plugging along. Thanks for the card and encouragement. ♥️
Sent from my iPhone
>
Thanks Toni. Hope Jim’s recovery is progressing well
miraculous superb
Thanks very much, appreciate your continued encouragement
As always, your photography is amazing, but I’ll stick with the gorgeous birds, wonderful turtles and dolphins. I’ll leave the alligators and bobcats to those not as chicken as me. 🙂 The pink feathers on those birds and the faces of the dolphins were wonderful shots.
Many thanks Judy. The bobcats are wary of the humans so they’re a joy to see. The gators are definitely creatures to avoid!
Wow. Amazing encounters! You must be ready with the camera at all times.
Not quite but there’s always the iPhone when all else fails😊. Thanks for your visit and comment
Wow. Awesome Tina 🤗
Thanks Ashok, much appreciated
Pleasure Tina
Superb shots and quotes, Tina. The first quote has inspired me to read Jodi Picoult again. Little Cutie is very aptly named. 😍
Thanks Pauline – she’s very popular with the beach readers😊
I’ve read most of her books. Sylvia. 😃
Oops, sorry Sylvia. I knew it was you 😡😡
😘
Wonderful selection Tina. Love you post.
Thanks Rupali, we do enjoy our wildlife here!
You make a very convincing argument for the uniqueness of Kiawah! Beautiful shots, as always, Tina. I am just astounded how you co-exist with alligators–even on the golf course! I keep returning to the color of the bobcat’s eyes. Gorgeous.
Thanks Patti – the bobcats are really beautiful in person, we love seeing them although in 20 years I’ve probably only seen 5 or 6. We do keep a respectful distance from the gators tho!
Smart!
So enjoyed all these lovely creatures!
Thanks Cec!!
What a marvelous collection of photos. Your island has many interesting creatures.
Thanks Anne, we do have more than our fair share I think 😊
Lovely collection of photos Tina. I can’t help wondering if the deer’s ears have been mutilated – not the shape I’d expect (?)
Thanks Liz, yes I saw that. A friend suggested an aberration like cauliflower ears on humans. It’s the only one I’ve seen like that
Pingback: (You Got To) Roll With It – Proscenium
Wonderful captures- turtle 🐢 is my favourite
Thanks Ecopoet, they’re adorable when first hatched
Great, great photos. All ‘unique’. Love the fluff button (dog) too.
LOL for “fluff button”. Thanks john
I love your interpretation of this Tina. The images are beautiful, and your love of the natural world shines through.
Thank you Su. Have always been a nature-lover but on Kiawah it would be hard NOT to be!
Beautiful captures. Tina. The deer’s ears are fascinating.
Thanks Lois, yes some kind of aberration on his ears, not sure how rare but I’ve not seen them like that before
Quite a unique collection, Tina! I’m partial to that deer.
Thanks Sandy, me too!
So glad you tackled this subject and not yours truly! Each critter is as unique y come… never tire of your spoonbills and bobcats especially!
LOL thanks Linda, you’d have done as well or better!
Just love all of our beautiful creatures with whom we share our beautiful islands!
Could the puppy be a teddy bear Pomeranian?
I will send you a screenshot via email.
Thanks Laurel and your definitely right on the breed. Should have known you’d know!
What a lovely take on unique Tina.
Thanks MM, glad you enjoyed