Storm Critters!

  With Tropical Storm Barry moving inland west of us, we are getting some bumpy weather occasionally.  The Bayou is "rockin' and rollin' " at times.  This wind pushes the tide up a bit further in the yard than usual so critters also move up further in the yard.  Those that normally hide out in the marsh have to go somewhere so that "somewhere" is here.  I keep the old dog on the leash and I watch my step.  Snakes slip out of the water seeking dry land so each clump of palmettos is a refuge for them.  The nutria rats are disoriented as their dens are becoming flooded.  They are scurrying about the lower in search of their young.  And frogs!  I did not realize we have so many frogs in the marsh but, obviously, we do as they are bouncing about the lawn!  At least, I have not come across the alligators, as of yet.

  Then there are the fiddler crabs.  These little rascals are scampering about the hillside like a bunch of rabid land spiders!  Thousands of the small crabs are everywhere!  When out walking the old dog, I was afraid that each step was going to end with a big crunch!  Mr. PJ paid no attention to the crabs but, thankfully, his soft paws did not harm them.  I was a bit more careful and avoided the crabs which made it look like I was playing a game of old fashioned "Hopscotch"!   Hop, hop, hop...whoa! sidestep, hop!  The crabs were fleeing the big-footed monster!

  The is an old saying around here that the fiddler crabs will swarm the land when a storm is imminent.  After seeing the thousands upon thousands crawling the hillside, I tend to believe this "old wives' tale" may be somewhat truthful!