Comments for

Comment on Bluebill, Broadbill, Blackhead, Scaup: Too many Names, not enough Ducks by MaryMcI

MaryMcI — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:17:21 +0000

Hi, Mark. I stumbled across this post while trying to find a photo to identify an odd duck that landed in my pond.

Thank you so much for this sad and beautiful essay. I grew up on the Great South Bay off Long Island, NY in the 50s and 60s, and I have seen exactly what you have written about. You have expressed it so well.

My heart breaks to see what has become of the coastal waterways. We fished and hunted the Bay year-round; if the river froze, we waited until the oil tanker came in to break the ice. If the tanker couldn’t get through, it was time for iceboating.

I have seen many dawns and sunsets over the water. But they are so empty now. Just the weather remains.

Thanks for understanding.

Comment on Alligators don’t need Waders by thewildmagnolia

thewildmagnolia — Sat, 21 May 2011 15:11:26 +0000

Hello! You are in my Florida now! I love St. Augustine old souls live there.

I grew up in Venice Florida and used to swim at Oscar Shearer State Park,. and gators were sometimes in the pond. One summer a teenaged girl jumped off the wood float on top of a gator. It was horrible! I never swam there again, I never went to Oscar Shearer again.

Gators are a part of Florida and if you keep your distance it will be ok. Be safe…don’t tempt the gators! : )

Wishing you the best of everything. I pray the money for your project comes in quickly!

Blessings, magnolia

Comment on Upcoming Field Trip for Living On Earth by thewildmagnolia

thewildmagnolia — Fri, 13 May 2011 23:58:01 +0000

I read the article and am so excited for you! I ordered a book, which I have been wanting to do, and did it through Paypal so you receive the full benefit. Wishing I could do so much more.

I have looked you in the eye as I read your work!

Good job and good luck.

Can’t wait to read this book, and the next one, about your trip to the Hudson Bay!

magnolia/sandra m hagan

Comment on Sea Otter by wildmagnolia

wildmagnolia — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 20:58:11 +0000

Seeing an otter in a photo or in person makes me happy. I think “The Look”, is an otter greeting, something like “Hi, my name is Hank, I’m an otter.” “Your a “hooman”, are you friendly? Do you want my fur?”

Compelling photo and post!

Be safe.

Comment on Moose Eating Grass by wildmagnolia

wildmagnolia — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:01 +0000

Oh you do say the funnest things, and most thoughtful. Population, not many…..what a hoot! But I get it!

“There are those who call it sport, to kill a thing that only walks away.” True and the very thought breaks my heart.

Now Moosies, I adore them. I could kiss them right on their noses. hah! Think about, not going to happen. They are really huge as you know. I’ve only heard tell. :))

Wonderful post. Good job!

Blessings…..magnolia

Comment on California Sea Lion by wildmagnolia

wildmagnolia — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:58:36 +0000

Mark Seth Lender,

There you are! I’m sure you have been knee deep in the great wild yonder & writing up a storm!

The first Sea Lion is smirking, I know he is, so we will call him Smirky! Sea Lions appear to have a sense of humor, at least to me.

Didn’t know they had outer ears! Cool.

Always glad to learn something new about animals or the mother earth.

Wishing the best of everything to settle in your life and in the lives of those you love.

Peace……..on earth, in our minds, our homes & our hearts!

magnolia

Comment on Slip-sliding Away by Barry

Barry — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:46:57 +0000

Mark:
Enjoyed your piece on the river otter and, especially, the way you linked it to the human experience of self- (and other human-) consciousness during the observation. Barry Nann

Comment on Slip-sliding Away by wildmagnolia

wildmagnolia — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:55:18 +0000

The once in a lifetime experience is not lost on me. The wonder of being able to have this experience via your word art is “almost” as good as being there. The river otters are dark, sleek, silky, furry happiness…who give us at least one brief snapshot of their beauty.

“Life is not for the weak. Be brave.” Well said.

Thanks for this.

Comment on Slip-sliding Away by LaureenE

LaureenE — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:53:24 +0000

Sitting at Alissa’s kitchen table, cluttered with books of gardening and aquarium upkeep and unopened mail and assorted paper-pieces, thousands of miles away from Shoreline Salt Marsh, near Fairbanks Alaska city-center and the gray-silted Chena River; Alissa drilling new holes with her power tool for another project while her husband is far away on the East Coast; Mr. Silver the black cat resting close to the keyboard to remind me that he is still hungry three hours after I fed him his breakfast; Roscoe the Ridgeline, quietly resting at my feet; Bodie the Bassett whimpering and moaning, wanting to be reassured that his absent owner is returning to his reality; Pixie the Black Beauty licking and gnawing at her bandage that protects the paw wound that reminds me that trips to the wild Tanena can be dangerous encounters with broken glass left behind by negligent humans…(Phone visit with Gary visiting mother Pauline at Peregrine’s Landing: 26 minutes later: everything is changed and the same….
Visiting the river otter’s world is the escape to Nature that brings tranquility and focus to the distractions of Life that I long for and need to endure….. Thanks, Mark!

Comment on Wire to Wire by wildmagnolia

wildmagnolia — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:27:45 +0000

Your writing and passionate observation and splendid photograpy are a compelling combination.

I await publication of your book.

Between now and then…I follow on radio and here.

Discovered you on the blog, The Quiet Country House, another fun and educational place to visit.

Best wishes……