Photos of the Day: September 6, 2015

by | posted in: Flora & Fauna, Photos of the Day | 0

Rattlesnakes, late summer wildflowers, and a spotted newt …..

 

rattlesnake hawksbill linville gorge
Timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) like to warm themselves in sunny spots on Table Rock Road. This one was at the Hawksbill trailhead. (Photo: Mark Benfield)

 

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) Linville Gorge
A really tall wildflower in the middle of the Linville River. Perhaps Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus). (Photo: Nick)

 

Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium sp.) Linville Gorge
Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium sp.). (Photo: Nick)

 

Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) Linville Gorge
Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale). (Photo: Nick)

 

Dayflower (Commelina communis) Linville Gorge
Dayflower (Commelina communis). (Photo: Nick)

 

Forget-me-not (Myosotis sp.) Linville Gorge
Forget-me-not (Myosotis sp.). (Photo: Nick)

 

Linville Gorge drought
It’s been a dry summer. The Linville River is so low you can cross it easily in many places. Shown here is a “bathtub ring” effect on the rocky bank. (Photo: Nick)

 

Megacyllene robiniae (locust borer)

 

Asters (Symphyotrichum sp.) Linville Gorge
Asters (Symphyotrichum sp.). (Photo: Nick)

 

Eastern newts (Notophthalmus viridescens) Linville Gorge
Eastern newts (Notophthalmus viridescens) are bright yellow and speckled underneath…. (Photo: Nick)

 

Notophthalmus viridescens (eastern newt) Linville Gorge
……. but are camouflaged (and happier) when right side up. (Photo: Nick)