Day 153: Happy First Day of Skunk Cabbage! Here we see the world's only known specimen of Corvus minimus in its natural habitat. This rare and endangered creature is likely to emerge from winter dormancy in early to mid-March at which time it seeks out the Pacific Northwest's famous Yellow Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus). The importance of this springtime ritual is thought to be deeply rooted in Corvus' DNA, a genetic code which specialists believe is carried in the maternal line. The function of the ritual is not known, but invariably includes wallowing in mud and sacrificing blood to early mosquitoes. Today's sighting occurred near Swofford Pond in Lewis County WA, repeating the pattern of the last several years. One might conclude that the abundant and pungent fragrance of Skunk Cabbage from this particular area acts as an irresistible lure for the swamp-stomping, bog-slogging corvid.
No comments:
Post a Comment