Beautiful Summer March, Harkers Island, NC by Lori Harris Photography
Lori Harris Photography
Every moment changing with the tide, the marsh. Continuos discovery and visuals, the marsh.
A lane in the marsh. Photography by Lori Harris Photography
LoriHarrisPhotography
God’s country, the marsh. Home.
Sunset Harkers Island Marsh. LoriHarrisPhotography
LoriHarrisPhotography
Embracing nature is a gift. Be blessed!
Up high patiently waiting for clearance to swoop down and steal a bit of the roadside kill – a decaying kit fox next to the marsh bridge were two Turkey Buzzards, also known as Turkey Vulture.
http://wncnaturecenter.com/Animals/Birds/TurkeyVulture.aspx
Lori Harris Photography
My admiration is of the wing span size and essence of survival. Definitely not for their beauty, as they are grotesque and vicious looking.
Lori Harris Photography
Up an down they go, with the tides. Marsh periwinkles, or marsh snails (Littorina irrorata) are found in and around the marshes in North Carolina.
Lori Harris Photography
Periwinkles play an important role in the decomposition of marsh grasses (detritus), which helps maintain a healthy salt marsh community. Science considers them an “indicator species.” If periwinkle populations are doing well, chances are the salt marsh is doing well. http://www.thepilot.com/news/2009/may/31/ask-the-aquarium-marsh-periwinkles-indicator/
Lori Harris Photography
I am always mesmerized by the numbers and beauty of the ecosystem of our marsh.
Lori Harris Photography
Here is a site with macro photography of these marsh snails by Jeffrey Pippen: http://people.duke.edu/~jspippen/mollusca/marshsnails.htm
According to science, the culture conditions and genetics are what determine the level of saltiness of an oyster (Crassosstrea Virginica). There are many who are repulsed by the appearance, texture and taste of of an oyster. However, there are those of us who savor the beauty of its unique shell, toothy and slimy texture, and the salty bliss and burst of flavor.
Lori Harris Photography
Oyster clusters thrive in shallow waters in and about the shorelines, inlets and marshes of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Their place in nature serves to preserve and cleanse the waters where they grow.
Lori Harris Photography
Those of us who are attracted to this cuisine often create traditions surrounding the gathering of friends and family or people at festivals with the sole purpose to celebrate the oyster. The cleaning and preparations are a full days effort resulting in steaming or cooking, shucking, garnering, and eating the delectable gems of nature.
Lori Harris Photography
Lori Harris Photography
Lori Harris Photography
Lori Harris Photography
There are many foods that nature gifts to us, but the oyster is SOUL food at its best!
Lori Harris Photography
The Great Heron
Lori Harris Photography
Strength, life longevity, purity, wisdom, creation, and a messenger of the gods. The Heron stand still in the marsh. Long black stick legs, steady and slow until the fish is targeted. One quick stab of the long orange beak awards this bird it’s nutrition. It’s nest are high in the trees. It’s flight graceful and smooth across the marsh. Aware and in tune, ready to act. I feel at peace each time I am honored and blessed with their presence.
Lori Harris Photography
A place of sanctuary. Tide flows high and and low, and I return to discover. Simple and pure, it’s ecosystem comprehensive and rich. The addiction to nature.
Lori Harris Photography 