Travelling Ant
Out on my wandering in the local byways I often come across something unique, that I only ever see once.
As I was crossing this fallen – with a little help – fence I noticed there was an occupant of unusual character.
The ant, a kind I haven’t seen before, was using the fence line as a highway across the otherwise difficult terrain and appeared in no hurry.
It had been dry for a few days so I wet the line where the ant would pass and when they met it stopped to take a sip. Free moisture can be a rarity in the wild.
An ant might travel the equivalent of many miles for a drink, but not today. Manna from the sky, and it clearly enjoyed it, stopping to sip a while before resuming its journey.
I could wonder where that ant was going but I know already. It’s going home, if it’s not already there.
Small, instinctive, non self reflective mind.
© Mark Berkery ……. Click on those pictures for a closer look
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Nature's Place 
What a lovely poetic piece of writing. I enjoyed this very much and I am also inspired to be actively aware of my environment, no matter how small.
Thanks Rachel.
I run out of superlatives when I try to comment on your pix!
Thanks FG … ‘Nice’ will do. :-)
wonderful portrait of them!
manna from above for sure. I wonder if their instincts wondered where it came from. Surely their instincts help them to find water. You are kind.
I don’t think they wonder, being instinctive. Their instinct would help them find water. No doubt they make use of what happens naturally, condensation on the leaves of the tree at night perhaps.
Thanks Tammie.
That redhead is gorgeous and the hairs on it’s rear end quite punky. Great clarity, as usual.
Thanks Mac …
Fascinating, as always, Mark. 😊
Thanks Jane.
So clear, and great depth of field. What a wonderful little creature.
Thanks Mary.
Could this be a Muscleman tree ant? I photographed one a few weeks ago; it was blundering through the grass, being attacked by small grass ants which were biting its legs and (possibly?) squirting formic acid into its eyes as it seemed totally disoriented.
Yes, it could be. I have never heard of them before. Will have to have a look in the nearby trees now.
What a lovely encounter, and a fitting exchange of gifts. Thanks for sharing this, Mark.
Thanks Cate, give and take …
Amazing pictures. Your story and kindness brings a great source of inspiration and the magic of our interconnection with all life forms no mater how tiny.
Thanks Amira. It is a special world after all.
Lovely little ant!
Yep, neat little critter.
Those close ups look rather scary …
They are about 1cm long, for perspective. I haven’t tested the bite or sting though.
Amazing!
:-)
Nice! The head seems to glow.
The hot thinking ant …