One of my favorite words is midden, but I’d only ever heard/read it used, either in the context of pack rats, or archeological sites such as a kitchen (hearth) midden. Fun to bump into it here in its other definition. The idea of “things left behind” as proxy for getting a view of something is lovely.
The racoons in my yard shit in the same spots over and over. This winter I noticed undigested cherry parts after the rainy season in the old middens from this spring. I watch for animal clues in Oregon.
Delightful descriptions and details. I especially enjoyed the folktale about why hippos defecate on land, spraying the bushes. Reminds me of the ditty my son learned in his junior ranger days,
"It begins with an s and ends with a t
It comes out of you and it comes out of me,
I know what you're thinking but don't call it that,
Wonderfully entertaining and informative. Thank you!
Thanks. Who knew poop could be so entertaining, eh?
One of my favorite words is midden, but I’d only ever heard/read it used, either in the context of pack rats, or archeological sites such as a kitchen (hearth) midden. Fun to bump into it here in its other definition. The idea of “things left behind” as proxy for getting a view of something is lovely.
How about this? You naughty kiddens, you've lost your middens....
ha, yes
Fascinating observations. Is there any evidence that termites mine well established scat piles?
The racoons in my yard shit in the same spots over and over. This winter I noticed undigested cherry parts after the rainy season in the old middens from this spring. I watch for animal clues in Oregon.
Yes, many animals have habitual spots where they defecate. In some cases it may be marking behavior, but it's possible that it's also simply habitual.
Delightful descriptions and details. I especially enjoyed the folktale about why hippos defecate on land, spraying the bushes. Reminds me of the ditty my son learned in his junior ranger days,
"It begins with an s and ends with a t
It comes out of you and it comes out of me,
I know what you're thinking but don't call it that,
Be scientific and call it SCAT!"
Makes you wonder where SCAT got the meaning, "get outa here!"