Turtle Rocks in Arkansas

Recently I showed you Mushroom Rock in Alabama (click HERE) so I thought it appropriate now to feature the TURTLE ROCKS in Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas. There is some interesting information about Petit Jean Mountain found on the Arkansas Geology website--if you have time and interest to read more (click HERE for that info). Here is a little of what it says:

Some of the most unique features seen around Petit Jean State Park are those called "Turtle Rocks". Mounded polygonal structures resembling a turtle shell were carved in thick sandstones of the Hartshorne Sandstone. The exact processes that create 'turtle rocks' are poorly understood. One explanation involves spheroidal weathering. This process occurs when water percolating through cracks and between individual grains in the rock loosens and separates layers of the rock. The weather acts more rapidly on the corners and edges of the rock producing a rounded shape.

Another theory concerns the amount of calcite present in the matrix of the rock holding the grains together along with the size of the grains that allow for this type of weathering. Either way, the weathering of the rocks is strongly influenced by the polygonal joint pattern seen in all 'turtle rocks'. Here are some pictures that we took while in that area.

Poor little turtles.... Look at that big girl standing on the turtle shells! ha ha

Here's another picture of all of the turtle shells... Interesting, aren't they??

That is the KING of the Turtles--sitting up there on top of those rocks. Can you see that big turtle??????? WOW!!!!

I was almost as interested in the gorgeous blue sky on this beautiful day in Arkansas (Feb. 24, 2010) as I was seeing Turtle Rocks. We had had so much dreary weather in TN before this trip---so seeing the blue skies made both George and me feel SO good. I also love the green pine tree next to that blue sky.

After climbing around on Turtle Rocks, we headed toward "Rock House Cave". That will be another blog post!!! There were so many interesting rock formations and narrow passageways along the path. Isn't this one interesting?

Here's another view of all of the huge rocks along our path to Rock House Cave. We are now below the Turtle Rocks, since we climbed down. Turtle Rocks actually are along the top of those big rocks you see in the picture.

Besides the picture of the KING of the Turtles, this picture is also a fav... Isn't it totally awesome that these rocks really do look like huge turtle shells?????

Hope you enjoyed seeing both Mushroom Rock and Turtle Rocks... Being out in nature is just so awesome. All we have to do is to take time to get out and enjoy the beautiful world around us!!!!!

Speaking of our beautiful world, ours here in Tennessee is wet and cold today... We had RAIN yesterday ---and it has now turned cold and snowy. The Crocuses are FREEZING out there today!!! Where's Spring????????? Gosh-Darn!!!!!

Have a great Monday--wherever you are!!!!

Hugs,

Another New Bird at my Feeders

I think my backyard birdies got a little jealous --since I talked yesterday about some more of my 'babies' (my clocks).... Anyhow---it was a sunny morning on our back deck yesterday, so I decided to see if I could get some new pictures to share. I did ---but the good news is that I saw a new bird at the feeders, a CHIPPING SPARROW. I have seen these precious little birds on others' blogs and also in books--but had never seen one on my deck before. I got so excited trying to get some good pictures. I finally captured him while he was wandering around on the deck. Here are two pictures of him, plus some others which I took.

I included this picture of the CHIPPING SPARROW's back, so that you can see how pretty this little bird is. BUT--I do have a question for my birder friends... I know that there is either a sparrow or wren that fights with the Bluebirds for their nest. I hope it is not this little bird. Which one is it???? I don't want any birds around here who will take over the Bluebird nest.

I love watching the GOLDFINCHES get their beautiful yellow color back now that it is spring. I still have more Goldfinches at my feeders than any other bird.

Here's a great picture of a female BLUEBIRD eating suet in the morning sunlight.

I was amused by this picture. The 'fuzzy' bird in the background looking at the BLUEBIRD is a GOLDFINCH...I think those two birds were playing "Peek-a-boo" with each other... Cute, huh???

One of the cutest birds in the whole world I think is the TUFTED TITMOUSE. It seemed that these two were flirting with each other... They were taking turns flying to the feeders and taking a sunflower seed back to the tree. I captured this great picture of them.. The one on top seems to be waiting for the other one to 'feed' it!!!!! Ya think???

I am really spoiling my White-breasted NUTHATCHES. I put out peanuts for them --and they are always waiting for me to do that!!!! I didn't get a picture --but the Nuthatch did the funniest thing yesterday.. He was on the plate feeder --and a Goldfinch flew onto the plate. The Nuthatch stood up and spread his wings at the Goldfinch. He did that 2-3 times, and I assume he was telling the Goldfinch to "Go Away"..... The Goldfinch did not leave --and actually paid no attention to Mr. Nuthatch... Ever seen that happen???? Wish I had have gotten a picture...

I have a very hard time getting good pictures of our sweet little CAROLINA CHICKADEES--and we have a bunch of them. They dart in and out ---and chatter the whole time. I finally got a picture of one of them yesterday morning.

Finally, here is one of my resident RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS. These guys are with us year-round ----and love the suet feeders.

Hope you enjoyed my Backyard Birds today... They love to show off!!! Enjoy your Sunday!

Hugs,