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Obduction Backer |
Joined: Wed Nov 28, 2007 11:46 pm Posts: 847 Location: The Cleft, New Mexico
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My trip to Payiferen was much shorter than my earlier trips to Teledahn and Negliahn. For one thing, there wasn't as much to study there. And for another, the sandstorms are brutal. But being a serious explorer, I tightened my belt and headed out from the shelter of the pod anyway.
The nearby hilltops offer some great views and in spite of the wind, I could still see quite well, though there were no Sandscrits within sight:
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Turning, I could see the pod in the distance:
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As I continued exploring the terrain, I saw the pod again from around a hill:
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Walking around the front of the pod, I could see the sunlight streaming through the cracks in the window--something interesting is about to happen inside but I have more important zoological matters to attend to out here:
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Since I had seen no sign of the Sandscrit in the more immediate area, it was time to begin exploring the areas past the surrounding sand dunes. Sure enough, behind one of the sand dunes, there was a Sandscrit. I might have missed him, too, as he had buried himself up to his eyeballs in the sand! An unexpected and very interesting behavior! Perhaps it serves as a shelter from the fierce winds when he's not out foraging? Or perhaps it offers a degree of warmth? Although the Sandscrit hide must be thick and resilient in this harsh climate, perhaps he still needs to protect himself to a degree.
Upon first approaching the Sandscrit; what an unexpected surprise to find he's buried himself in the sand:
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Approaching him from the front, he remains calm as I get close:
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Even closer; he finally reacted shortly after I took this photo. You can see that his eyes and nostrils remain above the sand while the rest is buried:
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After climbing out of the sand and shaking himself off, he simply stood there watching me:
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As I began to move away from him, he continued to stand calmly:
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He let me circle around behind him:
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Overall, I found the Sandscrit to be surprisingly docile, similar to his Urwin cousin. I suppose he has no natural enemies in this environment and certainly if he judged me by my relative size, I was no threat to him. I found no others within the vicinity, so I surmise that they are solitary animals, possibly very territorial.
I ended my Payiferen expedition at this point since I was eager to get out of that wind. I expect I will continue to find sand in my hair and clothes for days.
Next up: Dereno
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