Central Ohio NatureWaterfalls, Birds, and Other Things
Posted on May 25, 2017
Outings in small boats can provide a unique opportunity to view and photograph wildlife. While we don’t pursue birds in our canoe, one will often take flight when approached. When it does, often crossing right in front of us, it offers an opportunity to get a nice “in flight” profile shot. Gliding silently without paddling often provides a chance to get very close to birds thus offering a photographic opportunity that may not be found while hiking.
Note: underlined text denotes a link which may be clicked on for additional information.
Prothonotary Warbler, from the canoe on Griggs Reservoir, (Donna)
Immature Common Merganser, from the canoe on Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
A Spotted Sandpiper let us get very close, from the canoe on Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
Easter Spiny Softshell, from the canoe on Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
As we get closer a Great Blue Heron takes flight, from the canoe on Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
Near the end of our paddle we spot a Great Blue Heron trying to figure out what to do with a just captured snake, from the canoe on Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
Male House Finch, from the canoe on Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
A few days ago Wild Columbine was still in bloom along Griggs Reservoir’s the low cliffs, from the canoe, (Donna).
.
A small boat may also allow access to hard to reach points of interest for which there is limited or no access on land. In this case it was one named and one unnamed waterfall along Griggs Reservoir that were energized by the recent rain.
Entering a small creek leading to one of Griggs reservoirs waterfalls.
I’ve paddled as far as I can but fortunately it’s only a short walk to the falls.
Good flow over the falls which are about 6-8 feet high. The shot taken under cloudy conditions which controlled shadows.
Take 2. I’m not sure which shot I like best.
.
Paddling into the cove at Hayden Run Falls a Great Egret does a welcoming dance as two mallards look on.
Hayden Run Falls, about 35 feet high, benefitted from the recent rain. From the canoe pullout a not so easy hike up a rain swollen creek was required to get to the falls. Normally when using a digital single lens reflex I would have opted for a slower shutter speed to create a sense of motion in the water but a Canon SX40 superzoom and the lack of a tripod limited my options. Hayden Run Falls is also accessible via a boardwalk with parking provided off Hayden Run Road.
Take 2. Again, I’m not sure which shot I like best.
.
<<<>>>
When paddling it’s sometimes hard not to do a little cleanup. However, trying to clean up plastic, not to mention all the other stuff, after it’s already in the environment is next to impossible. While some litter is thrown directly into the reservoir, much finds it’s way in by way of storm drains. The reservoir, home to an amazing amount of biodiversity, thus becomes an aquatic “trash can” for a good percentage of the city’s litter. This phenomena can be observed to a greater or lesser degree in all of Ohio’s lakes and streams. Paddle lakes and streams in states like Michigan or Maine and it’s obvious that a Ohio Beverage Container Deposit Law would largely eliminate this problem.
Trash canoe.
.
<<<>>>
.
In the past week, when not in the canoe, we’ve had opportunities explore Griggs Reservoir Park as well as a few other favorite spots.
.
Birds:
Immature Song Sparrow, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Catbird, Griggs Reservoir Park.
I know it’s a very common bird, but the lovely light compelled me to take the picture, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Chipping Sparrow, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Protonotary Warbler, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Mother Mallard with babies, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Take 2, (Donna).
Perhaps the tail end of the warblers a female American Redstart poses for my wife, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Baltimore Orioles continue to be quite common in Griggs Reservoir Park.
Great Egret preening, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Great Blue Heron with fish, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Tree Swallow, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve, (Donna).
.
As spring turns to summer insects are becoming much more common:
Zebulon Skipper, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Little Wood-sater, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve, (Donna).
Take 2, (Donna).
Grape Leaffolder Moth, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Golden-back Snipe Fly. Adults and larvae feed on a variety of small insects, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve, (Donna).
Making more flies, (Donna).
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
.
Flowers seen are unique to late spring and early summer:
Blue-flagged Iris, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Canada Anemone, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Hairy Beardtongue, Griggs Reservoir Park.
In my humble opinion the flower of Virginia Waterleaf is not nearly as pretty as it’s early spring leaves, (Donna).
Blue-eyed Grass, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Bittersweet Nightshade, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Wafer Ash flowers (not always in the shape of a heart), Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
.
Other things:
A Northern Water Snake creates patterns on the otherwise still surface, Twin Lakes, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve.
Very small Snapping Turtle, Kiwanis Riverway Park, (Donna).
After quite a bit of rain the fungus is doing well in Griggs Park.
.
The view down a short path leading to the reservoir shows the vegetation to be almost fully leafed out.
Griggs Reservoir Park.
.
A special thanks to my wife for supplying many of the photos in this post included those from the canoe as I handled the boat. Given that spring is winding down, my guess is that future posts will contain fewer warbler pictures and probably more insect pictures but one never knows for sure. Future posts may also document new Ohio places explored or at least unique places that haven’t been visited in awhile. Until then, thanks for stopping by.
.
XXX
.
Should you wish prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo. If you don’t find it on the link drop us a line.
A Spring Gift Along The Reservoir
Posted on May 19, 2017
This post covers some of the birds as well as other things that have been seen along the Scioto River corridor in central Ohio in the past few days. Many of the birds seen will continue their migratory journey further north. It’s a magical time of year as green spaces, especially those along lakes and rivers, are transformed by the sights and sounds of birds perhaps not seen other times of the year.
.
Some birding days are better than others. In the spring a strong wind from the north usually means more birds. A wind from the south seems to send them on their way. All the birds may seem to be in the treetops one day while the next they’re at eye level making an impossible subject easy to photograph. While no one can guarantee what will be seen, even an inexpensive pair of binoculars will greatly increase your chances of seeing birds allowing you to enter their world and appreciate creatures with such unique beauty that it’s sometimes hard to believe.
.
Everyone has their own way of appreciating nature, while we do make a point of traveling to more distant locations, we try to concentrate on a few areas close to home, observing the changes as the year progresses. A benefit of visiting a “favorite spot” often is that one is blessed with a sense of ownership, not in a possessive sense, but rather as a caring participant. A litter bag is always part of our equipment as it’s especially hard to walk by litter after one has just seen a Scarlet Tanager. The real plus is that through listening, looking (perhaps taking a picture), and allowing myself to be in the place, I’m extended beyond myself to a larger whole. Through this experience, which I once heard referred to as “a prayer”, I become richer and more grateful.
Griggs Park along the reservoir.
.
A few days ago my wife was looking for warblers right along the river as I did likewise along a some trees a little further away from the water. She was paying attention to the low lying brush at water’s edge when she decided to look up into the overhead tree branches and found herself confronting a much larger bird.
Bald Eagle along the Scioto River just below the Griggs Reservoir Dam, it didn’t stay long . . .
before it flew across the river . . .
to a safer perch. (Donna).
.
Out of the corner of my eye I did see the eagle as it flew by but right in front of me there was a Great Crested Flycatcher. What to do, a flycatcher in the bush or a flying eagle. I chose the bird in the bush.
Great-created Flycatcher along the Scioto River just below Griggs Reservoir Dam..
Take 2.
.
Warblers are surprisingly small when compared to the Great Created Flycatcher but make up for their size in quantity. Many, including Cape May and Yellow-rumped, continue to be seen.
Black and White warbler, Emily Traphagen Park.
Take 2.
Male American Redstart, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Take 2, (Donna).
Redstart with mayfly, Griggs Park.
.
It’s hard to ignore the orioles which continue to be very common. Right now there are so many in Griggs Park that it’s quite possible that only a few will nest here with the remainder heading further north.
Male Baltimore Oriole, Griggs Park.
Female Baltimore Oriole, Griggs Park.
.
It was a real treat to see our first Cedar waxwings of the year.
Cedar Waxwings, they handed the berry back and forth several times. Griggs Park.
Cedar Waxwings, Griggs Park, (Donna).
.
Red-eyed Vireos are often spotted in dense treetop leaf cover but every once in a while they come down so we can get a better look.
Red-eyed Vireo, Griggs Park.
.
An Acadian Flycatcher was also seen.
Acadian Flycatcher? Griggs Park.
.
We first spotted a streak of white, black, and red. Open landing the Rose Breasted Grosbeak played hide and seek as it chowed down on what were apparently very tasty seeds.
Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Griggs Park.
.
Another bird seen only during spring migration is the Scarlet Tanager.
Scarlet Tanager, Griggs Park.
Just a minute.
There, that’s better.
.
Morning sun and leaves, Griggs Park.
.
The Swainson’s Thrush is usually only seen during migration.
Swainson’s Thrushes were everywhere in Griggs Park.
.
Our first Kingbird of the year along Griggs Reservoir. Some will stick around to nest in the park.
Kingbird, Griggs Park, (Donna).
.
We also noticed a few “non-bird” type things.
Immature male Common Whitetail, Emily Traphagen Park.
False Solomon’s Seal, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Female Black Swallowtail, Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna).
The Northern Water snake orgy goes on, see previous post, (Donna).
A Woodchuck tries to blend in, Griggs Park.
Wild Columbine, Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna). This photo was inspired by one of our birding friends.
A chipmunk poses, Duranceaux Park.
Six Spotted Tiger Beetle, Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna).
Zebulon Skipper, Emily Traphagen Park. (Donna).
.
We can’t forget all the other birds seen in the past week. Many of these are year round or summer residents.
A very noisy Winter Wren, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Eastern Phoebe, Griggs Park.
Hidden in the leaf cover an immature Eastern Phoebe waits for it’s next meal, Duranceaux Park.
Blue Jays continue to be industrious, Griggs Park.
Red-bellied Woodpecker looks for a meal in Emily Traphagen Park.
The beautiful marking of a Northern Flicker are clearly seen as it briefly pauses overhead, Griggs Park.
Carolina Chickadee, Griggs Park.
Great Blue Heron, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Hairy Woodpecker, Griggs Park.
Easy eats may be why we’ve seen so many Great Egrets along the reservoir and river this spring, (Donna).
Great Egrets, Griggs Park
.
With spring in full swing, there’s almost too much is going on, but we hope everyone enjoyed this photographic celebration of spring in central Ohio.
Griggs Reservoir Cove, Griggs Park, (Donna).
.
Thanks for stopping by.
.
XXX
.
Should you wish, prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo. If you don’t find it on the link drop us a line.
It’s Spring and Love Is In The Air
Posted on May 11, 2017
In recent days we’ve made a number of trips to areas along Griggs Reservoir and the Scioto River not far from our home. It’s spring migration and the challenge is to see how many migrating birds we can spot right in our “neighborhood”. At some point we may change our emphasis and increase the number of trips we take to more distant birding locations, but for now we’re having fun concentrating on places close to home.
.
To date the most numerous warblers seen are the Palm and Yellow-rumped. While the Yellow-rumped is very common, with more subtle markings than many of it’s peers, I never tire of finding new beauty when I look at one. At Griggs Park the Baltimore Oriole is at the opposite end of the spectrum. Connecting trees with bright sunlit streaks of orange the males seem to be everywhere. Should an oriole or other bird not be close by, it’s easy to find other things to appreciate this time of year.
The boardwalk at Kiwanis Riverway Park. One of our favorite birding spots. The water level was very high when this shot was taken.
.
When we arrive to photograph birds we sometimes find them “still getting ready”,
Male Baltimore Oriole, Griggs Park.
“Okay, I’m ready!”
“There’s just this one pesky feather that won’t stay in place,” Palm Warbler, Griggs Park.
“Okay, how do I look?”
.
some may be busy doing other things,
A female Baltimore Oriole appears to be trying to build a nest out of monofilament fishing line in Griggs Park. We try to pick up lost or discarded fishing line and tackle whenever we see it.
Robin on nest, Griggs Park.
Mother Mallard tries to keep track of her charges, Griggs Park.
.
while most are usually ready when we get there,
American Robin, Griggs Park.
Severely back lit, an illusive Black and White Warbler taxes the capabilities of the camera.
Take 2.
The Yellow Warbler is cute from any angle, Griggs Park.
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Griggs Park.
A better look at the unique crest on the Yellow-rumps head.
Male Bluebird, Griggs Park.
Female Bluebird, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Chipping Sparrow, Griggs Park.
Downy Woodpecker, Griggs Park.
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Griggs Park.
House Wren, Griggs Park.
Tree Swallow, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
A Red-eyed Vireo ducts behind a small tree, Griggs Park.
Yellow-throated Warblers are often heard. Finding them is more difficult. Griggs Park.
It appears that this Chickadee has been spending entirely too much time with it’s Tufted Titmouse friends, Griggs Park.
Seeing this White-crowned Sparrow was a real treat, Griggs Park. “White-crowned Sparrows typically breed in the far north in open or shrubby habitats, including tundra, high alpine meadows, and forest edges. Patches of bare ground and grasses are important characteristics. During winter and on migration these birds frequent thickets, . . . “, from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Black-throated blue Warbler, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
.
but a few are just trying to get away.
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Griggs Park.
.
Other birds were engaged in finding a find a dry perch, made all the more challenging by recent heavy rains.
In the company of friends a Great Blue Heron looks on as the very high Scioto River races by.
In recent days Great Egrets seem to be everywhere along both the reservoir and river, Griggs Park.
Out on the reservoir a Great Blue Heron floats by on a tree branch.
.
<<< >>>
.
Many flowers have undoubtedly benefitting from the recent rain.
Stumped again, the flower of a small unidentified flowering tree or bush. Is it a garden escapee?
Fleabane, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
The flower of the Tulip Tree. Native to eastern North America from southern Ontario and Illinois eastward to Massachusetts and Rhode Island and south to central Florida and Louisiana, Tulip Trees can grow to more than 160 ft in virgin cove forests of the Appalachian Mountains. (Wikipedia)
Non-native Butterweed, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Large flowered Valerian, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Hobblebush, Kiwanis Riverway Park
.
You never know what might be hiding next to a flower.
A large female Fishing Spider, Griggs Park.
.
Heading back to the car at the end of one outing, my sharp eyed wife spotted three Northern Water Snakes celebrating the season. The males are quite a bit smaller than the female. These snakes are fairly common along the river and reservoir. However, unlike the various species of turtles which always seem to be around, they aren’t often seen so it was a real treat to see them!
Large female with two smaller male Northern Water Snakes, Griggs Park. They mate from April through June and do not lay eggs like many other snakes. Instead, the mother carries the eggs inside her body and gives birth to free living young and may have as many as thirty at a time, but the average is eight. They are born between August and October. Mothers do not care for their young; as soon as they are born, they are on their own. (Wikipedia)
The males were in competition for the female’s affection.
The larger male seems to have won, at least momentarily.
A tangle of tails.
.
After missing shots of numerous fast moving warblers and the recent challenge when I tried to capture the Black and White, I’ve decided to upgrade my otherwise excellent Canon 60D camera body to a Canon 80D. For the time being the bird camera lens will continue be a Sigma 150-500mm. Future posts will reveal how well it all works out. Thanks for stopping by.
.
PS: As is often the case, Molly Cat sat watching intently as I finished this blog. I’m glad I’m not a mouse!
Molly Cat
XXX
.
Should you wish, prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo. If you don’t find it on the link drop us a line.
A Spring Day At Magee Marsh
Posted on May 5, 2017
It was mid morning, sunny, the gentle lake breeze was cool, but warmed by the sun we felt energized. That was a good thing because the two and a half hour drive from Columbus had left us feeling just a little lethargic. It was our annual visit to Maggee Marsh in search of migrating warblers and we had just arrived at the parking lot adjacent to the boardwalk. Once in the refuge, located along the south shore of Lake Erie, we had made our way toward the lake on a very straight two lane road bordered by wetlands. On the ground and overhead a welcoming committee of more than the usual number of Great Egrets, a generous smattering of Great Blue Herons, a Snowy Egret, as well some of the other usual suspects, had greeted us. Near the lake, high in a Cottonwood, an active eagle’s nest could be seen. It felt like it was going to be a good day in birders paradise!
One of many Great Egrets seen.
.
On this particular morning, as I hoisted my heavy camera over my shoulder, I couldn’t help thinking it would be nice to enlist all my senses and just be there with only binoculars in hand. But you never know what might be seen so better take the camera. After all, it’s a tool that does allow one to better tell stories and that’s good. However, when it’s pressed against my face I’m removed from the experience I seek to capture, caught up in the details (see PS: below) of taking a reasonable photograph of an object that refuses to sit still among what seems like an infinite number of twigs, leaves, and branches. Sometime it might really be nice just to hang out with these little guys. Besides, it’s not like there’s a shortage of excellent photos on the web of almost any bird you could imagine. However, I’m not quite there yet, so with the camera in hand the internal debate goes on.
.
In the spring the area acts as a stop off point for migrating warblers as they pause to rest and wait for a favorable wind to carry them north across the lake to summer breeding grounds. The boardwalk, right along the lake with wetlands to the south, winds it’s way through a wet low lying area with numerous tall trees, including many Cotton Woods, and plenty of bushes and other ground cover that warblers as well as other birds seem to enjoy. This makes them especially easy to see.
.
In past years we’ve gotten a fairly early start and have seen birds in the morning but our experience has been that things don’t really get cranked up until the afternoon. Such was the case on this trip. After lunch a lot more birds were seen. It may have something to do with temperature as it did warm up considerably as the day progressed.
.
Ruby Crowned Kinglets were everywhere. That was the case throughout the day.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Take 2.
Take 3.
.
The Yellow Warblers were also hard to miss.
Yellow Warbler
Take 2.
Take 3.
.
As the day went on we saw other birds. We were especially excited to see Black-throated Blue Warblers.
Black-throated Blue Warbler.
Take 2.
Take 3.
.
Palm Warblers were numerous.
Palm Warbler
Take 2.
.
A Cape May Warbler proved a challenge to photograph.
Cape May Warbler.
Take 2.
.
One of Ohio’s most commonly seen warblers made it’s presence known.
Yellow-rumped Warbler.
.
Looking more like a thrush than a warbler, it was great to see a, not often seen, Ovenbird.
Ovenbird
.
We did also see a thrush.
Swainson’s Thrush, (Donna).
.
Catbirds made a good showing along the boardwalk.
Catbird
.
Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were also trying to get our attention.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher high in a tree, (Donna).
.
A Tree Swallow was seen at it’s nesting cavity.
Tree Swallow
.
White-throated Sparrows were hard to ignore in the low underbrush.
White-throated Sparrow.
.
Not far from the boardwalk Solitary Sandpipers were busy foraging for food.
Solitary Sandpiper
Take 2.
.
Along one of the canals, and partially hidden by low lying foliage, several Green Herons were spotted.
Tinged the green by a nearby leaf this shot captured a Green Heron waiting for lunch, (Donna).
.
At the opposite end of the spectrum from the kinglets, Bald Eagles were getting on with their life.
Bald Eagle watches it’s nest, one of two in the immediate area. (Donna).
Eagle chick testing it’s wings while the other seems to be taking cover.
Exercise session over, the other chick pops up.
.
Despite the grand reception as we entered the refuge, we didn’t see as many warbler species as in past years. However, there were still plenty of birds. While photographs were obviously taken, enough time was an spent listening and looking, as the fragrance of flowering bushes occasionally wafting past on the cool lake breeze, that I was there and not just behind the camera lens.
.
PS: On a technical note, many of the photos taken on this trip were blurry or overexposed to the point of not being usable. A few could be salvaged through post processing. After arriving home exposure compensation was found to be set at +1.3 EV and aperture had somehow been bumped to f13 for at least part of the time. It’s not like this is the first time I’ve taken a picture but I got lazy. Always check your settings and double check them throughout the day.
.
Thanks for stopping by.
.
XXX
.
Should you wish, prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo.
Walking Not Running
Posted on May 1, 2017
When younger one of my greatest joys was running trails in the various area parks and experiencing the exhilaration as my body rose to the challenge of each new hill or greater distance. Blame it on the aches and pains of age, overuse, or maybe just wanting something more out of the experience, but at some point trail running wasn’t as enjoyable so I started to walk when in the woods. Sometimes I walked fast, but often a little slower not worrying as much about getting a “workout”. It wasn’t long before I started seeing things I hadn’t noticed before and often found myself stopping for a better look. At first, armed with only a little curiosity, I did so impatiently, wanting to keep moving. But gradually, the more I looked the more was noticed; relationships and interconnections, certain butterflies liked certain plants, some birds were usually found in the treetops, others on the ground, and some somewhere in between. Some birds passed through very briefly in spring and fall while others appeared to hang around all year. There were unique spring, summer, and fall wildflowers. Nothing was forever, flowers faded, plants died, hawks ate squirrels, storms downed once admired stately trees, but through it all there was always new life.
.
Aware of their interconnectedness, the plants, animals, and insects seen became more interesting, and then they, as well as the experience of being in nature, became almost magical. There was apparently a lot more going on than I ever realized when running. Slowly, rather than being “inner-directed” and worrying about “breathing and pulse rate”, I became “outer-directed”. A feeling of being part of something much bigger than myself, or even humankind, started to develop. Before long a feeling of oneness with “that bigger something” would embrace me while walking through the woods or paddling a lake or river. But also a heightened awareness arose that, like the “stately tree”, I was not here forever. I had been given a gift that allowed me, for a very brief moment of seemingly insignificant time, to look, listen, smell, and touch the wonder of it all.
.
So on that note, the following pictures of things seen in nature over the last few days are offered as a merger celebration of this brief moment in time.
.
The Baltimore Orioles have arrived to nest along the Scioto River and Griggs Reservoir.
Baltimore Oriole over the Scioto River, (Donna).
Male Baltimore Orioles along Griggs Reservoir.
Another lone male along the Scioto. The males are often seen chasing each other this time of year.
.
Paddling on Griggs Reservoir it’s hard not to notice that the Wild Columbine is in bloom along the low but rocky cliffs of reservoir’s east shore.
Wild Columbine.
.
Walking park paths other late spring wildflowers have also been seen.
Appendage Waterleaf, (Donna).
.
Very common Yellow-rumped Warblers pass through Griggs Park heading north to Michigan or Canada to nest.
Male Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Another view.
.
High in a Sycamore the first Great Crested Flycatcher of the year is seen. It will probably nest along Griggs Reservoir.
Great Crested Flycatcher. Note distinctive yellow underside.
.
A whimsical year round resident, this Carolina Wren shows off it’s prize.
Carolina Wren
Another view.
.
Numerous Palm Warblers are seen passing through Griggs Park as they also head further north.
Palm warblers are common in the spring and fall along Griggs Reservoir.
Another view.
.
Also on it’s way further north a Nashville Warbler forages at the edge of the Scioto River. Not a bird we often see.
Nashville Warbler.
Another view, (Donna).
.
As it searches for higher ground a Northern Water Snake is seen along the rain swollen Scioto River.
Northern Water Snake
.
A “turtle family” doesn’t seem to mind the high water.
Red-eared Sliders along the Scioto, (Donna).
.
Trying to locate a warbler we sometimes have a sense we’re being watched.
Peeking out.
.
Sure enough!
Gray Squirrel
.
We hope that in the past few days your adventures in nature have been as rewarding as ours. Thanks for stopping by.
.
XXX
.
Should you wish, prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo.
High Banks Spring Walk; Concretions Seen, Warblers Heard
Posted on April 27, 2017
It was a beautiful day for a hike at Highbanks Metro Park with friends. Warblers were our main objective but no doubt there would be other things to fascinate if the warblers decided not to cooperate.
.
One of those things turned out to be concretions. We’ve hiked and explored High Banks for years but one thing we’ve never noticed are the concretions that exist along creek bottoms in the park. This partly due to the fact that they are not visible from the main trail and generally we avoid going off trail so as to not damage the landscape which, as is the case with most metro parks, is easily overrun. In this particular case we wondered why there was a worn path leading off the main trail so we decided to follow it for awhile.
According Wikipedia, “A concretion is a hard, compact mass of matter formed by the precipitation of mineral cement within the spaces between particles, and is found in sedimentary rock or soil. Concretions are often ovoid or spherical in shape, although irregular shapes also occur. Concretions form within layers of sedimentary strata that have already been deposited. They usually form early in the burial history of the sediment, before the rest of the sediment is hardened into rock. This concretionary cement often makes the concretion harder and more resistant to weathering than the host stratum.”
Typical of the area in High Banks Metro Park where concretions might be found.
Sometimes one might see the rock formations as just random.
But other times things seem just a little different.
The origin of some shapes are difficult to figure out.
Others not so much.
.
After the fascination of the concretions we decided to wander down the trail and see what warblers we might find.
Early morning sun filters through the trees at High Banks.
.
While not warblers, we hadn’t gone far when several Ruby-crowned Kinglets appeared in low lying bushes and weren’t shy about displaying their ruby crowns. They weren’t as good about sitting still of a picture. Along the Olentangy River Yellow-throated Warblers could be heard but not seen high in the Sycamores.
.
Other birds were more cooperative.
Tufted Titmouse
White-throated Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Female Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Pheobe
Okay, I know I’m not a bird but would you take my picture?
.
As is often the case in the spring if one thing eludes there are always other things to enjoy. On this particular day it was trilliums many of which had turned pink as well as the many other wildflowers.
Large-flowered Trillium
There were a number of beautiful specimens.
There were also nice groupings . . .
Standing at attention, almost.
and phlox trillium bouquets.
Phlox and Large-flowered Trillium.
Other types of trilliums were also seen.
Red Nodding Trillium, (Donna).
Nodding Trillium, (Donna)
Another view of a Nodding Trillium, (Donna).
.
May Apples were starting to bloom.
May Apples
Hiding under the leaves the flower is not always easy to see, (Donna).
A closer look.
View along the trail, High Banks Metro Park.
.
Other flowers, some not real common on central Ohio, were also seen.
Wild Geranium, (Donna).
Soloman’s Seal, (Donna).
Philadelphia Fleabane, (Donna).
Dame’s Rocket, (Donna).
Corn Salad, not real common, (Donna).
Purple Cress, (Donna).
Goldenseal, also not a common flower. In herbal medicine, goldenseal is used as a multi-purpose remedy.
Dogwood
.
To one that is so inclined, time spent in nature feeds the soul. In spring the uninterrupted songs of the various birds as they go about their day is sublime even when they remain unseen. The air seems especially fragrant and pure. The still deep blue sky frames the translucent green of the immerging overhead leaves. Flowers grace the forest floor with their varied and unique loveliness.
.
Thanks for stopping by.
Should you wish, prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo.
Turkeys, Trout Lilies and Other Spring Things
Posted on April 22, 2017
This post is a bit of a ramble covering our adventures in central Ohio nature over the past week. A search for wildflowers and warblers in area metro parks, a visit to a local city park to see if any warblers were passing through and finally the first long kayak paddle of the year. So I hope you enjoy the ride.
.
In the spring wildflowers and migrating warblers are usually what comes to mind not turkeys. For me turkeys have always been a fall bird usually associated with a big meal that includes stuffing, gravy, and all the fixins. So a few days ago at Blendon Woods Metro Park it was a bit of a surprise to see a male turkey doing it’s best to convince a female that they should get together.
Turkey (M), Blendon Woods.
A closer look. In breeding plumage the feathers are truly spectacular, (Donna).
.
The purpose of the trip to Blendon was to look for warblers. We were successful in spotting a few including a Black-throated Green which without to much effort eluded the camera’s lens. While we did see a few, we soon found ourselves seduced by the many wildflowers that were in bloom.
It won’t be long till the leaves fill in, Blendon Woods Metro Park.
Standing out due to their relative scarceness leaves evoke the feeling of flowers.
Yellow Trout Lilies were doing their best at Blendon Woods.
Another view as sunlight filters through from behind.
Wild Geranium, Blendon Woods, (Donna).
Black haw viburnum, Blendon Woods.
There were some exceptional large examples of Toadshade Trillium at Blendon Woods.
Flowers aren’t the only thing worth taking a close look at.
Jacobs Ladder, Blendon Woods, (Donna).
Buttercup, Blendon Woods, (Donna).
.
When not looking at wildflowers or for warblers there were other things . . .
Birds are apparently not the only spring nest builders, Fox Squirrel, Blendon Woods, (Donna).
One of a least two mature albino squirrels seen. How they evade the hawks long enough to reach adulthood is a mystery to me.
Home to small darters, in the spring the small creeks in Blendon Woods flow freely.
.
<<>>
The day following our trip to Blendon Woods we headed to Clear Creek Metro Park for what turned out to be a rather long hike. Spring is especially fascinating at Clear Creek with a number of plants not found elsewhere in Ohio. The number of butterflies seen (Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Commas, Morning Cloaks, etc.) but not photographed, was truly amazing.
Blue Phlox, Clear creek Metro Park.
Foamflower, Clear creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Pussytoes (F), Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Fiddleheads, Clear Creek Metro Park.
Bluets, Clear Creek Metro Park.
Soloman’s Seal, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Virginia Bluebells, Clear Creek Metro Park.
Duskywing, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna)
Violet Wood Sorrel, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Spicebush Swallowtail, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Coltsfoot, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Dogwood, Clear Creek Metro Park
Wild Geranium, Clear Creek Metro Park. (Donna).
Rue Anemone, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Violets, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Squaw Root, a perennial, non-photosynthesizing parasitic plant, native but not endemic to North America, when blooming resembles a pine cone or cob of corn growing from the roots of mostly oak and beech trees, (Wikipedia), Clear Creek Metro Park.
Fire Pink, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
.
<<>>
Closer to home within the city limits of Columbus along the Scioto River and Griggs Reservoir spring was also in full swing.
Redbuds, Griggs Park.
“Lovebirds”, male and female American Goldfinch, Griggs Park.
Blackberry, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Redwing Blackbird (M), Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Northern Flicker, Griggs Park.
Shooting Star, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Buckeye, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
White-throated Sparrow, Kiwanis Riverway Park
Honeysuckle, (Native?), Kiwanis Riverway Park
Yellow-throated Warbler singing high in a Sycamore tree, Griggs Park.
Wild Ginger, Griggs Park, (Donna).
In week or so ago I spotted this pair of Blue jays starting work on a nest. They must have given up on that location as no nest was found on this particular day, Griggs park.,
.
<<>>
Out on the reservoir there was also lot’s of activity, much of which eluded the camera’s lens, but some subjects cooperated just long enough. Spotted Sandpipers, turtles, Great Blue Herons, and Great Egrets seemed to be everywhere. As I have undoubtedly mentioned in the past, shooting from a canoe or kayak has it’s own set of challenges, camera shake and the fact that everything is moving just to name a few, so when one gets a relatively good picture it’s truly cause for celebration. When paddling the kayak certain limitations are excepted so a relatively small light superzoom is usually what is taken. It’s easy to tuck out of the way and if it happens go swimming it’s not the end of the world.
Spotted Sandpiper, Griggs Reservoir.
Very small Red-eared Slider getting ready to attempt a double-backflip with a twist , Griggs Reservoir.
Great Blue Heron in breeding plumage, Griggs Reservoir.
Great Egret in breeding plumage with a couple of close friends, Griggs Reservoir.
Note color around eyes.
.
In the last week not far from our home it seemed that no matter which way we turned there was something wonderful to see. We hope that’s been your experience also. Thanks for stopping by.
.
XXX
.
Should you wish, prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo.
