Central Ohio NatureEagles and Herons In Action
Posted on May 13, 2018
First, I would like to thank my friend Ba Huynh for making the below pictures available for this blog. Many of the shots required much watching and waiting behind a tripod mounted camera. This approach, requiring the photographer to anticipate the action and plan such things as camera location in advance, allows Ba to capture pictures I often miss with my catch it when it happens walk around style. That being said, the really exciting aspect is that all of these images were all taken within the Columbus city limits. Truly nature at our doorstep!
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Bald Eagles:
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Great Blue Heron:
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Thanks again Ba for making your wonderful photos available. Through the many birders, nature enthusiasts, and photographers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know I’m constantly reminded how important it is to discover one’s passion and allow it to take you on that privileged adventure we call life.
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Thanks for stopping by.
My Florida Photo Favorites
Posted on April 5, 2018
It’s been several weeks since our return from Florida. For the last few years we’ve been blessed to travel to various state parks exploring nature and the area’s natural beauty. I’ve chosen to post a few of my favorite photos from this years trip. A following post will include some of my wife’s favorite photos. Photos are favorites, when they capture the unique beauty of a creature, are of something not seen before, or contribute in some way to the story. Favorites need not always be great photographs.
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The parks visited over a period of eight weeks were: Myakka River State Park, Kissimmee Prairie State Park, Lake Kissimmee State Park, Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park, Ochlocknee River State Park, and Three Rivers State Park. The idea was to start south and work our way north as the weather warmed going into early spring.
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This year we used bikes for the first time to initially explore trails which we could then hike if they looked promising. This coupled with the use of a canoe allowed us to spend time in a number of different Florida environments. On long hikes or bike rides our “go to” camera was the Panasonic FZ200. In the canoe or on shorter hikes we used DSLRs with telephoto zooms.
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Along the trail, typical of many of the parks visited.
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Myakka River State Park has been a favorite for the past two years primarily because of the potential for nature/bird photography. Paddling can be enjoyable if you and your partner(s) don’t mind being in close proximity to some rather large gators. The distance one can paddle within the park may be limited depending on water conditions and your determination. Hiking is good with some trails traversing more diverse habitat than others.
This Glossy Ibis gives ample reason for the name, Myakka River SP.
A Little Blue Heron strikes a rather exotic pose, Myakka River SP.
These Roseate Spoonbills were taking full advantage of the concentrated but temporary food source caused by a recent hurricane that flooded a substantial portion of the park trapping fish and other edibles in depression pools left as the water receded, Myakka River SP.
Wood Storks and Whistling Ducks seem to get along just fine, Myakka River SP.
A Wood Stork shows off it’s catch, Myakka River SP.
Momentarily startled, birds take a break from the depression pool feeding frenzy, Myakka River SP.
The Whistling Ducks in a better light, Myakka River SP.
Red Shouldered Hawks (FL morph) are very common, Myakka River SP.
This Snowy Egret provides ample proof as to why these birds were almost driven the extinction in the late 1800s and early 1900s all for the sake of fashion, Myakka River SP.
White Pelicans over Myakka River SP. Something that must be witnessed in person as a photograph does not capture their graceful flight.
Florida Tassel Flower, Myakka River SP.
Peaceful coexistence in Myakka River SP. At least until the gator grows up!
If you love gators take the hike (permit required) to the Deep Hole in Myakka River SP. A hiking partners count indicated that there were 151 along the shore and 18 in the water the day we were there.
An Anhinga dries out and in the process makes a beautiful picture, Myakka River SP.
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Kissimmee Prairie State Park was a new park for us this year. The main draw was the chance to see Crested Caracara as well as Burrowing Owls. The trails, while extensive, were often under water. A trail capable bicycle is almost essential if you really want to explore the park. While no Burrowing Owls were seen, a Black-crowned Night Heron rockery as well as other bird species made the stay worthwhile.
Numerous creatures call the park home.
While looking for the Crested Caracara we were delighted to see this Loggerhead Shrike, Kissimmee Prairie SP.
Take 2.
Eastern Meadowlarks were quite common in the park. Getting close enough for a really great photo was always a challenge.
A beautiful White-eyed Vireo.
Trail in Kissimmee Prairie SP.
A side by side comparison of a Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Kissimmee Prairie SP.
Black Swallowtails almost never seem to land but then one afternoon, as I looked at some distant birds, there it was right at my feet..
A Black-crowned Night Heron rookery of perhaps 30 or 40 birds was discovered along one of the trails. They scattered as soon as we got close.
Exploring the trail near the rookery, Kissimmee Prairie SP.
While reconnoitering a new trail we found this Florida banded water snake, Kissimmee Prairie SP.
Probably the most interesting bird seen during our stay was the Crested Caracara. Common in SW Texas it’s range is very limited in Florida, Kissimmee Prairie SP.
Take 2.
Can you find the insect? Kissimmee Prairie SP.
An immature Little Blue Heron casts a lovely reflection, Kissimmee Prairie SP.
Sometimes we only saw evidence of wildlife, a Bobcat, Kissimmee Prairie SP.
One wonders how many birds fall prey to alligators, Kissimmee Prairie SP.
A lone sentinel, Kissimmee Prairie SP.
While many miles of hiking trails were advertised not all were suitable for that purpose.
Numerous White Peacock butterflies graced the trail edge as we hiked, Kissimmee Prairie SP.
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Lake Kissimmee State Park is a favorite offering fairly extensive paddling and hiking opportunities. Nature viewing, while not as concentrated an experience as Myakka River, is very good. Campsites are some of the best in Florida. The only downside is airboat noise on the weekend and make no mistake they are load.
There are many lovely trails in the park.
A Tricolored Heron poses as we paddle Tiger Creek, Lake Kissimmee SP
Not many Green Herons are seen in Florida, perhaps due to their excellent camouflage, but his one was spotted along Tiger Creek.
Take 2.
Tiger Creek, Lake Kissimmee SP.
A Snowy Egret along Tiger Creek.
While bicycling on one of the park trails this Eastern Towhee posed for a picture.
Along the lake shore this Red-shouldered Hawk almost eluded the camera’s lens.
One of the most beautiful birds in Florida, the Purple Gallinule seen along the shore of Lake Kissimmee. Supposedly not all that uncommon but we haven’t seen many over the three years we’ve been going to Florida.
A Pine Warbler seems to be checking something out.
Sure enough!
Some distance away, a solitary Bald Eagle watches as we paddle by.
In a quest to get a dramatic picture of this rather large gator we paddled a little too close. It wasn’t happy and neither was my wife!
A Northern Parula Warbler proves difficult to photograph.
Along the trail in Lake Kissimmee SP a rather large Yellow Rat Snake makes itself comfortable in the morning sun.
A closer look.
A Gopher Tortoise ambles along a park road. They can live for almost 60 years and their borrows provide habitat for numerous cretures including Burrowing Owls. Days will go by and we won’t see one and then . . .
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Payne’s Prairie Preserve State park was a new park for us this year. With it’s extensive area we hoped to see a variety of wildlife. Of interest is the fact that the park maintains herds of Spanish Horses as well as Bison. Many waterfowl had already departed on their journey north when we were there.
I had been trying for several days to get a good picture of a Northern Parula Warbler as they seemed to be everywhere. Then one morning sitting outside while visiting a local bakery for breakfast one just about landed on my nose, thankfully I had my FZ200.
Blue Winged Teal, Sweetwater Wetlands Park near Payne’s Prairie Preserve SP.
Green Winged Teal??? Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
A mother’s love! Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
Osprey, Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
Palmetto reflections, Payne’s Prairie Preserve SP.
The Spanish horse is considerably smaller than a typical quarter horse. All have the same coat.
A Song Sparrow catches a spider, Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
A very small anole, Payne’s Prairie Preserve SP.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
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For a number of years Ochlocknee River SP has been one of our favorite parks due to it’s potential for paddling as will as the close proximity of other areas of interest for the birder and nature lover; Bald Point SP and St Marks NWR. Hiking in the park itself, while not extensive, does provide the opportunity to see the threatened Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
The white morph of the Gray Squirrel comprises a charming part of the park’s welcoming committee.
A small active bird, the Brown Headed Nuthatch is a challenge to photograph.
Oystercatcher, Bald Point SP near Ochlocknee River SP.
Royal Terns, Bald Point SP.
A juvenile Bald Eagle flexes it’s wings, St. Marks NWR.
Brown Pelicans, Bald Point SP.
Least Terns, Bald Point SP.
Taking a break during an eight mile paddle exploring a side creek to the Ochlocknee River, Ochlocknee River SP.
A group of Sanderlings take a great interest in something, Bald Point SP.
A Ruddy Turnstone checks out what’s left of a Horseshoe Crab, Bald Point SP.
This Brown Thrasher was a regular visitor at our campsite.
The Ruddy Turnstone is thinking; “Let someone else do the work and just as they retrieve the morsel, steal it!”
Rain Lilies along the road, Ochlocknee River SP.
Snowy Plover, St Marks NWR.
Marbled Godwit, St Marks NWR. A life bird for us!
Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Ochlocknee River SP.
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Three Rivers SP was a new park for us this year and was selected primarily for it’s paddling potential. The lake was fairly open and much of the shoreline was shallow and weed choked making it less than ideal for paddling. Due to the lakes huge area wildlife was well dispersed making viewing a bit of a challenge. It was an excellent area for butterflies with some good, if not extensive, hiking trails.
Red Buckeye was in bloom at Three Rivers SP.
Taking a break during a long paddle on Lake Seminole, Three Rivers SP.
Immature Common Loon, Three Rivers SP.
A closer look.
Rain Lilies, Three Rivers SP.
Black Swallowtails on Bull Thistle.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.
Zebra Swallowtail, Three Rivers SP.
Black Swallowtail.
An almost constantly in motion Pipevine Swallowtail
Osprey on nest, Apalachee Wildlife Management Area.
Crimson clover, Apalachee Wildlife Management Area.
Lily pads, Apalachee Wildlife Management Area.
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That’s it for this post. Many other pictures could have been posted but if you made it this far I’m impressed with your forbearance. Looking back on our experience, we’re reminded what an unbelievably beautiful but fragile resource Florida’s natural areas are. As one drives the highways of the state signs of new or proposed development are not uncommon so pressure on limited resources continues.
Sunset, Myakka river SP.
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When I started out taking pictures years ago I was fascinated with light and composition as subjects of interest were photographed. It was rewarding to make the effort to capture what was being experienced when looking at a scene. A big fringe benefit, and true blessing, has been a heightened curiosity about the world around me. What is that bird or bug that was just photographed, what is significant about it, and why does it matter. The world is much bigger now.
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Thanks for stopped by
The Earliest Wildflowers
Posted on March 28, 2018
Some folks may be wondering what happened to “Central Ohio Nature” during the past two months so we thought we better post something to let everyone know we’re alive and well. Actually a little over a week ago, after a winter escape to Florida where we traveled to various state parks and explored numerous natural areas, we found ourselves back in Ohio. Two days of warm weather followed us home before the snow and cold returned on what just happened to be the first official day of spring.
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With camera, canoe, and hiking boots, and a small travel trailer in tow, we feel very blessed to have been able to spend time in warmer climes for a portion of the winter. For the nature lover the beauty, romance, and magic of Florida’s wild areas continually beckons one to explore.
Sunset, Myakka River State Park
Trail, Kissimmee Prairie State Park.
Bobcat tracks, Kissimmee Prairie State Park.
Great Blue Heron, Kissimmee Prairie State Park.
Gator, Kissimmee Prairie State Park.
Tiger Creek, Lake Kissimmee State Park.
Lily Pads on pond, Apalachee Wildlife Management Area.
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But I digress, this post is about central Ohio’s earliest wildflowers even though mid-March nature in Ohio doesn’t always beckon. One has to journey out with intention and look closely for the magic. The landscape is often rather drab as the below pictures of some of the more interesting features of the early spring woods will attest.
At Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park a vernal pool creates a point of interest in the otherwise still drab landscape. “Vernal pools (often the product of snow melt and early spring rain) are nurseries for a host of species. Big black and yellow spotted salamanders crawl silently along the pool floor to find a suitable place for egg-laying. Caddisflies, dragonflies, mosquitoes and other invertebrates abound in these small, still waters. All of these species evolved larvae that develop relatively quickly before the pool dries out”. Ref: Adirondack Almanack.
Unlike the clear water in the previous picture this pool, a remnant of recent high water along Big Darby Creek, is supporting green algae no doubt fortified but agricultural runoff, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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On the last warm day before the snow, armed with my wife’s encouragement, off we went to look for Snow Trillium a favorite early spring wildflower. This small flower, perhaps an inch across, is not as common as it was in the past no doubt the result of habitat destruction. While we are aware of locations where it usually blooms, it’s never certain from one year to the next that it will be seen. An additional challenge is that the flowers don’t hang around long. Once located, we walk carefully and take pictures sparingly as the flower’s small size makes it difficult to see and easy to step on. In addition the soil on the ravine slope where it was blooming was easily disturbed.
Snow Trillium, Franklin County.
Snow Trillium take 2, Franklin County, (Donna).
Snow Trillium take 3, Franklin County, (Donna).
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Now more excited about our prospects, we set off to look for another favorite early spring wildflower, Harbinger of Spring, a few days later. This very small bloom, pollinated by commensurately small bees and flies, is much more common than the trillium. However, due to it’s very small size and the fact that it’s flowers are fleeting and fade away soon after they bloom, it is often missed.
Harbinger of Spring, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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As we continued to look for additional examples of Snow Trillium and Harbinger of Spring in the woods of Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, other just starting to emerge wildflowers revealed their presence.
Emerging Virginia Bluebell, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Hepatica, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Hepatica take 2, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Hepatica take 3, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Hepatica take 4, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Emerging Purple Cress, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Bloodroot, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Bloodroot take 2. Still not open two hours after we first saw it, this flower will almost certainly loose at least one petal shortly after blooming making it a challeng to photograph.
Emerging Toadshade Trillium, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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Thinking it would be good to include a few critter pics in this post we couldn’t help but notice that we were being watched as we looked for signs of new life in the forest floor leaf litter.
Fox Squirrel, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
White-breasted Nuthatch, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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That about wraps it up for this post. It’s good to be back and we look forward to sharing more experiences as spring unfolds in central Ohio. Also, we will undoubtedly share some of the special things seen during our recent stay in Florida. Thanks for stopping by.
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PS: Right within the city limits along the Scioto River near downtown Columbus, and a short 5 mile bike ride from our house, a new eagle’s nest has appeared. This is truly exciting for those of us who, given the ravages of DDT, would have had to travel a considerable distance to see such a thing in our youth.
Bald Eagle on nest, Columbus, Ohio.
A Thankful Reflection
Posted on December 31, 2017
The last day of 2017, what better time to stop for a moment and reflect back to the wonders of nature seen in central Ohio in the past year.
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Griggs Reservoir.
Bald Eagle along the Scioto below Griggs Dam.
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Golden Crown Kinglet, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Along the Scioto River
Tufted Titmouse, (Donna).
November reflection, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Covered Bridge, Mohican State Park.
The Big Darby, Prairie Oaks Metro Park
Buckeye, (Donna).
Monarch, (Donna).
Griggs Reservoir
Solitary leaf
Chicory
Design, (Donna).
Red-spotted Purple, (Donna).
Alum Creek Reservoir, (Donna).
Autumn color.
Black-crowned Night Heron, Griggs Reservoir.
Giant Swallowtail
Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar.
Mink, Au Sable River MI, (Donna).
Au Sable River Smallmouth, MI, (Donna).
Devoe Lake, MI.
Cardinal Flowers, Rifle River Rec, Area, MI.
Turtlehead, Rifle River Rec. Area. MI.
Common Loons, Devoe Lake, MI, (Donna).
Meal time, Devoe lake, MI
Caspian Tern, Loud Pond, Au Sable River, MI.
Catbirds, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Griggs Reservoir waterfall.
Yellow-throated Warbler, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Common Checkered Skipper, (Donna).
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
Red Admiral, (Donna).
Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Cliff Swallows, (Donna).
Gray Squirrel.
Baltimore Oriole.
Mohican River, Mohican State Park.
Prothonotary Warbler
Green Heron, Griggs Reservoir
Yellow-collared Scape Moth, (Donna).
Northern Water Snake.
Red-eyed Vireo, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Great Blue Heron, Scioto River, (Donna).
Hayden Run Falls
Mating Northern Water Snakes, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Scarlet Tanager, Griggs Reservoir Park.
White-crowned Sparrow, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Palm Warbler, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Black-throated Blue Warbler, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Turkey, Blendon Woods Metro Park, (Donna).
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Looking at the landscape as we walked along the Scioto River yesterday it’s hard to believe it’s the same place. Very cold weather has made the river below the dam one of the few stretches of open water that waterfowl can now call home.
Hooded Mergansers.
More robins than we could count took turns getting a cool drink at waters edge.
Ring-necked Ducks.
The Scioto River below Griggs Dam
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As always, thanks for stopping by and have a Happy New Year!
Reluctant Treasures
Posted on November 20, 2017
We enjoy being outdoors no matter what the time of year. However, when it comes to providing a sense of wonder, unlike spring, summer and early autumn, late autumn and early winter give up their subtle treasures reluctantly. One must move slowly and look closely or much will be missed.
With the leaves now gone the convoluted bark of the Osage Orange is hard not to notice, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna).
Better in B&W?
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A cloudy cold early November morning gives way to the fleeting sun of an unexpectedly warm afternoon and as if by magic things appear not seen a few hours earlier.
A warm early November afternoon and the first sighting of a Variegated Fritillary for the year, (Donna).
A pond quiet in the cold morning air comes to life in the warm afternoon sun, Leopard Frog, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
An Autumn Meadowhawk enjoys the afternoon sun, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
A Striped Wolf Spider sunning itself along the trail just avoids being stepped on, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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A sheltered place, warmed by the sun, gives refuge to flowers that should be gone for the year. Fungi fruit in response to more generous rain defying the below freezing nights.
In the low late autumn sun Nodding Bur-Marigold defies the season, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Moss and lichen, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Fruiting lichen, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Unexpectedly colorful Changing Pholiota, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Tinged with green an unidentified shelf fungi, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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More isolated now, some color still remains.
Road through Griggs Reservoir Park.
Sweatgum leaves, (Donna).
Poison Ivy, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
The road along the reservoir evites us to walk further, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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Fewer leaves, and a forest canopy of bare branches, allow one to better see the birds that haven’t made their way south.
Against a deep blue November sky a sentinel stands along the Big Darby, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Better in B&W?
Song Sparrow, Battelle Darby Metro Park, (Donna).
American Goldfinch, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Great Blue Herons continue to make a living along the shore of Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
Downy Woodpecker (M), Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
We continue to see Bald Eagles along the Scioto River below Griggs Reservoir Dam.
Backing off a bit we noticed a Coopers Hawk watching from the distance.
A dark morph American Robin from further north? Griggs Reservoir Park.
Thankfully, with the migrating warblers pretty much gone, the Carolina Wrens continue to entertain along the Scioto River.
Immature Red-tailed Hawk, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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For the last few weeks almost every squirrel has had a nut in its mouth.
Gray Squirrel, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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It’s the time of year when short cloudy days, a landscapes of muted colors, and breezes often too cool to be comfortable tell us that things are going to be quieter for a while.
A shoreline reflection reveals November’s bare branches, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
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Thanks for stopping by.
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XXX
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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.
Cause and Effect
Posted on October 16, 2017
Recently, after several weeks of very dry weather, the rain came. One day it amounted to almost three inches. Once clear and lazy, area rivers are now swollen and turbid and flow with more purpose as though their water has somewhere to go. The precipitation came too late to have a major effect on the season’s color but the orange, yellow, and brown of oaks and hickories is now more saturated. The moist earth returns it’s recent gift to the humid early morning air, as suspended leaves, some no longer green, appear to almost come back to life.
Griggs Reservoir
The crotch of a tree provides a resting place, Emily Traphagen Park.
Stump, Emily Traphagen Park.
Fallen tree, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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Two days ago during a walk in an area park a bench provided a place to eat lunch. In the stillness we watched an occasional leaf from some unknown high branch in a nearby tree, like a large early winter snowflake, silently float down and land quietly at our feet. A few descended without a flourish, but most either spiraled, spun, or sashayed side to side on the last and only journey of their lives. They joined those already fallen to complete the cycle of life. One here, another there, slowly, as we sat watching, they never stopped. Today, as I write this, with wind howling past a partially open window, the scene would be much different.
Moss covered roots grace a hillside, Battelle Darby creek Metro Park.
Fall color, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Rotting log, Emily Traphagen Park.
Leaves of the Shagbark Hickory, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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It’s hard not to think of them as friends, the group of birds; robins, nuthatches, blue jays, etc., that are such an important part of our walks in nature near home.
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Pigeons, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Male Downy Woodpecker, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
White-breasted Nuthatch, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Carolina Wren, Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna).
Belted Kingfisher, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Eastern Phoebe, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Blue Jay, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Mallard reflection, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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Autumn color, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
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Others birds, such as the Bald Eagle, are only seen on occasion but that occasion is a miracle. When I was young, in the days of DDT, a trip to Alaska may have been necessary to see one. Now they can be seen just a mile and a half from our house. Ospreys are seen more frequently, but soon they will embark on their journey south following the already departed community of Black-crowned Night Herons that through early fall call Griggs Reservoir home. With each osprey sighting we wonder if it will be the last until next year.
A Bald Eagle is framed by fall color on the west side of Griggs Reservoir.
Osprey along the Scioto River, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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A pond forms the backdrop for shoreline grass, Emily Traphagen Park
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The true magic of the rain, after such a long period of dry weather, is the fungi. Many just seem to appear out of nowhere while others, having endured the dryness, regain their color. Identifying what is seen can be a challenge.
Puffballs, Emily Traphagen Park.
Non-inky Coprinus, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Turkey Tail, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Some type of polypore, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Artist’s Bracket, Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna).
Crust fungi, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park,, (Donna).
Common Spilt Gill, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
A jelly fungus on the left and Witches’ Butter, Griggs reservoir Park, (Donna).
Wood Ear, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
An emergent polypore, Griggs reservoir Park, (Donna).
Angel’s Wings, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Wolf’s Milk Slime, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Emerging Dryad’s Saddle, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
A very rare sight near our home, Crown-tipped Coral, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Moss on what appears to be False Turkey-tail causes one to wonder just how long it’s been there. Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna).
Luminescent Panellus, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
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Early morning fog, also the result of the recent rain, greeted us during a walk at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park creating splendor in a spider’s web.
Banded Garden Spider, Battelle Darby Metro Park.
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Still standing, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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Later, as we continued our walk, we noticed a few moths that apparently had gathered on the light gray wood siding of a park building during the night.
Large Maple Span Worm Moth, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Dot-lined White Moth, Battelle Darby Metro Park.
White-marked Tussock Moth, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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As we continued on a number of Eastern Commas where seen, usually right on the trail.
Eastern Comma, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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Along the trail, Battelle Darby creek Metro Park.
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When the rain came, after such a long period of dryness, I stepped out onto our porch, took a deep breath, watched, and listened. The rain fell softly at first, with the sound of a mouse playing as it touched the dry places. After a while, standing there, the rain leaving fleeting patterns in driveway puddles, it’s fragrance in the wet grass, soil, and filling the air, I was taken to a different place and embraced by a feeling of newness and rebirth.
Glacial Erratic, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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Thanks for stopping by.
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XXX
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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 Few Days Along The Rifle River
Posted on August 19, 2017
Last week we spent a few days in Michigan in the Rifle River Recreation Area not far from the town of West Branch on the northeast side of the lower peninsula. With a number of excellent hiking trails, and lakes that don’t allow motors, it’s an excellent place for nature viewing. The lack of boat generated wakes on Devoe Lake means that Loons nest there. To the best of our knowledge it’s the closest location from central Ohio where nesting Loons can be seen. There are also Bald Eagles, Osprey as well as other birds to enjoy. When out exploring one is also treated to dragonflies and butterflies, as well as a number wildflowers not seen in central Ohio. Not far from the park is the AuSable River and the adjacent National Forest create even more opportunities for paddling and outdoor adventure.
Overlooking Grousehaven Lake, early morning.
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We could spend hours watching loons. A quiet paddle on Devoe Lake allows one to observe them as they go about their day.
Adult Common Loon, Devoe Lake
In the middle of preening this adult seems to be sneaking a peek.
Testing it’s wings, (Donna).
The young are almost always begging for food.
The adult comes through. How does a bird as big as a loon chase down such a small fish under water?
One more picture.
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A view from the canoe.
Devoe Lake
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Bald Eagles are sometimes seen flying overhead as we observe the loons with their young. If they get too close the adult loons create quite a commotion!
A Bald Eagle looks over Devoe Lake.
Bald Eagle, Load Pond, AuSable river.
Take 3, (Donna).
Other birds of prey also frequent the area.
An Osprey takes a break along the shoreline of Devoe Lake, (Donna).
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Early morning solitude near our campsite.
Looking across the Jewett Lake.
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Most birds were seen from the canoe as we made our way along the shoreline of Devoe and Grebe Lakes, as well as Loud Pond on the Au Sable River.
Baltimore Oriole, Devoe Lake.
A Kingbird, the dragonflies worst enemy, waits for it’s next meal along the shore of Devoe Lake.
Three Caspian Terns circled overhead, occasionally landing, as we made our way back to our launch site on wind swept Loud Pond. A few reasonable sharp images were obtained.
Trumpeter Swans, Grebe Lake.
A Kingfisher actually stays put long enough for a “usable” picture, Devoe Lake.
A Green Heron is caught preening, Devoe Lake, (Donna).
Spotted Sandpiper, Loud Pond.
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While hiking, especially this time of year, birds usually give way to the wildflowers and interesting types of fungus.
Coral fungus near our campsite.
Turtlehead.
Bridge across the Rifle River.
Grass of Parnassus
Ontario Lobelia
An exotic looking mushroom near our campsite.
Knapweed, (ID c/o “NH Garden Solutions”)
Indian Pipe
Donna enjoying the ferns.
Doll’s Eyes
Asters
Broad-leaved Arrowhead
Great Blue Lobelia.
Fringed Loosestrife, (Donna).
Just after this picture was taken this tree got a big hug!
Hawkweed.
Cardinal Flower was quiet common in the wet areas of the park.
Mushroom family near our campsite, (Donna).
Picture Plant and flower. Tough to get a good picture of.
An attractive group of mushrooms along the trail.
An attractive flower that has eluded identification. Some type of lobelia?
St. John’s Wort, (Donna).
Another example of some of the interesting fungi seen, (Donna).
Virgin’s Bower. (ID c/o “NH Garden Solutions”)
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Dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies were seen as we enjoyed the wildflowers included one butterfly not typically seen in central Ohio.
Ruby Meadowhawk, (Donna).
The very small American Copper, not a butterfly we’ve seen in central Ohio, (Donna).
Monarchs mating.
Pelecinid Wasp
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, (Donna).
Mating Robber Flies. Robber flies are one of the insect worlds more ferocious looking subjects. An appearance that is not unwarranted!
Mating Spreadwings, (Donna).
Bad-Wing Moths mating.
Spotted Spreadwing, (Donna).
Katydid.
Red-spotted Purple, (Donna).
Vesper Bluet, (Donna).
Dragon Hunter, (Donna).
A Crab Spider ambushes a bee, (Donna).
Canada Darner
Common Wood-Nymph on Spiked Blazing-star.
Appalachian Brown, (Donna).
Great Spangled Fritillary, (Donna).
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A sense of place.
The Rifle River as it flows through the park.
Exploring a quiet backwater.
The quiet shoreline of Loud Pond, the AuSable River.
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Shall we go for a hike or paddle? The decision is often made based on the weather conditions. Wind and choppy water make canoe photography with long lenses almost impossible. However, should conditions permit we’re usually not disappointed be the flowers seen as we paddle!
Scaup Lake, Rifle River Rec Area.
Pickerel Weed and Lilly Pads, Grebe Lake.
Pickerel Weed, Grebe Lake.
American White Water Lily, Grebe Lake.
A closer look.
Meadow Sweet, (ID c/o “NH Garden Solutions”), (Donna).
Swamp Smartweed
Water Shield, (ID c/o “NH Garden Solutions”), (Donna).
Yellow Pond Lily, (Donna).
Burr Reed, (ID c/o “NH Garden Solutions”), (Donna).
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Sometimes when hiking you don’t have to look real close to be overwhelmed by the beauty.
Gamble Creek, Class 1 trout stream, Rifle River Rec Area.
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No post would be complete without touching on some of the reptiles and amphibians seen. Seeing the skink was a surprise.
Bullfrog.
Wood Frog.
Painted Turtle
Five-lined Skink.
Garter Snake.
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While fishing along the Au Sable River upstream of Loud Pond, a Mink is sighted!
A Mink scurries along the bank, (Donna).
Au Sable River, catch and release, Small Mouth Bass. The river is one of the best Small Mouth Bass fisheries in the Midwest.
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We spend a lot of time looking and exploring but sometimes there’s a lot to be said for just being there.
The end of the day, Devoe Lake.
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We hope you’ve enjoyed this very incomplete sample of things that can be seen and experienced in the Rifle River Recreation Area.
The beauty is, the more time spent in nature the more you will see, the more you see the more you will want to understand and soon you’ll be carried away by the wonder and magic of it all.
As always thanks for stopping by!
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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.
