Central Ohio NatureA Special Place In Michigan
Posted on July 24, 2018
At least once a year for the last number of years we’ve traveled seven hours from central Ohio to the expansive 4500 acre Rifle River Recreation Area in Michigan. With it’s fairly extensive system of hiking and mountain bicycling trails, plus lakes that don’t allow motors, it’s a beautiful quiet nature lovers paradise. The park’s woods contain conifers, including some fairly large White Pine, as well as deciduous trees like oak and maple making it home to a great diversity of insects, plants, birds, and animals. The park has two campgrounds, one with electrical hookups, and one that is rustic. We prefer “tent” camping in the Devoe Lake rustic campground with it’s pit toilets and handpumps, whether in our small trailer or in a tent, because the sites are bigger, more secluded, and a variety of birds often come right to your campsite. In addition the rustic campground communicates with park’s best hiking trails without the need to get in your car.
Park Map.
A south loop hiking trail cuts through meadows interspersed with stands of trees that attract numerous species of butterflies and dragonflies not mention birds such as Indigo Buntings that love that type of habitat.
South Trail
The northern loop takes the hiker on much more rolling terrain interspersed with swamps and culminating along a ridge that provides a panoramic view of four of the parks lakes.
Grousehaven Lake from the park loop road.
The lakes offer a variety of fish species to attract the angler including Brook and Brown Trout, Northern Pike, Large Mouth Bass and panfish.
Typical catch and release LM Bass on Devoe Lake.
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Many of the lakes just outside the park boundary offering public access are heavily developed with boat and dock filled shorelines and large year round homes which in recent years have replaced many smaller cabins set back in the trees. Some of the larger multistory dwellings seem almost ready to topple into the lake giving these small bodies of water more the feel of a large recreational swimming pool. Even so, the lakes do offer good fishing even if with somewhat diminished natural aesthetic. However, if communing with nature is your goal, it is worth it to travel away from the park to the nearby Au Sable River and it’s chain of lakes which offer a rewarding undeveloped destination for the photographer, fisherman, and nature lover.
Loud Pond, Au Sable River chain of lakes.
Loud Pond Au Sable River chain of lakes.
Loud Pond Au Sable River chain of lakes.
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Within the park, even without a very special species of bird, there is ample reason to return year after year to enjoy the park’s beauty. But the very special bird that makes the park so irresistible is the Common Loon. Numbers seen vary year to year but they’re always there with their haunting cry breaking the silence of the night. To our knowledge it’s the closest location from central Ohio where nesting loons can be found.
Common Loon
With young, (Donna).
Another view, (Donna).
Meal time, (Donna).
The young are growing fast.
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Lodge Lake.
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An equally enchanting bird usually seen on Grebe Lake is the Trumpeter Swan. During one paddle the call of the adults across the lake gave ample evidence as to how they got their name.
Trumpeter Swam Family, (Donna).
Another look.
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Being old enough to remember when they suffered the ravages of DDT and were very rare Bald Eagles always have a high wow factor. We had a number of sightings in the park and at least five the day we paddled Loud Pond along the Au Sable River.
I control the canoe and my wife often takes the pictures.
Where there is a nest there is usually an eagle.
Donna get’s a picture of one of the Bald Eagles seen on Loud Pond.
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Equally fascinating were the other birds seen during our hikes and paddles.
A Great Crested Flycatcher over looks a meadow on the south trail.
An immature Great Crested Flycatcher asks to be fed, (Donna).
A Catbird puts everything into it’s song, (Donna).
A good day for the Cedar Waxwing, not so much for the dragonfly, (Donna).
Along the south trail in the very top of a tree a Chestnut-sided Warbler sings it’s heart out, (Donna).
A Green Heron makes a living along the shore of Devoe Lake.
Too far away for a good pic, perhaps an immature Rose Breasted Grosbeak?
Ever on the lookout for flying insects, like sentry’s Kingbirds lined the shore of Devoe Lake.
Another look, (Donna).
Near water’s edge a Kingbird sits on it’s nest, (Donna).
Donna catches this female Kingfisher along the shore of Devoe Lake.
A Tree Swallow party along the shore of Devoe Lake,(Donna).
Numerous Rose Breasted Grosbeaks were seen but they proved a challenge to photograph, (Donna).
Spotted sandpiper along the shore of Loud Pond, (Donna).
Immature Spotted Sandpiper along Loud Pond, (Donna).
Immature Baltimore Orioles hang out in a distant tree.
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The Rifle River just downstream of Grousehaven Lake.
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If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time you know we love dragonflies. While butterflies may initially catch your eye very few creatures fascinate in the air like the dragonfly. But the relationship fraught with conflict because we also love birds and the dragonflies maneuverability is often not enough to avoid becoming a tasty high protein snack.
Calico Pennant, (Donna).
Female Ruby Meadowhawk
Blue Dasher, (Donna).
Chalk-fronted Corporal.
This Damsel fly on flower illustrates the capability 0f the micro 4/3rds Panasonic (Leica) 100-400mm lens, (Donna).
Dot-tailed Whiteface, (Donna).
Mating Ebony Jewelwings, (Donna).
Twelve-spotted Skimmer.
Female Lancet Clubtail, (Donna).
Female Calico Pennant.
Male Halloween Pennant.
Mating Halloween Pennants, (Donna).
Slaty Blue Skimmer, Tamron 18-400mm zoom.
Most of the time when we take a picture we have a pretty good idea what the subject is. When we don’t part of the fun is during the research to figure out what it is. So far the ID of this rather nondescript dragonfly remains a mystery.
The Vesper Bluet is a late afternoon and evening damselfly, (Donna).
Mating Vesper Bluets, (Donna).
River Jewelwing seen along the Au Sable River, (Donna).
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The Rifle River near the park’s southern boundary.
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Butterflies live a rough life. Subject to the effects of rain, wind, sun and sometimes attempted predation they often become rather tattered with age. Like wildflowers much of their magic come from the fact that they are only here for a short time. During this most recent visit it was interesting because we didn’t see as many as expected and often the ones seen were rather tattered. However, the few that were in nice enough shape to merit a photograph took up the slack.
Common Wood-Nymph, (Donna).
Northern Pearly-eye
Northern Pearly-eye another view.
American Copper, (Donna)
Another view, (Donna).
Great Spangled Fritillary, Tamron 18-400mm zoom.
Peck’s Skipper with a partially shaded wing explores an iris.
Northern Cloudywing Skipper
Eastern Comma.
Monarch, (Donna).
The very small and seldom seen Banded Hairstreak, (Donna).
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No matter when one visits the park in spring and summer there are some flowers that are seen and some that are not. Turtleheads and Cardinal flowers usually appear in August so we missed them this year but others were present.
Certainly not a flower but one of a number of very large White Pines in the park. How do you capture it’s impressive size in a photograph?
St. John’s Wort, (Donna).
Yellow Water Lily
Black-eyed Susan’s appear to take flight, (Donna).
This American Wintergreen was growing in a very moist area, (Donna).
Spotted Knapweed along the Lake Huron shore.
Pickerel Weed on Grebe Lake.
Water Lily.
Water Lily times two, (Donna).
A hover fly checks out a water lily.
Clustered-leaved Tick-trefoil.
Small and very common in the meadow areas along the south trail this one has eluded identification.
Bladderwort seen along the north trail, (Donna).
New Jersey Tea or Wild Snowball, interestingly it has been used for treated such things as gonorrhea, syphilis, colds, cough, fever, chills, spasms, bleeding, . . . “.
Monkey Flower, (Donna).
Swamp Milkweed, (Donna).
Indian Pipe, (Donna).
Jack-in-the-Pulpit.
Fern.
At their peak these Picture Plant flowers will turn a deep burgundy. See below for the leaves.
The leaves resemble a picture, imagine that!
Daisy Fleabane, very small, very common, very beautiful.
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Early morning on Grebe Lake.
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When out on a day’s hike looking for birds, flowers, or butterflies it’s hard not to notice other things and sometimes they become the most memorable.
Painted Turtle, Devoe Lake.
Pixie Cups, north trail.
We saw quite a bit of this colorful fungi the day we hiked the south trail.
Six-spotted Tiger Beetle along the trail, (Donna).
American Toad, (Donna).
Garter Snake in an unusual location, Devoe Lake.
A beaver lodge on Grebe Lake.
British Soldier Lichen seems to love old fence posts.
Early July is apparently not the best time for fungi. This was one of the few not very colorful examples seen.
Crown-tipped Coral Fungi near our campsite.
A Map Turtle catches a few rays, (Donna).
A large Porcupine is spotted along the south trail, (Donna).
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So much natural diversity in one Michigan state park! This year we left the park wishing for a few more days to explore, to look more closely with intention, to breath in the fragrance of balsam, or just to gaze up into the splendor of the green canopy of trees surrounding our campsite. Perhaps that’s the best way to leave.
Devoe Lake.
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Thanks for stopping by.
Eagles 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.
