Central Ohio NatureA Spring Paddle
Posted on April 29, 2022
At a graceful 17 feet long our Sawyer Cruiser canoe left the east shore of Griggs Reservoir just above Fishinger Road like a racehorse wanting to run even though it had been several months since we wet the paddles 1000 miles south in Florida. The plan was to follow the sunlit west shore north as far as we were inclined to see what migrating birds and other wildlife we might find. The choice of the Sawyer was dictated by the trip back to our launch site which would put an increasing wind in our face. None of our other canoes does “wind in the face” better than the Sawyer.
The plus side of looking for birds from a boat is that you have a continuous wall of trees and bushes of various sizes at water’s edge in which you might find them. The disadvantage is that the action of wind and waves must be dealt with in an effort to keep the canoe in position long enough to observe or in our case also photograph a small bird flitting about. Almost all of one’s creative paddle strokes are required. So, as with most of our birding by canoe outings, I handle the boat while my wife has all the pressure of trying to get a good picture.
Our first paddle of the year in Ohio had been a little over five miles, half of which was into a sometimes brisk wind. We felt good as we hauled the boat out, but we were glad we hadn’t decided to go further. The several hours spent had been a wonderful blend of appreciating nature coupled with the satisfaction of knowing it had all been accomplished under our own power. Our whole self had been engaged in the adventure.
Thanks for stopping by.
With A Little Help From . . .
Posted on May 15, 2020
We are blessed to enjoy nature and this usually results in not being around a lot of people. A perfect combination for these times. Spring is the season of new life whether it be the young leaves and flowers of a buckeye tree, or the sometimes almost frantic activity of nesting and migrating birds. One day last week, along a wooded park road at waters edge, there seemed to be colorful “missiles” flying everywhere. In that moment, with the smell of spring flowers and a backdrop of surrounding tree green luminescence, it was hard not to feel the warm embrace and the affirmation of being part of something that is much more.
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So with a little help from our friends, be they butterflies, birds, wildflowers or trees, we are invited into a world that to our peril is too often ignored. But to work it’s magic, it demands that we be in the moment, pay attention with intention, and extend our curiosity beyond it’s usual realm. At first, we may find our curiosity stunted because, equipped with little knowledge, our imagination of what lies beyond the next “mountain” is limited. Finding the answer to that first small question may start a journey that informs and empowers in ways never imagined and that far outreach the original field of inquiry.
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In the spring birds are endlessly foraging for food in trees and in low lying brush. What in the world are they all eating? Observing bird behavior, particularly Baltimore orioles as they work over buckeye flowers, coupled with additional research reveals the answer. In the spring birds, including warblers, obtain nutrition from tree buds and the edible parts of flowers including their nectar in addition to insects. Could this be one of the reasons that the orioles like the park near our home with it’s numerous buckeye trees? Within limits, don’t look for a common yellow-throat in the top of a tall tree, most migrating birds find suitable food in a variety locations.
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So below are some birds that have brought a dimension to life in our humble city park that will not be there in a few weeks. In doing so they have expanded our awareness of life that goes far beyond our current cares.
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Black-throated Blue Warbler, Griggs Reservoir Park (GRP)
Take 2, GRP.
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Male Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Duranceau Park (DP)
Male courting display, DP.
The female looks curious, DP.
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Chestnut-sided Warbler, GRP.
Another view, GRP.
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Male Indigo Bunting, GRP. Could we be so fortunate that it would nest in the park?
Take 2, GRP.
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Male Baltimore Oriole, GRP. Baltimore Orioles build many nests in the park.
Another angle, GRP.
Immature male, GRP.
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Palm Warbler, GRP.
Singing, GRP.
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Pine Warbler, DP.
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Male American Redstart, GRP.
Another view, GRP, (Donna).
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Tree Swallows are hear for the season, GRP.
Male and female, GRP.
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Barn Swallow, GRP, (Donna).
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Northern Parula Warbler, GRP.
Another look, GRP.
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Blue-headed Vireo, GRP, (Donna).
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Warbling Vireo, GRP.
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White-eyed Vireo, GRP, (Donna).
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Yellow Warbler, GRP, (Donna).
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Blue-winged Warbler, DP, (Donna).
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Black and White Warbler, GRP, (Donna).
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Yellow-throated Warbler, GRP.
Take 2, GRP, (Donna).
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White-crowned Sparrow, GRP.
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White-throated Sparrow, GRP, (Donna).
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Magnolia Warbler, GRP.
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Prothonotary Warbler, GRP, (Donna).
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Scarlet Tanager, DP.
Take 2, DP.
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Yellow-rumped Warbler, GRP.
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The Great-crested Flycatcher nest in the park, GRP.
Northern- Flickers also nest in the park, GRP.
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Tufted Titmouse are a year round resident, GRP, (Donna).
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As are Downy Woodpeckers, GRP, (Donna)
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House Wren, GRP, (Donna).
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Catbirds are also a summer long resident, GRP.
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Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, DP, (Donna).
Female, GRP, (Donna).
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Mallard family, GRP, (Donna).
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We hope that this post finds you in good health and that in this season of new life and rebirth, you find your celebration.
Chipmunk
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Thanks for stopping by.
While I Was Away Fishing
Posted on August 8, 2019
With the arrival of a granddaughter and my annual fishing trip to Michigan photographing the wonders of nature in central Ohio has been a bit neglected. Fortunately in my absence my wife took up the slack and was busy finding fascinating things closer to home. In fact, considering that it’s usually the slow time of year, there have been an amazing number of things to see.
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Numerous Kingbirds nest along the reservoir in Griggs Reservoir Park and while the babies have fledged they still expect their meals to be catered. Fortunately, ample fresh berries and cicadas make the work a little easier.
Bringing dinner home, (Donna).
Trying to get noticed, (Donna).
Finally! (Donna).
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When not being entertained by the kingbirds; vireos, numerous Great Crested Flycatchers, and even a Yellow Warbler were spotted.
A Warbling Vireo which is not often seen this time of year, (Donna).
An immature Red-eyed Vireo, (Donna).
Great Crested Flycatcher, (Donna).
Yellow Warbler, a rare find in the park in early August, (Donna).
Barn Swallows engage in a heated discussion about sharing a dragonfly, (Donna).
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A first of the year Buckeye Butterfly and a seldom seen Royal River Cruiser were also spotted.
Buckeye, (Donna).
A Royal River Cruiser not often seen along Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
and not to ignore some of the more usual suspects . . .
A Eastern Tiger Swallowtail at waters edge, (Donna).
Amberwing Dragonflies are common but due to their small size are often hard to photograph, (Donna).
Monarch, (Donna).
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It’s always hard to compete with my wife’s discoveries but as usual the Rifle River Recreation Area did not disappoint with some nice Large Mouth Bass caught. To eliminate as much trauma as possible the barbs were removed from the hooks which doesn’t seem to effect the catch rate and I’m sure the fish are much happier as they swim away.
A beautiful morning on Devoe Lake.
Typical of the Large Mouth Bass caught. This one was on Au Sable Lake.
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There were often a pair of Trumpeter Swans not far off while fishing on Devoe Lake. In addition there were always loons to enjoy. An encouraging discovery was not only the number of loons seen on the lakes within the park, where they nest due to the absence of motorboat traffic/wakes, but on the cottage lined lakes nearby.
Common Loons, Devoe Lake.
Au Sable Lake
Rifle Lake
As can be seen from the above screen shots Rifle Lake does not have suitable habitat for nesting but Au Sable Lake does with a considerable amount of sheltered natural shoreline. To my joy, immature loons were observed there.
Lily pads on Devoe Lake.
Trumpeter Swans, Devoe Lake.
Near sunset on Devoe Lake.
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As I finished this post a task required that I briefly venture outside. In our front yard a hummingbird briefly hovered close by and then went about it’s business. Such a serendipitous occurrence caused me to stop for a moment, and as I did, ever so faintly, the call of a loon on Devoe Lake could be “heard”. I was left again with the realization that nature’s wonder can be found in many places. Whether on a lake in Michigan or in a city park of Columbus Ohio, all we need to do is open our eyes.
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Thanks for stopping by.
Paddling Into Nature On Griggs Reservoir
Posted on May 9, 2019
This post is a partial summary of the wonderful diversity of life seen during a recent nine mile paddle on Griggs Reservoir. The reservoir is located within the “city limits” of Columbus, Ohio. Except for a few isolated cases where (Bob) is under the photo my wife was kind enough to handle the photography.
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It’s been a wet spring with not many nice days to beckon one out into nature. The wet weather in central Ohio has given many rivers and reservoirs a “chocolate milk” appearance, not the preferred aesthetic when paddling. But finally with a good forecast, wildflowers blooming, and the landscape turning evermore green, we decided it was time to get the boat in the water and do some exploring. Over the years we’ve seen many wonderful things in and along the reservoir but given it’s urban location we always try keep our expectations low. If nothing else we’ll get some exercise and we’ll be outdoors.
We enter one of Griggs Reservoirs small coves looking for Black-crowned Night Herons. The rock outcroppings are a favorite place for Wild Columbine, (Bob).
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The first clue that it might be a better than average day in nature was seeing the Wild Columbine along the reservoirs many rocky outcroppings.
Wild Columbine, (Bob)
A closer look, (Bob).
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While on the subject of wildflowers we also noticed Wild Stonecrop in the same area.
Wild Stonecrop, (Bob)
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A little further on we spotted a snapping turtle in the shallows of one of the reservoir’s small coves. The first of many turtles seen.
A Snapping Turtle checks us out from the safety of the water, (Bob).
Not far away a snapper was also observed sunning itself, a rare behavior for this always submerged creature that only occurs in the spring.
Snapping Turtle.
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Not seen as often as Red Eared Sliders or Map turtles a few softshell turtles were also seen.
Eastern Spiny Softshell.
A second later it disappeared below the surface.
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We probably shouldn’t ignore some of the other turtles:
A Map Turtle catches some rays.
A very small turtle surveys a big world.
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We expected to see more water snakes but only one was spotted.
Northern Water Snake.
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While no Green and Black-crowned Night Herons were seen, a few Great Egrets and countless Great Blue Herons made up for it.
Great Blue Heron.
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Something not fully appreciated is that four species of swallows make there living along the reservoir; Tree, Cliff, Barn and Rough-winged. The Tree, Cliff, and Barn Swallows are fairly numerous and easy to observe. The Rough-winged don’t seem to be as common.
Barn Swallow, (Bob).
On this particular day the Cliff Swallows were putting on the best show as they busily went about building their nests under the Hayden Run bridge.
Cliff Swallow nest building, (Bob).
Caught with it’s mouth full!
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We were really excited to see a pair of Wood Ducks because getting a great picture of this duck usually involves using a blind as you can seldom get close enough in a canoe.
Male and female Wood Ducks.
A slightly closer look.
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Along with the Wood Ducks a much more common and approachable female Mallard is seen with babies.
Female Mallard Duck.
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Remembering an area at the north end of the reservoir where a nested Prothonotary Warbler was observed last year, we headed for that location and were not disappointed.
Prothonotary Warbler.
With nesting material.
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As if in comic relief we couldn’t help but notice a Canada Goose that seem ready to set sail while perched high overhead their mate wondered what was going to happen next.
Canada Goose.
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A Spotted Sandpiper was spotted and seemed to be in a cooperative mood as it didn’t immediately take flight as we approached.
Spotted Sandpiper.
Eventually it did get tired of the attention.
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A few other birds were also seen:
Eastern Phoebe.
Tufted Titmouse.
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Over the years we’ve seen Gray, Red and Fox Squirrels but on this day it was a not uncommon Fox Squirrel. They always seem a bit curious about what we’re doing.
Fox Squirrel.
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Near a large beaver lodge at the north end of the reservoir we spotted what we first thought was a young beaver but was probably a Muskrat.
Muskrat.
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It had been awhile since we had seen one along the reservoir so our “Wood Duck” excitement was more than duplicated with the discovery of a Mink making it’s way along the shore. It’s rapid movement made getting a sharp image a challenge.
Mink.
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We hope you’ve enjoyed seeing some Griggs Reservoir nature. A canoe or kayak can be a great tool for exploring and seeing things that would otherwise not be possible. As a platform for observations with binoculars it’s relatively straight forward. Should you decide to try canoe/kayak nature photography be prepared for more challenges than would be encountered shooting from land and a higher failure rate. The best scenario would be to have someone that loves to paddle handle the boat when you are taking pictures. But even if you are solo it is possible to get some great shots.
Hayden Run Falls framed in spring’s green and with a nice flow, (Bob)
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Thanks for stopping by.
A Quiet Walk In The Park
Posted on June 16, 2018
It was a quiet morning at Griggs Reservoir Park with little wind and an overcast sky that threatened rain making it almost too dark for pictures. The kind of day one pretty much has the whole park to themself. My pessimism about what would be seen, much less photographed, was reflected in my selection of cameras. I contented myself just with a Panasonic FZ200 superzoom accompanied by a pair of binos, while my wife expressed her optimism by taking a “bird camera”.
Rain and the resultant higher water levels meant that in many areas Water Willow graced the reservoir shoreline.
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With the absence of traffic both in the park and on the reservoir, normally wary and prone to flight Great Blue Herons were content to stay on shoreline perches as we walked by. Other birds also seemed less prone to flight as we got close.
An immature Male Hooded Merganser is spotted with a group of Mallard Ducks, (Donna).
By a rain puddle a Barn Swallow strikes a contemplative pose, (Donna).
A Robin with a mouthful of earthworm and mulberry, (Donna).
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Even with the dullness of the morning the unmistakable fire orange of a noisy Baltimore Oriole caught our eye as it streaked by on it way to a nearby tree. Taking a closer look through dense leaf cover revealed an almost completely hidden nest. Suspended by next winter’s bare branches, what remained would be easy to spot.
Male Baltimore Oriole
Take 2.
Take 3.
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My wife looked ever closer in an effort to see a “new to her” insect or spider. Life that most of us walk right by.
White-marked Tussock Moth caterpillar, (Donna).
Katydid, (Donna).
Female Amber Wing Dragonfly
Through the leaves a lone Painted Turtle is spotted. Not a good day to sun oneself on a log.
A very small and young Gray Tree Frog tries to remain unnoticed, (Donna).
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Seemingly unabated, wildflowers continue their march through the year. Those that greeted us just a few weeks ago are gone but new ones have taken their place. On a sunny day they speak in a bright and joyful voice so it seems counterintuitive that the best time to photograph them is usually on overcast days. No blown out highlights, deep shadow values, and more saturated colors.
Horse Nettle is a good plant just to look at but not to touch.
Canada Thistle is a pesky weed for Ohio farmers.
As if playing “King of The Mountain” the vine and flower of the Morning Glory take advantage of an accommodating Moth Mullein.
Not the most common of our native wildflower standing forlorn at waters edge is what remained of a fairly large display of Butterfly Weed, someone had picked the rest.
Daisy Fleabane.
Thimbleweed.
Tall Meadow-rue.
White Moth Mullein.
Canada Anemone.
Reservoir landscape.
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It never did rain and as our longer than expected time in the park came to a close so did the time for taking a “closer look” and for reflection. As is often the case when in nature we left much richer than when we came.
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Thanks for stopping by.
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Perhaps I should stick with photography!
Central Ohio Nature 