Central Ohio NatureCause 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 to saver the moment, taking a deep breath and listening. The rain fell softly at first, with the sound of a mouse playing as it touched the dry places. After a time the fragrance of the rain, the wet grass, leaves, and soil filled my senses with a newness of rebirth and wellbeing.
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.
An Almost Perfect Disguise!
Posted on August 30, 2017
Caterpillars can be hard to believe. In recent weeks my wife’s “eagle eye” has spotted one that certainly seems to confirm this. Along with interesting caterpillars there have been other August insects and wildflowers to fascinate. Each season offers up it’s own treasures.
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As an aside, my old Canon manual focus glass has found new life mounted on a Sony A7 body so I’ve enjoyed trying to capture a “sense of place” with the old lenses as we explore some of our local haunts.
Griggs Reservoir, Sony A7 Canon FD 28mm.
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During a recent walk we entered the world of caterpillars when my wife noticed this interesting specimen.
The Black Swallowtail caterpillar shows off it’s horns while the picture gets photo bombed by a pair of very small mating moths. The horns are usually not evident but a slight tap on the it’s head brings them out, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
The Black Swallowtail butterfly:
Male Black Swallowtail, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Female Black Swallowtail, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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On another day as we walked along Griggs Reservoir, three almost identical “bird droppings” were spotted. Very suspicious!
Our suspicion was validated as we identified them as Giant Swallowtail caterpillars. (Donna).
A closer look, (Donna).
The Giant Swallowtail butterfly:
Giant Swallowtail, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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The Monarch Butterfly caterpillars had a though act to follow after the “bird droppings”. However, this year it’s been exciting to see so many as well as the resultant butterflies. You know it’s a good year when you often hear, or say to your hiking companion, “There’s another Monarch!” Last year we saw very few.
Monarch Butterfly caterpillar, Griggs Reservoir Park.
The Monarch butterfly:
Monarch Butterfly, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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The Big Darby has been running low but clear. A sign of late summer in Ohio.
The Big Darby, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, Sony A7 Canon FD 28mm.
For Ohio the water was very clear in the Big Darby but it’s shallow depth and silt covered bottom didn’t show it off, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Sony A7 Canon FD 28mm.
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During a lunch break along Alum Creek Reservoir last week, a number of wasps were more than happy to provide free entertainment!
Katydid Wasp, (Sphex nudus) with a stunned katydid nymph, Alum Creek State Park, (Donna).
The Katydid Wasp proceeds to drag it’s pray into a pre dug hole to serve as a food source for it’s larvae when they hatch, (Donna).
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Two days ago, as we made our way along one of our area metro park’s excellent trails, I mentioned to my wife that there appeared to be two humming birds around some thistle half way across the meadow. Before I realized what had happened she disappeared. The only way I could reel her in was with the zoom on my camera!
Going after the humming birds, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Success, (Donna).
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Along with caterpillars and butterflies there have been other interesting late August insects as well.
Mating Thread-waisted Wasps, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee with it’s fascinating blue eyes, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
When does a moth not look like a moth? When it’s an Ailanthus Webworm Moth! Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
A grasshopper hugs a coneflower, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Tachinid Fly, (Epalpus signifier), Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
The Common Spreadwing is the largest of the damselflies, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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A quiet fishing spot along Griggs Reservoir.
Griggs Reservoir.
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Fungi hasn’t been that noticeable due to the lack of rain but recently two examples begged to be photographed.
Northern Tooth fungi, Griggs Reservoir Park.
A rather large polypore, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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Wildflowers.
Cup Plant, Griggs Reservoir Park, Sony A7 Canon FD 28mm.
Virginia Knot Weed, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Gracing the shore of Griggs Reservoir, Sony A7 Canon FD 28mm.
Tall Bellflower, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Wingstem, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Great Blue Lobelia, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Coneflower Prairie, Battelle Darby Greek Metro Park.
Ironweed, Griggs Reservoir Park.
False Dragonhead, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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A fascinating plant, Ground Cherry, discovered during a recent walk.
Ground Cherry, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
The flower, (Donna).
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As we look for butterflies, or are engaged in other pursuits, it’s hard not to notice the other things.
In relation to it’s size the very small Cricket Frog probably jumps the furthest of any of it’s species! Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
An immature Indigo Bunting eludes a good photo at the very top of a tree, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
An over exuberant Blue Jay enjoys the water, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Black-crowned Night Heron photographed recently while fishing on Griggs Reservoir. Probably the closest I’ve ever gotten to one.
A “too cute” Red Squirrel along the shore of Griggs Reservoir. Exciting because we rarely see them in this area.
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In late August the sound of insects dominate the woods.
As if in protest, a Carolina Wrens does it’s best to break the silence of it’s kind.
In the now often cooler mornings, heavy with dew, spider webs are everywhere.
Walking, those suspended across the trail brush against one’s face.
By noon, as if to deny that summer is slowly coming to an end, butterflies and dragonflies take flight.
Bees, seemingly busier than ever, are everywhere on late summer wildflowers.
Leaves on some trees have already starting to change.
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Looking for birds, Griggs Reservoir Park, Sony A7 Canon FD 28mm.
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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.
While I Was Fishing
Posted on August 1, 2017
My wife had to carry most of the load in central Ohio over the past week or so while I was on my annual Michigan fishing trip. Based on the following pictures, many of which are hers, she had no trouble discovering things of interest.
Nature walk, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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First there were the birds, a few of which when captured in unusual or even comical poses. Some just a little different than the usual “mug” shot.
Immature Robin, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Just fledged Catbird, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Mealtime.
Great Blue Heron, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Goldfinch, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Immature Red-bellied Woodpecker, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Immature Blue Jay, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Preening Eastern Phoebe, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Northern Flicker, Griggs Reservoir Park.
A juvenile Cedar Waxwing stretches it’s neck, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird visits Donna as she looks for caterpillars, Griggs Reservoir Park.
A Cardinal is caught spying on a young Northern Flicker, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Green Heron showing it’s crest, Griggs Reservoir
Juvenile Green Heron, Griggs Reservoir.
Take 2.
To cute to pass up, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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Sometimes a bird picture was obtained as my wife happened to look up as she studyed an interesting “bug” and there were apparently no shortage of those.
Eupatorium Borer Moth , Griggs reservoir Park, (Donna).
Milkweed Tussock Moth Catapillar, Griggs reservoir Park, (Donna).
Wasp, Griggs reservoir Park, (Donna).
Monarch Butterfly caterpillar, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Monarch, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Another view.
Orchard orbweaver, Griggs reservoir Park, (Donna).
Donna spotted this Robber Fly in Griggs Reservoir Park. Robber flies prey on other flies, beetles, butterflies and moths, various bees, ants, dragon and damselflies, ichneumon wasps, grasshoppers, some spiders and even other robber flies. They do so apparently irrespective of any offensive chemicals the prey may have at its disposal. Many robber flies when attacked in turn do not hesitate to defend themselves with their proboscides and may deliver intensely painful bites if handled carelessly, (Ref: WIKI), Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Sand Wasp, Griggs reservoir Park, (Donna).
Sycamore Tussock Moth caterpillar , Griggs reservoir Park, (Donna).
Robber fly, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Hover fly, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Green Bee, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Orange Sulphur, Griggs Reservoir Park.
My wife spotted these 2-marked Treehoppers in Griggs Reservoir Park, “Treehoppers tap into the stems of woody and herbaceous plants with their beaks and feed on the sap. Treehopper species are often closely associated with a single food source. Some species gather in groups as adults or nymphs. They slit the bark of their host plant to deposit eggs within, covering the eggs with a secretion called “egg froth” that provides protection from desiccation in winter, may shield the eggs from predators, and that contains an attractant pheromone that brings other ovipositing females to the spot (where, like cows, they may line up, all facing the same direction). The eggs hatch in spring when they are re-hydrated by the rising sap of the host plant as its buds open and its shoots start to grow”. Ref: Bug Lady, Riveredge Nature Center.
Mating Clouded Sulfurs, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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Summer flowers grace areas along the reservoir.
On a cloudy morning Evening Primrose overlooks Griggs Reservoir
Coneflowers keep Cardinal Flowers company in one of the park rain gardens.
Tall Blue Lettuce, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Swamp Rose Mallow.
Wingstem, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Sunflowers rule this time of year.
Common Sneezeweed.
Boneset, Griggs Reservoir.
Square Stem Monkey Flower, Griggs Reservoir.
Sunflowers draw one’s gaze to the reservoir beyond.
Queen Ann’s Lace frames Griggs Reservoir.
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Finally a few pics from my fishing trip to the Rifle River Recreation Area. It always feels like a homecoming when I head north bringing back many fond childhood summer vacation memories. I always think I’ll take more pictures on this trip but it’s hard to wear two hats so I mostly just allow myself to be there and fish.
Common Loons are a real treat on Devoe Lake in the Rifle River Rec Area. Seemingly unconcerned they swim close to my canoe.
Taking a break.
One of a number of nice bass caught and released.
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Each trip into nature marks the passing of time. Summer moves along, things seen are ever changing, birds fledge and mature under parent’s attentive care, caterpillars and butterflies continue their amazing dance of life, wildflowers and bees are ever present companions, by late July the days have grown noticeably shorter.
Griggs reservoir 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.
On The Shoulder of Very Small Giants!
Posted on July 18, 2017
Recently we were thinking about all the birds that nest in Griggs Reservoir Park or in the immediate environs. A list of some of the more interesting ones would go something like this:
White-breasted Nuthatch,
Cardinal, Northern Flicker,
Kingbird,
Red-bellied Woodpecker,
Rose-breasted Grosbeak,
Blue Jay,
Yellow-throated Warbler,
Black-crowned Night Heron,
Northern Parula Warbler,
Protonotary Warbler,
Kingfisher, Wood Duck,
Baltimore Oriole,
Cedar Waxwing,
Mallard Duck,
Great Egret,
Great Blue Heron
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well I think you get the idea. It’s amazing that just a few years ago we were ignorant of much of this. To become more aware has taken time coupled with repeated outings to the park and reservoir. While some visits have been pretty quiet, in general learning about the birds has been a rewarding activity.
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Too further this point, recently we’ve been fortunate to photograph a few of the “youngsters”. The always active Kingbirds have been hard to miss.
Two Kingbird chicks see the parent approaching, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna, pics 1-4).
The parent arrives but apparently with no food.
But the other parent did have something to offer.
Open mouths, hard for a parent to miss!
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While we’ve heard them calling from time to time over the past few weeks, Yellow-throated Warblers have been illusive so the one below was a pretty exciting find!
Juvenile Yellow-throated warbler, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Take 2.
Take 3, with an ant.
Take 4.
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Always cute, a few Mallard ducklings were present along the reservoir. Interesting because we’ve seen a stream of ducklings over the last two months indicating there is no fixed time to mate.
Mallard Ducklings, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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While not youngsters, a few other birds also allowed us to take their picture. For those of you that have tried to photograph a Kingfisher you know they don’t usually cooperate so even an average picture is an accomplishment.
Female Kingfisher, Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
Blue Jay, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna)
Black-crowned Night Heron, one of two seen as we paddled the reservoir. We haven’t seen as many this year perhaps due to the larger than normal number of Great Egrets.
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As mentioned above the birds have been rewarding but we never imaged we would discover a new snake right within the city limits of Columbus! It was seen while canoeing Griggs Reservoir and was located in a low lying bush overhanging the water. While looking at the one below another one splashed into the water. Needless to say we were very excited by this discovery!
Queen Snake, frequently seen and captured by overturning large flat stones, boards, or other debris along fresh water streams. Some will try to bite which due to their small teeth is not a treat to humans. However, all use their musk glands freely and struggle violently to escape. Although they become gentle with handling, they seldom eat in captivity. (ODNR) Their habitat is very specific, and this snake is never found in areas that lack clean running streams and watersheds with stony and rocky bottoms. The water temperature must be a minimum of 50 °F (10 °C) during it’s active months due to dietary requirements that consist all most exclusively of newly molted crayfish. (WIKI)
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Summer wildflowers have benefited from the recent rain.
Rain garden, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Tall Blue Lettuce, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Blue Vervain, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Joe Pye Weed, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Lizards Tail and Swamp Milkweed at the north end of Griggs Reservoir.
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If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time you know that in the summer we tend to focus more on insects. This year is no exception, except I’ve finally really caught the “bug” from my wife. Having made that declaration, as hard as I look I will never match her ability to see these little guys!
Soldier Fly, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Eastern Tailed Blue, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Female Eastern Tailed Blue, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Giant Spreadwing, not one we see often, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Amber and Black Wasp, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Pelecinid Wasp, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Silvery Checkerspot, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna)
Take 2, Donna)
Metallic Gold Fly, very small, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Robber Fly, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Duke’s Skipper, Griggs Reservoir.
Dukes Skipper (M), Griggs Reservoir.
Blue Dasher (F), Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
Common Dogbane Beetles, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Question Mark, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Take 2, (Donna).
Orange Sulfur (F), Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
The photo of the below dragonfly was an especially exciting because it very seldom lands.
Wandering Glider, the common name of this species may be the most appropriate of any of species. It is a strong flier, with a circumtropical distribution. It is found in nearly every contiguous state, extreme southern Canada, southward throughout Central and South America, the Bahamas, West Indies, Hawaii and throughout the Eastern Hemisphere, except for Europe. It is regularly encountered by ocean freighters and is a well-known migratory species. Because of its ability to drift with the wind, feeding on aerial plankton, until it finally encounters a rain pool in which it breeds, it has been called “…the world’s most evolved dragonfly.” (Odonata Central) , Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
After much searching Donna finally found a few Monarch Butterfly caterpillars, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Spicebush Swallowtail, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Take 2.
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There was a time when I wasn’t all that excited about “insects”, pointing my camera at butterflies, dragonflies, and the like only when the birds weren’t cooperating. Arriving home after one such an outing I took a close look at the images obtained and was amazed at the beauty of many of these creatures that are so easy for us to disregard. It’s hardly breaking news but some time ago I heard that if we compared the weight of all humans with that of all insects we would make up a very small piece of the pie. The below chart illustrates that point. For life to exist on this small sphere we stand on the shoulders of giants but in our case they are very small giants. Something to think about!
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Thanks for stopping by.
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There has been quite a bit of rain recently so we paddled to one of the local waterfalls. It did not disappoint, Griggs Reservoir.
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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.
It’s Almost Time To “Kick Them Out Of The House!”
Posted on July 2, 2017
It’s early summer and many young birds have fledged but that doesn’t mean parental responsibilities have ended. In fact, based of what was recently observed during walks in Griggs Reservoir Park, the parents are working harder than ever as the increasing size of their growing young means increased appetites.
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The feeding behavior of Barn Swallows, almost scary to watch, involves the adult racing toward their offspring at a very high rate of speed only to slam on the breaks at the last second before delivering the meal. Their insect gathering skill was born out by the fact that they were seldom gone for more than a minute or two before returning with food.
Perched in a treetop immature Barn Swallows wait patently, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Food must be on it’s way.
Sure enough, (Donna).
It doesn’t take long to deliver the meal!
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The feeding behavior of Northern Flickers, involving parental regurgitation, was a little more sedate if not more appetizing.
Mom regurgitates the meal, (Donna).
Down the hatch! (Donna).
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While no parents were observed tending to them, repeated sightings of immature male and female Rose Breasted Grosbeaks indicates that there may have been a nest in the area. All very exciting for us because this is the first year we’ve observed grosbeaks nesting in Griggs Reservoir Park.
Immature male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Griggs reservoir Park, (Donna).
The female, (Donna).
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It continues to be a great year for egrets in central Ohio. In the now many years that we’ve been observing birds in and around Griggs Reservoir we’ve never noticed this many. They seem to be everywhere.
Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons along the Griggs Reservoir Dam.
Great Egret, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve, (Donna).
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Feeding on berries as well as insects, the park’s numerous Cedar Waxwings continue to entertain us with their antics.
Cedar Waxwing, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Staring us down, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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In recent days other birds have also put a smile on our face so lets not forget a few members of the supporting cast!
A Kingbird waits for it’s next meal which could quite possibly be a careless dragonfly, Griggs Reservoir Park.
One of a pair of nesting Blue Jays in Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Between short sorties to catch flying insects, a Eastern Phoebe rests, Griggs Reservoir Park.
A Catbird seems to be asking, “What are you looking at?”, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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It’s always rewarding to watch nature in action. However, based on the level of effort put forth by the parents we’re left thinking that it won’t be long before they’re “kicked out of the house”. 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 Spring Gift Along The Reservoir
Posted on May 19, 2017
This post covers some of the birds as well as other things that have been seen along the Scioto River corridor in central Ohio in the past few days. Many of the birds seen will continue their migratory journey further north. It’s a magical time of year as green spaces, especially those along lakes and rivers, are transformed by the sights and sounds of birds perhaps not seen other times of the year.
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Some birding days are better than others. In the spring a strong wind from the north usually means more birds. A wind from the south seems to send them on their way. All the birds may seem to be in the treetops one day while the next they’re at eye level making an impossible subject easy to photograph. While no one can guarantee what will be seen, even an inexpensive pair of binoculars will greatly increase your chances of seeing birds allowing you to enter their world and appreciate creatures with such unique beauty that it’s sometimes hard to believe.
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Everyone has their own way of appreciating nature, while we do make a point of traveling to more distant locations, we try to concentrate on a few areas close to home, observing the changes as the year progresses. A benefit of visiting a “favorite spot” often is that one is blessed with a sense of ownership, not in a possessive sense, but rather as a caring participant. A litter bag is always part of our equipment as it’s especially hard to walk by litter after one has just seen a Scarlet Tanager. The real plus is that through listening, looking (perhaps taking a picture), and allowing myself to be in the place, I’m extended beyond myself to a larger whole. Through this experience, which I once heard referred to as “a prayer”, I become richer and more grateful.
Griggs Park along the reservoir.
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A few days ago my wife was looking for warblers right along the river as I did likewise along a some trees a little further away from the water. She was paying attention to the low lying brush at water’s edge when she decided to look up into the overhead tree branches and found herself confronting a much larger bird.
Bald Eagle along the Scioto River just below the Griggs Reservoir Dam, it didn’t stay long . . .
before it flew across the river . . .
to a safer perch. (Donna).
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Out of the corner of my eye I did see the eagle as it flew by but right in front of me there was a Great Crested Flycatcher. What to do, a flycatcher in the bush or a flying eagle. I chose the bird in the bush.
Great-created Flycatcher along the Scioto River just below Griggs Reservoir Dam..
Take 2.
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Warblers are surprisingly small when compared to the Great Created Flycatcher but make up for their size in quantity. Many, including Cape May and Yellow-rumped, continue to be seen.
Black and White warbler, Emily Traphagen Park.
Take 2.
Male American Redstart, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Take 2, (Donna).
Redstart with mayfly, Griggs Park.
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It’s hard to ignore the orioles which continue to be very common. Right now there are so many in Griggs Park that it’s quite possible that only a few will nest here with the remainder heading further north.
Male Baltimore Oriole, Griggs Park.
Female Baltimore Oriole, Griggs Park.
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It was a real treat to see our first Cedar waxwings of the year.
Cedar Waxwings, they handed the berry back and forth several times. Griggs Park.
Cedar Waxwings, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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Red-eyed Vireos are often spotted in dense treetop leaf cover but every once in a while they come down so we can get a better look.
Red-eyed Vireo, Griggs Park.
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An Acadian Flycatcher was also seen.
Acadian Flycatcher? Griggs Park.
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We first spotted a streak of white, black, and red. Open landing the Rose Breasted Grosbeak played hide and seek as it chowed down on what were apparently very tasty seeds.
Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Griggs Park.
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Another bird seen only during spring migration is the Scarlet Tanager.
Scarlet Tanager, Griggs Park.
Just a minute.
There, that’s better.
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Morning sun and leaves, Griggs Park.
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The Swainson’s Thrush is usually only seen during migration.
Swainson’s Thrushes were everywhere in Griggs Park.
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Our first Kingbird of the year along Griggs Reservoir. Some will stick around to nest in the park.
Kingbird, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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We also noticed a few “non-bird” type things.
Immature male Common Whitetail, Emily Traphagen Park.
False Solomon’s Seal, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Female Black Swallowtail, Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna).
The Northern Water snake orgy goes on, see previous post, (Donna).
A Woodchuck tries to blend in, Griggs Park.
Wild Columbine, Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna). This photo was inspired by one of our birding friends.
A chipmunk poses, Duranceaux Park.
Six Spotted Tiger Beetle, Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna).
Zebulon Skipper, Emily Traphagen Park. (Donna).
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We can’t forget all the other birds seen in the past week. Many of these are year round or summer residents.
A very noisy Winter Wren, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Eastern Phoebe, Griggs Park.
Hidden in the leaf cover an immature Eastern Phoebe waits for it’s next meal, Duranceaux Park.
Blue Jays continue to be industrious, Griggs Park.
Red-bellied Woodpecker looks for a meal in Emily Traphagen Park.
The beautiful marking of a Northern Flicker are clearly seen as it briefly pauses overhead, Griggs Park.
Carolina Chickadee, Griggs Park.
Great Blue Heron, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Hairy Woodpecker, Griggs Park.
Easy eats may be why we’ve seen so many Great Egrets along the reservoir and river this spring, (Donna).
Great Egrets, Griggs Park
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With spring in full swing, there’s almost too much is going on, but we hope everyone enjoyed this photographic celebration of spring in central Ohio.
Griggs Reservoir Cove, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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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.
Turkeys, Trout Lilies and Other Spring Things
Posted on April 22, 2017
This post is a bit of a ramble covering our adventures in central Ohio nature over the past week. A search for wildflowers and warblers in area metro parks, a visit to a local city park to see if any warblers were passing through and finally the first long kayak paddle of the year. So I hope you enjoy the ride.
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In the spring wildflowers and migrating warblers are usually what comes to mind not turkeys. For me turkeys have always been a fall bird usually associated with a big meal that includes stuffing, gravy, and all the fixins. So a few days ago at Blendon Woods Metro Park it was a bit of a surprise to see a male turkey doing it’s best to convince a female that they should get together.
Turkey (M), Blendon Woods.
A closer look. In breeding plumage the feathers are truly spectacular, (Donna).
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The purpose of the trip to Blendon was to look for warblers. We were successful in spotting a few including a Black-throated Green which without to much effort eluded the camera’s lens. While we did see a few, we soon found ourselves seduced by the many wildflowers that were in bloom.
It won’t be long till the leaves fill in, Blendon Woods Metro Park.
Standing out due to their relative scarceness leaves evoke the feeling of flowers.
Yellow Trout Lilies were doing their best at Blendon Woods.
Another view as sunlight filters through from behind.
Wild Geranium, Blendon Woods, (Donna).
Black haw viburnum, Blendon Woods.
There were some exceptional large examples of Toadshade Trillium at Blendon Woods.
Flowers aren’t the only thing worth taking a close look at.
Jacobs Ladder, Blendon Woods, (Donna).
Buttercup, Blendon Woods, (Donna).
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When not looking at wildflowers or for warblers there were other things . . .
Birds are apparently not the only spring nest builders, Fox Squirrel, Blendon Woods, (Donna).
One of a least two mature albino squirrels seen. How they evade the hawks long enough to reach adulthood is a mystery to me.
Home to small darters, in the spring the small creeks in Blendon Woods flow freely.
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The day following our trip to Blendon Woods we headed to Clear Creek Metro Park for what turned out to be a rather long hike. Spring is especially fascinating at Clear Creek with a number of plants not found elsewhere in Ohio. The number of butterflies seen (Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Commas, Morning Cloaks, etc.) but not photographed, was truly amazing.
Blue Phlox, Clear creek Metro Park.
Foamflower, Clear creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Pussytoes (F), Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Fiddleheads, Clear Creek Metro Park.
Bluets, Clear Creek Metro Park.
Soloman’s Seal, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Virginia Bluebells, Clear Creek Metro Park.
Duskywing, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna)
Violet Wood Sorrel, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Spicebush Swallowtail, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Coltsfoot, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Dogwood, Clear Creek Metro Park
Wild Geranium, Clear Creek Metro Park. (Donna).
Rue Anemone, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Violets, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Squaw Root, a perennial, non-photosynthesizing parasitic plant, native but not endemic to North America, when blooming resembles a pine cone or cob of corn growing from the roots of mostly oak and beech trees, (Wikipedia), Clear Creek Metro Park.
Fire Pink, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
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Closer to home within the city limits of Columbus along the Scioto River and Griggs Reservoir spring was also in full swing.
Redbuds, Griggs Park.
“Lovebirds”, male and female American Goldfinch, Griggs Park.
Blackberry, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Redwing Blackbird (M), Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Northern Flicker, Griggs Park.
Shooting Star, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Buckeye, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
White-throated Sparrow, Kiwanis Riverway Park
Honeysuckle, (Native?), Kiwanis Riverway Park
Yellow-throated Warbler singing high in a Sycamore tree, Griggs Park.
Wild Ginger, Griggs Park, (Donna).
In week or so ago I spotted this pair of Blue jays starting work on a nest. They must have given up on that location as no nest was found on this particular day, Griggs park.,
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Out on the reservoir there was also lot’s of activity, much of which eluded the camera’s lens, but some subjects cooperated just long enough. Spotted Sandpipers, turtles, Great Blue Herons, and Great Egrets seemed to be everywhere. As I have undoubtedly mentioned in the past, shooting from a canoe or kayak has it’s own set of challenges, camera shake and the fact that everything is moving just to name a few, so when one gets a relatively good picture it’s truly cause for celebration. When paddling the kayak certain limitations are excepted so a relatively small light superzoom is usually what is taken. It’s easy to tuck out of the way and if it happens go swimming it’s not the end of the world.
Spotted Sandpiper, Griggs Reservoir.
Very small Red-eared Slider getting ready to attempt a double-backflip with a twist , Griggs Reservoir.
Great Blue Heron in breeding plumage, Griggs Reservoir.
Great Egret in breeding plumage with a couple of close friends, Griggs Reservoir.
Note color around eyes.
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In the last week not far from our home it seemed that no matter which way we turned there was something wonderful to see. We hope that’s been your experience also. Thanks for stopping by.
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XXX
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Should you wish, prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo.
