Central Ohio NatureWith 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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
Black-throated Blue Warbler, Griggs Reservoir Park (GRP)
Take 2, GRP.
.
Male Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Duranceau Park (DP)
Male courting display, DP.
The female looks curious, DP.
.
Chestnut-sided Warbler, GRP.
Another view, GRP.
.
Male Indigo Bunting, GRP. Could we be so fortunate that it would nest in the park?
Take 2, GRP.
.
Male Baltimore Oriole, GRP. Baltimore Orioles build many nests in the park.
Another angle, GRP.
Immature male, GRP.
.
Palm Warbler, GRP.
Singing, GRP.
.
Pine Warbler, DP.
.
Male American Redstart, GRP.
Another view, GRP, (Donna).
.
Tree Swallows are hear for the season, GRP.
Male and female, GRP.
.
Barn Swallow, GRP, (Donna).
.
Northern Parula Warbler, GRP.
Another look, GRP.
.
Blue-headed Vireo, GRP, (Donna).
.
Warbling Vireo, GRP.
.
White-eyed Vireo, GRP, (Donna).
.
Yellow Warbler, GRP, (Donna).
.
Blue-winged Warbler, DP, (Donna).
.
Black and White Warbler, GRP, (Donna).
.
Yellow-throated Warbler, GRP.
Take 2, GRP, (Donna).
.
White-crowned Sparrow, GRP.
.
White-throated Sparrow, GRP, (Donna).
.
Magnolia Warbler, GRP.
.
Prothonotary Warbler, GRP, (Donna).
.
Scarlet Tanager, DP.
Take 2, DP.
.
Yellow-rumped Warbler, GRP.
.
The Great-crested Flycatcher nest in the park, GRP.
Northern- Flickers also nest in the park, GRP.
.
Tufted Titmouse are a year round resident, GRP, (Donna).
,
As are Downy Woodpeckers, GRP, (Donna)
.
House Wren, GRP, (Donna).
.
Catbirds are also a summer long resident, GRP.
.
Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, DP, (Donna).
Female, GRP, (Donna).
.
Mallard family, GRP, (Donna).
.
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
.
Thanks for stopping by.
The Orioles Fledge
Posted on June 30, 2019
It seems like just a few days ago that the Baltimore Orioles arrived in central Ohio. But in the bird world things happen fast and now their young are ready to fledge. Spring offers up a bounty of insects and berries so whether it’s a warbler or an oriole it’s no accident that it’s a popular time to raise young. Chickadees have also fledged and we were fortunate to be able to observe the young begging for the next morsel the parents offered up.Â
.
Mature Baltimore Oriole at the nest in Griggs Reservoir Park.
Someone wants breakfast.
Breakfast is served.
Food keeps coming whether in the nest or out, (Donna).
Not long before the first flight.
. Â . Â . Â and finally away from the nest.
.
Two young Carolina Chickadees beg for a meal, Griggs Reservoir Park.
They’re not much smaller than the adults.
And just as cute!
.
Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were also observed busily flying about perhaps also collecting food for their young.
Blue Gray Gnatcatcher in Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
.
Some mothers seem to have a little more than they can deal with.
Female Mallard with young in Griggs Reservoir.
But that doesn’t seem to bother the males.
.
While looking for fledglings we were charmed by the presence of other birds in Griggs reservoir Park.
A Catbird sings.
With the presence of berry rich trees Cedar Waxwings were everywhere.
My wife spotted this Hairy Woodpecker, a bird not often seen in the park, (Donna).
A Spotted Sandpiper forages on a log in the rain swollen reservoir.
This Great Crested Flycatcher has a nest somewhere nearby.
It won’t be long before we see this Kingbird with young.
Redwing Blackbird nests are always hard to find but this female is happy to pose for a picture, (Donna).
.
Even with the departure of most warblers a couple of weeks ago, there was still plenty of bird activity to observe in the park.
.
Hay, what about me!
.
Thanks for stopping by.
***
A Wet Stay At Little Manatee River SP
Posted on March 27, 2019
This year we cut our stay short at Myakka River SP so we could check out Little Manatee River SP a new park for us. It looked good on paper with a number of hiking trails, the Little Manatee River, and it was close to points of interest along the gulf coast near Tampa. Â
Dude Lake, Little Manatee River SP.
.
The park was a bit of a disappointment for us largely due to the fact that many of the hiking trails were flooded and even our campsite was also flooded for several days the result of heavy rain just after our arrival. The river through the park was pretty but we didn’t bother paddling it as it’s often narrow width and rain induced high flow would have made nature photography difficult if not impossible. Many of the hiking trails are also designated as equestrian with fairly heavy use and as a result were pretty torn up and muddy in spots. Despite the challenges we did find trails to explore and things to see even if we did arrive back at camp with wet hiking boots.
Zebra Heliconian, (Donna).
Moonflower, probably an escapee.
Catbird, (Donna).
Spider Lily
A fascinating fungi find, (Donna).
Beggar’s Needle.
Roseate Skimmer, (Donna).
Pond shore.
Pink Wood Sorrel, (Donna)
The Little Manatee River.
Pileated Woodpecker
Lipstick Lichen, (Donna).
Looking more like a stream than a hiking trail, this was one we decided not to take.
Small thistle like flower, unidentified.
One of the wider stretches on the Little Manatee River.
A fast flying Zebra Swallowtail takes a break, (Donna).
A small quiet pond by day but one wonders what creatures come out after dark.
Mockingbird.
Reindeer Lichen.
Armadillos are common throughout Florida. This one, sensing a potential treat, stands on it’s hind legs, (Donna).
Leavenworth’s Tickseed.
Flowering blackberry.
This fungi looked good enough to eat, (Donna).
The Little Manatee River is narrow in spots.
.
A nice break not far for Little Manatee River SP was Fort Desoto Park. If you enjoy walking the beach, collecting shells, or observing birds it’s a great place to spend a few hours.
During the week in late January the beach was pretty quiet.
. . . with a few exceptions.
Willet
Least Terns and gulls entertained us.
With the exception of one rebel Sanderlings practice balancing on one leg.
Wilson’s Plover
Dunlins
This Dunlin seemed to prefer hopping around on one leg. Others exhibited the same behavior.
Beauty in motion, Dunlins in flight.
.
For us the big attraction were we to return to this park would be it’s close proximity to the ocean. Other parks in this part of Florida offer more hiking and more biodiversity within the park itself. Thanks for stopping by.
A 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.
.
***
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.
.
***
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.
.
Lodge Lake.
.
***
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.
.
***
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.
.
***
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.
.
The Rifle River just downstream of Grousehaven Lake.
.
***
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).
***
The Rifle River near the park’s southern boundary.
.
***
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).
.
***
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.
.
Early morning on Grebe Lake.
.
***
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).
.
***
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.
.
Thanks for stopping by.
Central Ohio Nature 