Central Ohio NatureA Journey Through Spring
Posted on May 26, 2019
It feels like we’ve been dodging raindrops at lot lately. However, the wetter than average spring, perhaps the new normal, has been great for the area wildflowers. We’ve continued to explore Griggs Reservoir Park near our home but have also made several trips to Glen Echo Park, Kiwanis Riverway Park, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve, and have traveled west to Cedar Bog as well as north to Magee Marsh, to name some of the other places explored. With a partial record in pictures of things seen, this is a celebration of all that this fleeting season has given us. Of particular note are the Yellow-billed Cuckoos that decided to make Griggs Reservoir Park their home for a few days recently. We also saw Scarlet Tanagers in the park after seeing few to none last year. What a treat!
(Should you desire, click on the image for a better view.)
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Birds:
Yellow-billed Cuckoos are one of the more entertaining birds to watch as they forage for food, Griggs Reservoir Park. They’re not a bird we see that often much less have an opportunity to photograph, (Donna).
A shot showing the distinctive markings of the underside of the tail.
This Tree Swallow was perched not far from it’s nesting cavity, Griggs Reservoir Park.
There are always a few Bluebirds to see at Griggs Reservoir Park undoubtedly due to numerous trees that provide nesting cavities.
Catching this female Wood Duck out of the very corner of my spectacled eye as it flew into a nearby tree I at first thought it was a Morning Dove.
On a sunny cool spring morning this male Mallard Duck just wanted to catch some rays.
Every year we look forward to the arrival of the Baltimore Orioles at Griggs Reservoir Park. This year was no exception.
They are another very entertaining bird to watch.
As if all the migrating warblers at Magee Marsh weren’t enough we see this guy, Great Horned Owl owlet.
A male Red-winged Blackbird in all it’s splendor. A common resident at Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Cedar Waxwings in love, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Being an acrobat.
Great Crested Flycatchers are heard more often than seen, Griggs Reservoir Park.
A Kingbird ready to take flight, Griggs Reservoir Park.
An curious young male Cardinal, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Just finishing up a snack of “warbler”, this Red-tailed Hawk stares us down, Griggs Reservoir Park.
An Eastern Wood-Pewee is caught in a cute pose at Bigelow Pioneer Cemetery, (Donna).
Oblivious to our presence, a Prothonotary warbler collects nesting material, Magee Marsh.
Scarlet Tanager, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Scarlet Tanager at Magee Marsh.
A Warbling Vireo seems to stare us down, Magee Marsh.
Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magee Marsh.
Blackburnian Warbler, Glen Echo Park. This small park centered around a stream and ravine is a hotspot for observing spring migrants.
Wood Thrush. Glen Echo Park.
Red-eyed Vireo, Glen Echo Park.
A male American Redstart plays hide and seek, Glenn Echo Park.
Magnolia Warbler, Magee Marsh.
“I’m eating a bug, do you mind!” Carolina Wren, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Red-headed Woodpecker, the first ever sighting at O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve.
Nest building, Blue Gray Gnatcatcher, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve
Summer Tanager, Glen Echo Park.
Eastern Phoebe, Greenlawn Cemetery.
A busy Song Sparrow, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
A Yellow-throated Warbler looks down from above, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Yellow-throated Vireo, Glen Echo Park, (Donna).
Couldn’t resist another view of this lovely bird.
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Other things:
How many turtles are on this log? Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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Wildflowers:
Purple Rocket turns white with age, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Cabbage White on Dame’s Rocket, Griggs Reservoir Park.
These Toadshade Trilliums from a few weeks ago were some of the last seen, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Pawpaw blossoms, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Hoverfly on Spring beauty from a few weeks back.
Solomon’s Seal, Glenn Echo Park.
May Apple blossom from a few weeks ago, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve.
Jacobs Ladder, Amberleigh Park.
Fleabane, Cedar Bog.
We were surprised to see this Morrel mushroom emerging through the mowed grass at Griggs Reservoir Park.
Wild Rose, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Blue Flag Iris, Cedar Bog.
Wild Geranium, Glenn Echo Park.
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We hope you enjoyed this journey through spring into what now feels like early summer. We sadly leave the spring migrants behind for this year but experience tells us that there is always something new to see when exploring nature.
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Future seasons become easier to count and the present one more precious with the passing of time, but in that scarceness we become richer with the sense of their magic.
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Thanks for stopping by.
Eastern Wood-Pewee, Cedar Bog.
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.
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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.
We didn’t see them all, but . . .
Posted on May 25, 2018
this spring the warbler migrants have been as enchanting as ever. While the mix of birds that pass through our area is undoubtedly fairly consistent from year to year what we end up seeing isn’t. There is always a little frustration when a favorite bird doesn’t present itself in our local park especially when they were almost impossible to miss the year before. With many birds having come and gone, and others now much harder to see and photograph due to the increased leaf cover, we thought it would be a good time to showcase some that were seen.
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One doesn’t always have to travel far. One morning, after hearing it’s call, we found a Chestnut-sided Warbler in our front yard.
Chestnut-sided warbler on it’s way north.
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At our local park, sometimes not more than a few yards from each other, my wife might see a bird that I would miss completely. A persistent call helps, but unless one detects movement the often brightly marked birds can be hard to spot.
Black & White warbler, Griggs Reservoir Park.
With a small insect.
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Blackpoll warbler, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
2. (Donna).
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Yellow warbler, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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Still further from home others were seen along Alum Creek Reservoir and the south shore of Lake Erie at Magee Marsh.
Yellow warbler, Magee Marsh.
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Blackburnian warbler, Magee Marsh, (Donna).
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Prothonotary warbler seen while canoeing the north end of Alum Creek Reservoir.
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Magnolia warbler, Magee Marsh.
2. (Donna).
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Northern Parula warbler, Magee Marsh.
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In our local park, in addition to the warblers other birds have been active and hard to ignore.
Red-eyed Vireo, Griggs Reservoir Park.
2. (Donna).
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Probably just passing through a Swainson’s thrush peeks out from behind a small branch, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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Blue-headed Vireo, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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Great Crested Flycatcher, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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A female Rose-breasted Grosbeak is seen at Griggs Reservoir Park and appears to be nesting in the area.
Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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Cedar Waxwing also nest in Griggs Reservoir Park . . .
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as does this male Red-winged Blackbird.
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Seen more often in the winter this Hooded Merganser enjoys the morning sun along the Scioto River just below the Griggs Reservoir Dam . . .
then commences to tidy up.
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Wildflowers also continue to enchant and never fail to provide strong competition for our attention.
Wild Columbine along the rock faced shore of Griggs Reservoir.
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While we will continue to see warblers for the next week or so it’s always a bit of a let down when one senses that spring migration is coming to an end. True, one can travel north and see birds but as nesting activities begin in earnest things become quieter and the birds more secretive.
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But for this year in this writers eyes the gift has been given. It is the realization once again that we are part of a sacred world of diversity and wonder and no more noble, important, or worthy than the warblers that are also part of earth’s fabric of life and grace our lives each spring as they make they way north to continue the cycle.
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Thanks for stopping by.
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Spring along the Scioto River.
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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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.
Thieves In The Leaves
Posted on May 30, 2017
The drama shown below played out a few days ago in Griggs Reservoir Park.
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Eastern Wood Pewee
Working on it’s nest.
The work continues.
Then an uninvited visitor arrives. The pewee dive booms the invader in an futile effort to chase it away. The masked robber is helping itself to the material in the pewee nest.
The invader flies off and the pewee returns and tries to repair the damage.
With the waxwing set to return it appears to be a hopeless task.
The Cedar Waxwing returns.
It continues to disassemble the pewee nest.
The finishing touches.
There’s not much left.
The recipient of the stolen nesting material is only about 25 feet away.
Cedar Waxwings don’t appear to be real fussy about where they get nesting material or what type of nesting material (monofilament fishing line) it is.
The masked bandit.
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It wasn’t clear if the waxwing behavior was motivated by the existence of a readily available source of nesting material or if the pewee nest was just too close. Whatever the motivation nature’s drama is sometimes hard to watch. 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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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.
August Nature on Central Ohio’s Reservoirs
Posted on August 10, 2016
Recently we paddled the north end of Alum Creek Reservoir not far from our home in Columbus and then a couple of days later ventured about sixty miles due south to paddle Paint Creek. Given that it’s mid-summer we weren’t real optimistic about what we’d see. That said, one thing we observed which seemed rather counterintuitive given the summer’s midday heat was that the birds were much more active and approachable midday. This is something we’ve become accustomed to when looking for butterflies, dragon and damselflies, but necessary for other creatures. Of course, it is the insect time of year so we were not surprised to see plenty of them but in addition we were fortunate to see birds including immature Kingbirds, Cedar Waxwings, Baltimore Orioles, and hawks.
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For those interested in Ospreys, paddling the north end of Alum Creek Reservoir can be very rewarding this time of year. Ospreys and their recently fledged offspring seem to be everywhere. During our paddle we also had two Bald Eagle siting’s, however, they didn’t hang around for a photograph. Many Green Herons were also seen as we explored the shoreline and numerous coves. With lake levels slightly low exposing shoreline rocks numerous solitary and spotted sandpipers were also seen.
Osprey, north end of Alum creek reservoir, FZ200
Closer look, FZ200
Adult Osprey, FZ200
Taking flight, Donna, FZ200
Flag-tailed Spinyleg, Alum Creek, Donna, FZ200
Paddling up Alum Creek, FZ200
Long-jawed Orbweaver, Alum Creek, Donna, FZ200
One of many Green Herons, this one was strutting it’s stuff, Alum creek, Donna, FZ200
Fall Phlox, Alum Creek, Donna, FZ200
Amberwing, Alum creek, Donna, FZ200
Very young Map turtle, alum Creek, Donna, FZ200
Solitary Sandpiper, Alum Creek, Donna, FZ200
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The paddle up Paint Creek is stunning, it’s hard the believe you’re in Ohio. As the day progressed it seemed easier to get close enough to Kingfishers so that the resulting photograph didn’t leave you wondering what kind of bird it was.
Paint Creek, Donna, FZ200
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, dark morph, Paint Creek, Canon 3ti 18-135mm lens.
Spotted Sandpiper, Paint Creek, Canon 60D with Sigma 150-500mm.
Butterflies on scat, Paint Creek, Donna, FZ200
Double-crested Cormorant looking rather mysterious, Paint Creek, Canon 60D with Sigma 150-500mm.
Eastern Amberwing (F), Donna, FZ200
Male Kingfisher, Paint Creek, Canon 60D with Sigma 150-500mm.
Female Kingfisher, Paint Creek, Canon 60D with Sigma 150-500mm.
Bob’s big fish (White Bass), Paint Creek, Donna, FZ200.
Spicebush Swallowtail, Paint Creek, Donna, FZ200.
Green Heron tidying up, Paint Creek, Canon 60D with Sigma 150-500mm.
Mushrooms on a log, Paint Creek, Donna, FZ200.
Common Arrowhead, Paint Creek, Donna, FZ200.
One member of Donna’s Hackberry Circus, Paint Creek, Canon 60D with Sigma 150-500mm.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtails puddling, Paint Creek, Donna, FZ200.
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After spending time exploring Alum Creek Reservoir and Paint creek we returned to our own “backyard”, Griggs Reservoir and the Scioto River, where we also found things to fascinate.
Summer along the Scioto below Griggs Dam, FZ200.
Sunflower, Griggs Park, FZ200.
Immature Red-bellied Woodpecker, Griggs Park, FZ200.
Meadow Fritillary, Griggs Park, Donna, FZ200.
Immature Cedar Waxwing, Griggs Park, FZ200.
Another look.
Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Griggs Park, Donna, FZ200.
Halberd-leaved Rose-mallow, Griggs Park, Donna, FZ200.
The Scioto River below Griggs Dam, another view, FZ200.
One of the very few Buckeyes seen so far this summer, Griggs Park, FZ200.
Carolina Wren, Griggs Park, FZ200.
Black-crowned Night Heron, very early morning, Griggs Reservoir, ZS50.
Pearl Crescent, Griggs Park, Donna, FZ200.
Robber fly, Griggs Park, Donna, FZ200.
Monarch, Griggs Park, FZ200.
Zebulon Skipper, Griggs Park, Donna, FZ200.
One of many Hackberries seen, Griggs Park, Donna, FZ200.
Horace’s Duskywing, Griggs Park, Donna, FZ200.
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Often we find ourselves walking along residential streets on the return leg of an urban hike to Griggs Park. We usually don’t expect to discover anything special but you never know what you’re going to see.
Immature Red-tailed Hawk just outside our kitchen window, FZ200.
Immature Cooper’s Hawk, residential street near our home, FZ200.
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We hope you’ve been able to get out and explore and appreciate nature this summer. Thanks for stopping by.
