Central Ohio NatureEnchanted November Woods
Posted on November 22, 2018
A half an hour before, we were standing in a cold wind just below a dam that has created one of central Ohio’s larger reservoirs trying our best to spot, and perhaps photograph, the Black-legged Kittiwake that was reported in the area. A unique opportunity because it’s a gull not usually seen in these parts. We finally did get a very average binocular view of the bird, another one for my “life list”, but in the process managed to journey pretty far down the road to hypothermia. Now we were looking forward to a hike in the woods with the thought that it wouldn’t be windy and the modest exertion might be enough to warm us up.
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Char-Mar Ridge Park, is not far from the dam so it seemed like a good choice. The park is home to numerous species of large trees as well as a pond that usually contains waterfowl. A plus is that next to the pond is a nicely situated observation blind for undetected viewing. This time of the year finds most leaves, a significant portion of which are oak, on the forest floor as the bare branched sentinels, once their home, tower overhead. The lack of leaves on branches promotes a rather barren landscape but made it easy to spot a Pileated woodpecker just minutes into our walk. It insisted on maintaining its position between us and the sun foiling efforts to obtain a really good photo.
Pileated Woodpecker, all photos may be clicked on for a better view.
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Once in the park it was hard not to notice the uniform blanket of leaves. They accentuated the park’s large rocks and fallen trees giving the sense that one was walking through a sculptor garden.
Oak leaves on log.
Large glacial erratic.
Recent rains darkened fallen trees, further contrasting them with the leaves.
Fallen leaves and branches.
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While I was amusing myself with stumps and fallen trees my wife was doing her best to locate fascinating fungi.
A study of leaves, tree bark, and fungi.
Resinous Polypore, (Donna).
A type of spreading fungi, (Donna).
Lichen and jelly fungi, (Donna).
Common Split Gill just starting out, (Donna).
Colorful Turkeytail.
Perhaps young Cinnabar-red Polypore.
Another look, (Donna).
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It was just a short distance to the blind overlooking the pond and despite the fact that the resident Red Headed Woodpecker was not seen the time spent there did not disappoint. A neighborhood of usual suspects was more than happy to entertain us.
White Breasted Nuthatch, (Donna).
Another look.
Male Cardinal.
White-throated sparrow, (Donna).
Another look.
Tufted Titmouse, (Donna).
What are you looking at?
Downy Woodpecker
Take 2.
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There was also activity on the pond.
Male Hooded Merganser.
Male and female Gadwalls
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It is hard not to be enchanted when one finds color suspended in an otherwise drab gray landscape. Most leaves were down but those on the smaller beech trees hang on and even though their color is no match for the brilliant reds of a maple they did their best to supply color.
Color suspended among slender trees.
A closer look.
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Recent rains meant that some areas still contained “ponds” of standing water on and along the path creating a challenge for dry feet but also provided a unique “looking-glass” into the late autumn woods.
November reflection.
November reflection, black and white.
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November reflection 2.
November reflection 2, black and white .
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In the cold November woods there always is more going on than we know. We move too fast and miss much, wishing for warmer days.
Char-Mar Ridge Park.
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Thanks for stopping by.
Cold Weather Brings Nature Our Way
Posted on January 8, 2018
Every two or three years a period of unusually cold winter weather results in the land and water north as well as in central Ohio being covered with snow and ice for a prolonged period of time.ย When this happens waterfowl and other birds that may not be able to make a living further north are forced to seek suitable habitats in our area. The result is the opportunity to see birds in locations where it would be extremely unlikely other times of the year. A gift to nature lovers courtesy of cold arctic weather.
Ice creeps out into the Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
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The negative to all of this is that windy 0 F to 15 F temperatures preclude the use of serious photographic equipment on long hikes. Briefly popping out of the car, if you are able to get close enough to your subject, is the only option. If one is set on doing a long hike, stuffing a smaller superzoom under your coat does work but fingers freeze almost immediately when you try to manipulate the camera.
Landscape transformed, Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
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A habitat that attracts birds almost at our doorstep is the open flowing water of ย the Scioto River below Griggs Reservoir Dam. In the past couple of weeks we’ve been fortunate to observe a variety of waterfowl at that location. Others birds, such as Trumpeter Swans, have been reported but we’ve yet to see them. Timing is everything as the birds move up and down the river corridor. More often than not there is a least one Bald eagle present as the number of ducks and geese make for easy pickings.
Ring-necked Ducks, Scioto River below Griggs Dam, (Donna).
A closer look.
Crowded conditions, Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
A Red-headed Duck tries to ignore a rambunctious Goldeneye, Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
Male Hooded Merganser on patrol, Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
This one found a crayfish. Did you know that 21 species of crayfish call Ohio home.
There were no shortage of Common Mergansers, Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
Male Common Merganser
A nice group of male Common Goldeneyes, Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
A little closer.
Three Goldeneyes pose, (Donna).
Canvasback a little too far away for a decent pic, Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
Mute Swan,ย Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
Cackling Geese, shot is courtesy of our follow birding friend Ed, Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
This buck seemed confused about the best place to relax. We thought it might be sick or injured but the next time we checked it was gone,ย Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
Red-headed Ducks, Scioto River below Griggs Dam, (Donna).
Amazingly, Great Blue Herons continue to make a living along the Scioto.
There is often at least one Bald Eagle observing the activity along the Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
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It’s also been a good year for Snowy Owls in Ohio with numerous birds being reported. The mechanism for that invasion, while perhaps partly due to the weather, also is the result of the past breeding season being a good one resulting in young owls looking for new hunting grounds further south as the increased population puts pressure on resources further north. Other birds such as Horned Larks and Lapland Longspurs, to a greater or lesser degree, find their way into Ohio from further north during most winters.
Along farm fields not far from our home a roadside spill of corn attracted Horned Larks, a real treat to see. “The barer the ground, the more Horned Larks like it. Look for them in open country with very short or no vegetation, including bare agricultural fields. They breed in short grassland, short-stature sage shrubland, desert, and even alpine and arctic tundra.” Ref: Cornell Lab.
Take 2.
At the same location, at first looking like some type of sparrow, was a Lapland Longspur, another first for us! They are a common songbird of the Arctic tundra, and winter in open fields across much of the US and southern Canada.
Take 2, (Donna).
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Other creatures have also been braving the cold.
Not far from the concentration of waterfowl on Scioto River this Fox Squirrel was trying to warm up in the 10F sunshine, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Nearby an immature Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was also spotted, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Take 2, (Donna).
Our friend Ed told us about two Eastern screech owls located not far from Griggs Reservoir Park and was kind enough to send some pics our way.
. . . and a red morph, Ed.
Ed and Bob, photo courtesy of Sheila.
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Returning home after a recent outing we were treated to some interesting bird activity right in our front yard.
Dark-eyed Junco. “Dark-eyed Juncos breed in forests across much of North America and at elevations ranging from sea level to more than 11,000 feet. They are often found in coniferous forests including pine, Douglas-fir, spruce, and fir, but also in deciduous forests such as aspen, cottonwood, oak, maple, and hickory. During winter and on migration they use a wider variety of habitats including open woodlands, fields, roadsides, parks, and gardens.” Ref: Cornell Lab.
Competing with a Gray squirrel for goodies.
The chickadees love the sweetgum tree.
And so do the goldfinches.
A female Downy Woodpecker also takes advantage of the front yard feeders.
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We feel very blessed to have so many fascinating creatures paying us a visit this winter. A very warm coat, that didn’t get worn once last winter, has come in very handy the last few days as we’ve been out and about. Today, as I finish writing this, the temperature is a balmy 35F. Time to get out and see what else we can find!
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Finally, one of the joys of being a lover of nature is meeting kindred spirits like Ed and Sheila when out in the field. Ed, thanks again for supplying the pics!
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Flowing water and extremely cold temperatures create ice pancakes along the Scioto.
Reluctant Treasures
Posted on November 20, 2017
We enjoy being outdoors no matter what the time of year. However, when it comes to providing a sense of wonder, unlikeย spring, summer and early autumn, late autumn and early winter give up their subtle treasures reluctantly. One must move slowly and look closely or much will be missed.
With the leaves now gone the convoluted bark of the Osage Orange is hard not to notice, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna).
Better in B&W?
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A cloudy cold early November morning gives way to the fleeting sun of an unexpectedly warm afternoon and as if by magic things appear not seen a few hours earlier.
A warm early November afternoon and the first sighting of a Variegated Fritillary for the year, (Donna).
A pond quiet in the cold morning air comes to life in the warm afternoon sun, Leopard Frog, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
An Autumn Meadowhawk enjoys the afternoon sun, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
A Striped Wolf Spider sunning itself along the trail just avoids being stepped on, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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A sheltered place, warmed by the sun, gives refuge to flowers that should be gone for the year. Fungi fruit in response to more generous rain defying the below freezing nights.
In the low late autumn sun Nodding Bur-Marigold defies the season, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Moss and lichen, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Fruiting lichen, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Unexpectedly colorful Changing Pholiota, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Tinged with green an unidentified shelf fungi, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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More isolated now, some color still remains.
Road through Griggs Reservoir Park.
Sweatgum leaves, (Donna).
Poison Ivy, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
The road along the reservoir evites us to walk further, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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Fewer leaves, and a forest canopy of bare branches, allow one to better see the birds that haven’t made their way south.
Against a deep blue November sky a sentinel stands along the Big Darby, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Better in B&W?
Song Sparrow, Battelle Darby Metro Park, (Donna).
American Goldfinch, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Great Blue Herons continue to make a living along the shore of Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
Downy Woodpecker (M), Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
We continue to see Bald Eagles along the Scioto River below Griggs Reservoir Dam.
Backing off a bit we noticed a Coopers Hawk watching from the distance.
A dark morph American Robin from further north? Griggs Reservoir Park.
Thankfully, with the migrating warblers pretty much gone, the Carolina Wrens continue to entertain along the Scioto River.
Immature Red-tailed Hawk, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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For the last few weeks almost every squirrel has had a nut in its mouth.
Gray Squirrel, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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It’s the time of year when short cloudy days, a landscapes of muted colors, and breezes often too cool to be comfortable tell us that things are going to be quieter for a while.
A shoreline reflection reveals November’s bare branches, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
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Thanks for stopping by.
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XXX
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Should you wish prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo. If you don’t find it on the link drop us a line.
Looking For The “White-throated Sparrow”
Posted on November 8, 2017
In the back of our mind during outings over the past week has been the thought that we might see the season’s first White-throated Sparrow. For us, along with the arrival of the Dark-eyed Junco, this small bird marks the passing of the season and the certain coming of winter. During breeding, they are found further north in either coniferous or deciduous forests up to tree line in the U.S. and across Canada. During migration and during the winter months central Ohio is just one location they call home.
Autumn reflection.
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Recently, walking along the Scioto River looking for White-throated Sparrows, and perhaps a stray kinglet or two, we stumbled across some slightly larger birds.
Bald Eagles along the Scioto River below Griggs Reservoir Dam are always a real treat to see.
Take 2.
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At river’s edge, almost right below the eagles, a young male White-tail deer relaxed. It was apparently not too concerned about the eagles.
White Tail Deer, (Donna).
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The next day, hoping for additional photos of the eagles that were now nowhere to be found, Golden-crowned Kinglets seemed to be everywhereย . ย . ย .
Golden-crowned Kinglet, along the Scioto River below the Griggs Reservoir Dam.
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. ย . ย .ย along with a few of their close associates with the exception of “the sparrow”.
Male Downy woodpecker, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Eastern Phoebe, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Male Bluebird, Griggs reservoir Park.
Yellow-rumped warblers continue to stick around enjoying the Poison Ivy Berries, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
“Must you take the picture when my mouths full and besides, I’m not a bird!” Red Squirrel, Griggs reservoir Park.
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A tree’s few remaining leaves seemingly slide a slippery slope to the ground.
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Wanting to check out a location not previously explored, we decided onย Shale Hollow Park, one of Delaware County’s preservation parks. Blustery cold conditions made birding less than optimal, so while birds eluded us we did find something quiet different and no less interesting,ย concretions. Probably some of the best examples we’ve seen in central Ohio. For us it was proof once again that one should always be open to the wonder of the day.
For those that are curious, “A concretion is a hard, compact mass of matter formed by the precipitation of mineral cement within the spaces between particles, and is found in sedimentary rock or soil. Concretions are often ovoid or spherical in shape. Concretions form within layers of sedimentary strata that have already been deposited. They usually form early in the burial history of the sediment, before the rest of the sediment is hardened into rock. This concretionary cement often makes the concretion harder and more resistant to weathering than the surrounding strata. Concretions have long been regarded as geological curiosities. Because of the variety of unusual shapes, sizes and compositions, concretions have in the past been interpreted to be dinosaur eggs,ย animal and plant fossils, extraterrestrial debris or human artifacts.” (Wikipedia)
Concretion, Shale Hallow Park, (Donna).
Two concretions that appear to have seen better days.
A concretion that may have been spherical at on time.
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In addition to concretions, with the coming ofย wetter weather, there have been other things to appreciate.
Disclaimer: Fungi identifications represent our best effort.
Turkey-tail on log, Shale Hollow Park, (Donna).
Rusty Polypore, (Donna).
Shaggy Mane, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Witches Butter with fruiting lichen, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Split-pore Polypore, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Emerging mushroom, Amanita muscaria var. guessowii, Shale Hollow Park.
Same as above but further along.
Pink polypore with lichen, (Donna).
Red leaf on Turkey Tail, Shale Hollow Park.
Radiating Phlebia on log, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Wood Ear, Griggs Reservoir Park
Another view.
On a fallen branch a, almost too small to see, mushroom pops up through some lichen, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Late autumn sentinels along Griggs Reservoir.
The beautiful patterns of newly emerged Dryad’s Saddle, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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It’s often when least expected, near the end of a long hike, almost back to the car and too tired to care, that what we seek appears. Such was the case with the White-throated Sparrow.
White-throated Sparrow, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Take 2.
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Some may wonder what the big deal is. Why is seeing a sparrow so meaningful? For many who spend time in nature the answer is simple; seeing a white-throated Sparrow brings expression to a sense of connectedness to a world much bigger than ourselves. We usually first hear and then see the sparrow and for the time it sees fit we are in its presence. It in turn acknowledges us in its own unique way. This small, seemingly fragile, creature has travelled perhaps a thousand miles and during this brief fleeting moment we are part of each other’s world. Next summer if we look, we will not find it. It will again be further north engaged in its own dance to the cycle of life. This wonder graces our lives with the appearance of the first spring wildflowers, the larger than life sound of spring peepers, the spring migration of the many too beautiful to imagine warblers, the sight and sound of a distant summer thunderstorm, the call of the loon on a northern lake, the color of leaves as a low autumn sun filters the branches, and the slow quiet descent ofย winter’s first snowflakes.
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Concretion, Shale Hollow 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.
Once In A Lifetime
Posted on October 30, 2017
A number of years ago, on a very still August day, we paddled the liquid glass of Clark Lake in the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area. Located in Michigan’s upper peninsula, the lake’s water is so clear that on a quiet day one has the sensation that the canoe is levitating. Far below, a fascinating variety of aquatic plants can be seen as fish swam lazily by. As we moved along the shore a Loon was spotted a little further offshore. It promptly dove and then winged it’s way right under the canoe. It’s beautiful markings and graceful motion so vividly seen it was as though it and we were suspended in air as it “flew” by. The experience was magical and I was left voicing the thought, “This will never happen to me again in my life!”
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Fast forward to a week ago. We had just gotten out of the car and were starting a walk along Griggs Reservoir when a commotion was noticed in the shoreline brush. What ever was causing the ruckus was small. A moment later one of the perpetrators stopped for a brief rest on a small branch not six feet away.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Take 2, (Donna).
The only thing I could think of to say was, “This will never happen to me again in my life!” However, unlike Clark Lake, it just might, as we spend a lot more time walking in the parks near our home than paddling crystal clear loon inhabited waters in northern Michigan. While Ruby-crowned Kinglets are not seen as often as their close cousins the Golden-crowned, they are still observed on occasion during migration. Nonetheless, I couldn’t deny the feeling.
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On that same day, as if not to be upstaged, a few Golden-crowned Kinglets made an appearance.
Golden-crowned Kinglet, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Showing it’s crown, just.
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A few days later, and just a little further from home, we found ourselves in Highbanks Metro Park looking for birds or whatever else we could find.
Along a trail in Highbanks Metro Park.
Looking a little more like autumn, Highbanks Metro Park.
Leaves collect in a small creek, Highbanks Metro Park.
Sycamore reflections, Olentangy River, Highbanks Metro Park, (Donna).
Autumn color peers through the trees, Highbanks Metro Park.
The roots of an upended tree add design to fall color, Highbanks Metro Park.
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As I pursued that elusive “perfect” landscape, Donna, responding to sounds heard in the brush, came upon a very vocal but also cooperative, Tufted Titmouse.
Tufted Titmouse, Highbanks Metro Park, (Donna)
Take 2, (Donna).
Take 3, (Donna).
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While looking for birds and landscapes it was hard not to take a closer look and appreciate the appearance ofย various plants as they reflected the season.
Fungi surrounded by leaves of red, green, and yellow, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Goldenrod gone to seed, Highbanks Metro Park.
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Wandering through autumn we continue to be treated to other bird sightings including Yellow-rumped Warblers, one of the last warbler migrants to make it’s way through central Ohio.
Male Downy Woodpecker, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Song Sparrow, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Bluebird, Griggs Reservoir Park. This time of year they always seem more numerous.
Carolina Wren, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Along with enjoying Poison Ivy berries, theย Yellow-rumped Warbler also hunts for insects in the crevasses of tree bark, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Another view.
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Finally, stepping away from the birds and taking a slightly bigger view of things, below are a few landscapes taken along the Scioto River in recent days in what may be one of the last photographic celebrations of the season.
Path, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Fallen Sycamore along the Scioto.
Sycamore color along the Scioto.
Light rain highlights sycamore leaves against shoreline rocks, Scioto River.
Orange and green along the Scioto River.
Scioto River reflection.
Shoreline rocks along the Scioto River.
Autumn quiet along the Scioto River.
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It’s hard not to be a little contemplative this time of year. It’s undoubtedly brought on in part by shorter days, cooler weather, and the sense that another year is passing. With the sun rising later and the setting earlier there is more time to think. But perhaps it’s more than that. Perhaps it’s an awareness of the beauty in the cycle of which I am a part. Autumn, the exclamation point to all that comes before and which will return again in spring. The season that without the coming of winter, would teach us little.
Waiting till next year, 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.
Cause and Effect
Posted on October 16, 2017
Recently, after several weeks of very dry weather, the rain came. One day it amounted to almost three inches. Once clear and lazy, area rivers are now swollen and turbid and flow with more purpose as though their water has somewhere to go. The precipitation came too late to have a major effect on the season’s color but the orange, yellow, and brown of oaks and hickories is now more saturated. The moist earth returns it’s recent gift to the humid early morning air, as suspended leaves, some no longer green, appear to almost come back to life.
Griggs Reservoir
The crotch of a tree provides a resting place,ย Emily Traphagen Park.
Stump,ย 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 leafย from some unknown high branch in a nearby tree,ย 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,ย 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,ย Emily Traphagen Park.
Non-inky Coprinus, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Turkey Tail, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Some type of polypore, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Artist’s Bracket, Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna).
Crust fungi, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park,, (Donna).
Common Spilt Gill, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
A jelly fungus on the left and Witches’ Butter, Griggs reservoir Park, (Donna).
Wood Ear, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
An emergent polypore, Griggs reservoir Park, (Donna).
Angel’s Wings, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Wolf’s Milk Slime, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Emerging Dryad’s Saddle, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
A very rare sight near our home, Crown-tipped Coral, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Moss on what appears to be False Turkey-tail causes one to wonder just how long it’s been there. Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna).
Luminescent Panellus, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
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Early morning fog, also the result of the recent rain, greeted us during a walk at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park creating splendor in a spider’s web.
Banded Garden Spider, Battelle Darby Metro Park.
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Still standing, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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Later, as we continued our walk, we noticed a few moths that apparently had gathered on the light gray wood siding of a park building during the night.
Large Maple Span Worm Moth, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Dot-lined White Moth, Battelle Darby Metro Park.
White-marked Tussock Moth, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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As we continued on a number of Eastern Commas where seen, usually right on the trail.
Eastern Comma, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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Along the trail, Battelle Darby creek Metro Park.
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When the rain came, after such a long period of dryness, I stepped out onto our porch, took a deep breath, watched, and listened. The rain fell softly at first, with the sound of a mouse playing as it touched the dry places. After a while, standing there, the rain leaving fleeting patterns in driveway puddles, it’s fragrance in the wet grass, soil, and filling the air, I was taken to a different place and embraced by a feeling of newness and rebirth.
Glacial Erratic, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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Thanks for stopping by.
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XXX
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Should you wish prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo. If you don’t find it on the link drop us a line.
A Journey Into Autumn
Posted on October 2, 2017
I have to admit that autumn sometimes leaves me feeling a little beside myself. It’s truer this year because the weather has been beautiful, it’s been great to be outdoors as the landscape transforms, but the very dry conditions have made it a real challenge to capture beautiful images. Past experience tells me that trying too hard usually leads to failure. The picture needs to come to you. So looking for autumn landscapes I must often resign myself to photographing details to capture the color. Even so the dryness has resulted in colors that often seem muted which goes along with the dry crunch of leaves under foot as one explores a favorite path. So the day after day low autumn sun and the resulting bluer than blue skies continue to delight while causing one to wonder where the rivers are finding the water to keep flowing. Every autumn is comes and goes in it’s own way.
Leaves along the Big Darby, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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Thankfully, as I look for that “autumn landscape”, my wife’s passion for butterflies and other things closer to the lens continues unabated as she contributes by capturing whimsical patterns in leaves . ย . ย .
America Basswood seeds, Griggs reservoir Park, (Donna).
Wingstem Seeds, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Milkweed goes to seed, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Leaves, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Patterns, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Reflections, Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
Virginia Creeper, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Grass, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Prairie Grass, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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. ย . ย . and the flurry of autumn insect activity.
Eastern Comma, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Pearl Crescent, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Buckeye, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Eastern-tailed Blue, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Familiar Bluet, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Yellow Jacket, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Red-spotted Purple, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Virginia Ctenucha, backyard garden, (Donna).
We rescued this Wooly Bear Caterpillar (Isabella Tiger Moth) from the bike path and then spent some time observing its behavior. It’s deliberate movement would seem to indicate it was heading for a safe place to spend the winter. Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Monarch, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Meadow Fritillary, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Painted Lady, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Another view, (Donna).
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Over two weeks without appreciable rain, a blue sky, rocky shore, and clear water, Griggs Reservoir.
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An interesting inhabitant in the Scioto River below Griggs Dam this summer has been a solitary Hooded Merganser. It appears to have become part of an extended mallard family. While undoubtedly not that uncommon, it’s the first time we recall witnessing such behavior.
Hooded Merganser, Scioto River below Griggs Dam, (Donna).
Another view.
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We continue to see the other usual suspects, some with autumn color to give a sense of place.
White Breasted Nuthatch, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Immature Double-crested Cormorant, Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
Male Downy Woodpecker, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Immature Cardinal, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Great Blue Heron, Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
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Asters along the Big Darby, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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While the autumn leaves may not be living up to expectation, fall wildflowers are doing their best to pick up the slack.
Asters, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Lit from behind, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Purple Asters
Phlox, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Asters look toward the sun, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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The dryness has made hunting for fungi more hunting than finding but we did come upon one extraordinary specimen that was more than 12 inches across.
A very large unidentified fungi, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Another look.
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Sunny weather is forecast for the next few days. With cool mornings and warm afternoons it continues to be a great time to be outdoors. If that perfect autumn landscape continues to elude it may be time to pick up the fly rod and head out in pursuit of a Small Mouth Bass. Though decisions!
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Big Darby Creek at sunrise, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
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Hopefully the area where you live has been blessed with late summer and early autumn rains that will result in beautiful fall colors and an autumn to remember. Thanks for stopping by.
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XXX
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