Posted on January 2, 2019
As undoubtedly mentioned before, one of the rewarding aspects of visiting a park on a regular basis is that one can observe nature’s subtle changes as well as the coming and going of various critters that visit the park throughout the year. Many these forays are part of longer urban hikes and are accompanied by fairly low expectations so our gear often consists of an easily packable super-zoom and a small pair of binoculars. With such equipment we are limited in the types of photographs we can obtain but we do have a camera with us.
.
Recently we’ve been encouraged with the prospect of seeing the unexpected when Eastern Bluebirds made a Christmas day visit to our front yard suet feeder. We had never seen them in our yard before.
.
Yesterday, there were no Bluebirds at the suet feeder so before our new years day tradition of pork, mashed potatoes and sauerkraut we decided to take a walk in Griggs Reservoir Park. It was a cloudy gray-brown day and certainly not one that would beckon a landscape photographer so we walked with the hope of observing a bird or some other small manifestation of nature. I mostly occupied myself with the never-ending task of picking up trash. It’s an activity I always find strangely rewarding especially if the ‘birds’ aren’t cooperating.
.
We were almost back to the car after our three-mile saunter when I noticed a small hawk preening itself at the top of a large Sycamore tree. A quick look through the binoculars did not provide an obvious identity so I pulled out my camera and started taking “data acquisition” shots.
Critical tail feather ID shot. The bird was to far away for a good photograph. All shots are heavily cropped, Panasonic FZ300.
It was a Merlin, and even though there had been reports of them at other central Ohio locations it was a bird we had never seen in the park before. How exciting! A dull gray day made magical. The sighting was all the more special because the last time we had seen one was some years ago while hiking the Centennial Ridges Trail in Algonquin Provincial Park. While looking through the binoculars at a dragonfly flying high over head a black streak went through the field of view and the dragonfly disappeared. Looking up a small bird was seen flying towards a tiny island in the center of the lake where it joined others on a perch high over the water.
.
As a bit of a postscript, Bald Eagles nest about two miles from our house making it not highly unusual to see them along the reservoir, so as if the reinforce the magic of the place that’s exactly what happened a few days back while on an urban fitness walk.
Bald Eagle over Griggs Reservoir, again the bird was too far away for a good photograph. image heavily cropped, Panasonic FZ150.
.
These recent holiday sightings have blessed us with a sense of expectation and wonder for the new year. Our wish is that you to will be blessed in the new year.
.
Thanks for stopping by.
Posted on April 15, 2018
In central Ohio early April usually brings the seasons first migrating birds but before they really start moving through the area we like to spend time enjoying spring wildflowers. Unlike many of the birds, their world is located on the forest floor and exists before the overhead canopy all to quickly leafs out and cuts off their sunlight. It is a magical time as splashes of color find expression amid the dullness of last years leaf litter.
In what almost seems to be an act of defiance, a solitary Bloodroot blooms surrounded by the slowly decaying leaves, Duranceaux Park.
Cold weather has allowed this Snow Trillium to stay around longer than one usually expects, Duranceaux Park.
.
A few days of warm weather, after a week or two of colder than normal spring temperatures, and things really started to open up.
.
Often, as we looked for wildflowers, there was activity overhead. A quick glance up indicated that many of the birds were kinglets and they seemed to be everywhere. Armed with that awareness, we dusted off the “bird cameras” and for the next few days made kinglets our primary objective. Often when one decides to look for a specific bird efforts are frustrated, but in this case the kinglets cooperated. “Cooperated” should be qualified by saying that they only do as much as such a hyper active bird can. As many birders know all to well, they’re a challenge to follow with binoculars much less a telephoto equipped camera.
.
Not seen as often, we had less luck with the Ruby-crowned Kinglets. For the most part they stayed in the low thickets and brush and moved constantly, with fleeting views often partially obscured by small branches.
.
Where there are kinglets there are often . . .
.
While the activity continued below, high overhead a Red-tailed Hawk surveyed it’s realm.
.
On one outing a group of Black Vultures was seen perched in a Sycamore along the shore of the reservoir. Not a real common sight in central Ohio. Closer examination of the nearby area revealed the partially devoured carcass of a deer.
.
We don’t want to forget some of the other birds seen as we looked for kinglets.
Yellow-rumped Warblers are often taken for granted as they are one of the most numerous of their kind but the beauty of this male is undeniable, Greenlawn Cemetery,
Momentarily fooling us into thinking it was a Goldfinch, this Pine Warbler was seen at Greenlawn Cemetery.
Later in the year as low lying bushes leaf out the Eastern Towhee, a large colorful sparrow, will be much harder to see, Greenlawn Cemetery.
With fast departing remnants of a spring snow an American Goldfinch warms itself in the morning sun, Griggs Reservoir Park. surrounded by
Always a thrill to see, we were entertained by this acrobatic Black and White Warbler, Greenlawn Cemetery, (Donna).
If I were a first time visitor to Ohio from Europe, I would be enchanted by this American Cardinal, Griggs Reservoir Park.
On a cold spring morning we wonder what this Eastern Phoebe finds to eat, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
This Wood Duck pair landed in “the pit” at Greenlawn Cemetery but left just as quickly when they realized they were being watched by a rather large group of birders, (Donna).
.
As the ephemeral days of spring pass there will be other wildflowers and winged migrants to enchant, but for a brief moment in time, while on their yearly journey north, kinglets became the seasons exclamation point.
.
Thanks for stopping by.
Category: birding in central ohio, Central Ohio Nature, Central Ohio Parks, Greenlawn Cemetary, Griggs Reservoir Park, Highbanks Metro Park, Nature Photography, Wildflowers Tagged: American Goldfinch, Black and White Warbler, Bloodroot, Canon 80D Sigma 150-600mm lens, Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, Common Speedwell, Cutleaf Toothwort, Dutchman's Breeches, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Towhee, False Rue Anemone, Golden-crowned Kinglet, House Finch, Panasonic FZ200, Panasonic Lumix G7 100-400mm, Red-tailed Hawk, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Rue Anemone, Snow Trillium, Song Sparrow, Spring Beauty, Toadshade Trillium, Virginia Waterleaf, White-breasted Nuthatch, Wood Duck, Yellow Trout Lily, Yellow-rumped Warbler
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!”
.
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.
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.
.
On that same day, as if not to be upstaged, a few Golden-crowned Kinglets made an appearance.
.
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.
.
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.
.
While looking for birds and landscapes it was hard not to take a closer look and appreciate the appearance of various plants as they reflected the season.
.
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.
Along with enjoying Poison Ivy berries, the Yellow-rumped Warbler also hunts for insects in the crevasses of tree bark, Griggs Reservoir Park.
.
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.
.
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.
.
Thanks for stopping by.
.
XXX
.
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.
Category: autumn color, birding in central ohio, Central Ohio Nature, Central Ohio Parks, Griggs Reservoir, Griggs Reservoir Park, Highbanks Metro Park, hiking in central ohio, Nature Photography, Ohio Nature, photography, Scioto River Tagged: Canon 60D with Sigma 18-300mm, Carolina Wren, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Panasonic FZ200, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Song Sparrow, Sony A7 28mm Canon FD, Tufted Titmouse, Yellow-rumped Warbler
Posted on April 12, 2017
It started with report of sightings at other nearby locations so we thought we’d check out Griggs Park to see if we could spot any Yellow-throated Warblers. Sure enough there they were high in the tops of various Sycamore trees too far away for a photograph but visible through our binoculars.
.
We waited for a while hoping one would descend from the treetops but no luck so we decided to see what wildflowers were in bloom in the wooded area below the dam as well as other areas in the park.
.
While the Yellow-throated warblers eluded the camera’s lens other birds were more cooperative. Song sparrows, never far away, entertaining us with a spring rendition of their beautiful song. Chickadees in the middle of nesting activities expressed their disapproval when we got too close. Nuthatches chased each other about. In small shoreline trees and bushes Golden-crowned Kinglets busily looked for insects among the small branches. Meanwhile a pair of blue jays were just starting work on their new nest. The bluebirds seemed content to watch the activity unfold while enjoying the warmth of the spring sun. Further down the trail a robin looked on with disinterest appearing as though lunch had gotten the better of him.
.
When out in nature one thing a careful observer can almost always count on is seeing something new. That was certainly the case a few days ago when my wife observed a large number of bees engaged in some very curious behavior.
At one point we observed a ball of bees tumbling across the ground seemingly in the process of trying to kill something.
They continued to attack what ever it was. This when on for some time and we never got a good look at what the object was.
Despite what it looks like the bees may have been trying to protect not kill what ever it is they are crowding unto. In this case it may be the queen.
.
Spring with all it’s activity is definitely a favorite time of the year. In the days to come the Yellow-throated warblers will undoubtedly be more cooperative as they are joined by other migrants from the south either taking up residence or just pausing for a while as they continue their journey north. Thanks for stopping by.
.
XXX
.
Should you wish, prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo.
Category: birding in central ohio, Central Ohio Nature, Central Ohio Parks, Columbus, Griggs Park, nature writing, Ohio Nature, photography, Wildflowers Tagged: American Robin, Bloodroot, Blue Jay, Butterweed, Canon 60D with Sigma 150-500mm, Carolina Chickadee, Dutchman's Breeches, Eastern Bluebird, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Panasonic FZ200, Purple Cress, Song Sparrow, Toadshade Trillium, Twinleaf, White-breasted Nuthatch
Posted on November 6, 2016
It’s the first part of November and the autumn colors have hung around a lot longer than usual. We thought about taking a drive down to the Hocking Hills in SE Ohio, a hilly part of the state that’s especially beautiful this time of year, but opted for a few long walks in Griggs Park instead. Can’t say that I feel like we missed anything by not taking the drive.
.
Landscape photography in Griggs Park can be a challenge due to the amount of extraneous subjects that can distract so taking time to study vantage points and light is essential to capturing what one wants.
.
I’ve been fascinated by the park’s picnic tables for a number of years particular when they are in an isolated setting. Now mostly deserted it’s as if they are still waiting patiently without a complaint for someone to sit down. Fall color adds to the visual interest. Perhaps B&W would also say what I wanted.
.
The paths and roads in the park can be delightful and almost magical this time of year. Capturing that feeling is always rewarding.
.
Sometimes it’s just a tree that enchants.
.
At first one notices the big things but before long smaller things, leaves and flowers start to tell their story.
.
Don’t tell the insects it’s the first of November. However, for the squirrels and chipmunks that are getting ready for winter, it’s just that busy time of year.
.
The birds, local residents as well as migrants from the north, also seemed to be celebrating the color of the season.
Along the Scioto River autumn color creates a beautiful backdrop for this female Belted Kingfisher, Griggs Park, (Donna).
.
Oh, I almost forgot, for those that are on the edge of their seat wondering how my autumn Smallmouth Bass quest is coming , here’s an update:
Channel cats have been more cooperative. They are fun to catch but not what I’m looking for, Griggs Reservoir.
. . . and then a few days later a measure of success! Since I’m a firm believer that the work begins when you put the fish on the stringer they are all released. The fish seem to be happy about that decision.
.
When writing this blog at often occurs to me that it’s largely for internal consumption, a way of marking time, documenting life, and making it sacred. On that note we hope readers have found natural areas close to home that enchant and have enjoyed autumn in those special places as much as we have in ours. Thanks for stopped by.
xxx
Should you wish, various prints from this and other posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo. and Donna’s 2017 Birds of Griggs Park calendar is available at Calendar.
Category: autumn color, birding in central ohio, Central Ohio Nature, Central Ohio Parks, Columbus, fishing in central ohio, Griggs Park, Griggs Reservoir, nature, Ohio Nature, photography, Scioto River, Wildflowers Tagged: American Goldfinch, Belted Kingfisher, Canon 3ti 18-135mm lens, Canon 60D with Sigma 150-500mm, Cardinal, Carolina Wren, Channel Catfish, Chipping Sparrow, Common Checkered Skipper, Dark-eyed Junco, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Comma, Fleabane, Great Blue Heron, Mallard Duck, Milkweed, Panasonic FZ200, Red Winged Blackbird, Smallmouth Bass, Teasel, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, White-throated Sparrow
Posted on October 26, 2016
At first I just thought it was a butterfly, catching a brightly colored object out of the corner of my eye as we finished a hike at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. Almost instantly my wife cried out, “look at that huge spider!” and as I spun around for a better look, the breezy day caused a large female Marbled Orbweaver to swing over my head in a return arc. It would put The Flying Wallendas to shame as it gracefully went about it’s work suspended by “high wires” that were at times invisible. By the end of a walk not many birds had been seen, certainly nothing to get real excited abound, so the spider was a special treat and served as another example in nature of what for us has become a season of a little bit of this and that.
A Marbled Orbweaver gathers it’s web for reuse, about an inch an a half across, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
.
While our visit to Battelle Darby had been all about the spider a few days later and closer to home a bird we don’t see that often made an appearance.
.
Just as we finished enjoying the White-eyed Vireo a Bald Eagle was seen circling high over head. Not an every day occurrence within the city limits of Columbus and having seen the eagle we were a lot more excited than the below picture can possibly express.
.
and there were other birds:
.
Insects and other things:
Unidentified tree fungi or who nailed those shells to that tree? Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
.
The Ohio autumn landscape near our home continued to charm:
.
So letting go of expectations in recent days nature really has been a wonderful little bit of this and that. Thanks for stopping by. Should you wish, various prints from this and other posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo. and Donna’s 2017 Birds of Griggs Park calendar is available at Calendar.
Category: autumn color, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, birding in central ohio, Central Ohio Nature, Central Ohio Parks, Columbus, Fungi, Griggs Park, Ohio Nature, outdoors, photography, Scioto River, Wildflowers Tagged: Bald Eagle, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Comma, Jerusalem artichoke, Marbled Orbweaver, Panasonic FZ200, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler
Posted on July 28, 2016
We’ve been busy documenting nature’s summer in central Ohio. If you are fascinated by insects this is your time of year but be prepared to look closely. The summer heat has done little to discourage the wildflowers which in a shout of color announce their presence. The below shots were taken along Griggs Reservoir and Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. I hope they put you in a summer kind of mood.
.
Milk Weed Beetle, Griggs Park, Donna
Wild Lettuce, Griggs Park, Donna
Wild Potato Vine, Griggs Park, Donna
Barely seen, dragonflies hover over a reflection, Griggs Reservoir
Fallen branch and wildflowers, Griggs Park
Gray Headed Cone Flowers, Griggs Park
Cup Plant, Griggs Park
Wild Chicory, Griggs Park
Path to the water, Griggs Park
Thistle, Griggs Park
Pearl Crescent, Griggs Park
Wasp, Griggs Park, Donna
Eastern Pondhawk,(F), Griggs Park, Donna
Wing Stem, Griggs Park, Donna
Goldfinch, Griggs Park, Donna
Hackberry Emperor, Griggs Park, Donna
Fireworks in green, Griggs park, Donna
Biennial Gaura, Griggs Park, Donna
Widow Skimmer (F), Griggs Park, Donna
Least Skipper, Griggs Park, Donna
Rose Pink, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, Donna
Leopard Frog, Battelle Darby Greek Metro Park, Donna
Hummingbird Moth, Battelle Derby Creek Metro Park, Donna
Phlox, Griggs Park, Donna
Catbird, Griggs Park, Donna
Ducklings, Griggs Park, Donna
Fishing, Griggs Reservoir, Donna
Black Swallowtail, Griggs Park, Donna
Hairy Wood Mint, Griggs Park, Donna
Coneflowers, Griggs Park
Peck’s Skipper, Griggs Park
Eastern Wood Pewee, Griggs Park
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Royal Catchfly, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Sunflower, Griggs Park
Royal Catchfly, a closer look.
Looking for Bison, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Bison, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Bluebird, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Kingbird, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Barn Swallow, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Luna Moth on our house.
Quiet morning, Griggs Reservoir
Great Blue Heron, Griggs Reservoir
Black Crowned Night Heron, Griggs Reservoir
.
Hope you enjoyed this summer celebration of nature in central Ohio. Thanks for stopping by.
Category: Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, Central Ohio Nature, Columbus, fishing in central ohio, Griggs Park, Griggs Reservoir, kayak fishing, Ohio Nature, outdoors, photography, Scioto River, Wildflowers Tagged: American Goldfinch, Barn Swallow, Biennial Gaura, Bison, Black Swallowtail, Black-crowned Night Heron, Canon 60D with Sigma 150-500mm, Catbird, Chicory, Coneflower, Cup Plant, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Pondhawk, Eastern Wood Pewee, Gray Headed Cone flowers, Great Blue Heron, Hackberry Emperor, Hairy Wood Mint, Halberd-leaved Rose-mallow, Hummingbird Moth, Least Skipper, Leopard Frog, Luna Moth, Mallard Ducklings, Milk Weed Beetle, Panasonic FZ200, Pearl Crescent, Peck's Skipper, Phlox, Rose Pink, Royal Catchfly, thistle, Widow Skimmer, Wild Lettuce, Wild Potato Vine, Wing Stem, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
The life of an elderly Londoner and her travels.
A look at life in the borders
Insight, information, and inspiration for the inquisitive nature photographer
The Wildlife in Nature
Home of Lukas Kondraciuk Photography
The sun is the great luminary of all life - Frank Lloyd Wright
Nature photography
My journey through photography
Essays, photos, and discussion about prairie ecology, restoration, and management
Kerry Mark Leibowitz's musings on the wonderful world of nature photography
Ellen Grace Olinger
A weblog dedicated to the world outside the cities.
Mike and Lori adrift
Exploring Nature in New Hampshire
https://natureinfocus.blog
My adventures in the woods, streams, rivers, fields, and lakes of Michigan
Everything flows, nothing stands still. (Heraclitus)
The greatest WordPress.com site in all the land!