Central Ohio NatureA First Sighting
Posted on June 27, 2018
Each year it’s a happy time when we again realize that while increased leaf cover and more secretive nesting behavior may make birds harder to observe other beautiful and fascinating things have taken their place. The other things that enchant, as we explore area parks, are the butterflies and dragonflies.
These creatures are a lot like small birds in the sense that you must get close up and personal in order to really appreciate them. At a distance they look like just another LBFI. For starters an essential tool is a pair of close focus binoculars, minimum focus distance of 6 – 7 ft. If you are like me that may soon give way to the desire to photograph them either as an aid to identification or for the record. That’s when you really start to notice how fascinating and beautiful they are. The next thing you may notice is their behavior like the pond surface tapping of a female dragonfly depositing eggs or the unique flight patterns of various butterflies. The more you observe and learn the more enchanting it all becomes.
Dragonfly heaven, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
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That’s not to say that we’ve given up on the birds. During recent insect outing I was hoping for a good shot of an Indigo Bunting but the one seen was just a little too far away.
Again too far away for a good picture but it is an Indigo Bunting.
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A few other birds were a little closer.
A Brown Thrasher plays hide and seek in the leaf cover.
Certainly not trying to hide, this singing Protonotary Warbler was amazing hard to find but once spotted hard to ignore. It’s cavity nest wasn’t far from this perch.
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Gradually as we work our way through June the bulk of nature’s activity increasingly revolves around the insects. A major menu item for many of the now stealthier birds, it’s impossible to ignore them while exploring areas such as Darby Bend Lakes in Prairie Oaks Metro Park. On a recent outing dragonflies and damselflies seemed to be everywhere and was made all the more exciting when a dragonfly that my wife spotted turned out to be the first recorded sighting in central Ohio!
Double-striped Bluet, (Donna).
Smaller than a Halloween Pennant a beautiful Calico Pennant poses for the camera.
Damselflies often are seen flying among the leaves of low lying bushes making them easy prey for the orb weaver spider.
Female Blue-ringed Dancer
Damselflies can be friendly.
Powdered Dancer
Blue-fronted Dancer.
Male Ebony Jewelwing, (Donna).
Halloween Pennant
Mating Halloween Pennants.
Female Widow Skimmer
A male Widow Skimmer dining on what appears to be a damselfly.
Male Eastern Pondhawk
One of the larger but very common dragonflies this female Eastern Pondhawk dines on a small insect, (Donna).
Fawn Darner
The Swift Setwing is one of the larger dragonflies and this sighting was the first recorded in central Ohio. Over the past few years it has slowly been working it’s way north perhaps due to such factors as global warming, (Donna)
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Butterfly Weed
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And as if the dragonflies weren’t enough during the past few weeks we’ve been treated to sightings of an amazing variety of other insects. So much so, that at times it was a bit overwhelming!
The medium size Eastern Comma Butterfly.
Eastern Comma another view, (Donna).
The medium size Great Spangled Fritillary, (Donna).
Another view of the Great Spangled Fritillary.
Virginia Ctenucha Moth
Red Admiral.
On a warm day the medium size Hackberry Emperor often lands on exposed skin to take advantage of the goodies in ones perspiration.
The beautiful marking on the underside of the Hackberry Emperor’s wings.
Monarch Butterfly.
A Monarch Butterfly shows the underside of it’s wings.
As far as we can remember this is the first time we’ve seen a Delaware Skipper, (Donna).
A very rare view of the top side of the very small female Eastern-tailed Blue Butterflies wings, (Donna).
A very common medium sized Orange Sulfur Butterfly.
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Sometimes it’s hard to believe your eyes, such was the case a number of years ago when we saw our first hummingbird moth. We continue to be amazed.
Snowberry Clearwing Moth, Donna
Another view, (Donna).
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Pearl Crescent, a common, beautiful but smaller butterfly, (Donna).
Duskywing, a fast flying smaller butterfly.
The Silver Spotted Skipper butterfly is one of the larger skippers that at times we’ve observed to have an rather fearless attitude toward other flying insects. (Donna).
A Hoverfly pollenates on a Black-eyed Susan.
A very small long legged fly taxes the closeup capability of a Tamron 18-400 mm zoom.
Recently not far from our house we were thrilled to see Michigan Lilies in bloom
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It’s always hard to know when to stop as there are always more pictures that could be part of the post based on their merit. However, realizing that the photographer is usually more excited about pictures taken than those looking at them I’ve decided to show some compassion and stop here. At the very least I hope this post inspire nature lovers to get out and take a closer look and find that which enchants.
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Thanks for stopping by.
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Hey wait, what about me!
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Autumn Contemplation
Posted on October 8, 2017
Most of the time it’s nice to have a central theme. However, for the most part, this post just meanders through early autumn and celebrates the time of year in some of our central Ohio parks. I continue to enjoy shooting a portion of my photos with a Sony A7, adapter, and legacy Canon FD lenses. It’s nice to have so much control over depth of field. My wife is ever on the lookout for things small, be it insects or details that charm in the fall foliage.
The Big Darby, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
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Monarchs continue to work their way south while a few late summer buckeyes, having made their way to central Ohio, enchant. Painted Ladies and Viceroys also continue to be seen. Are Painted Ladies more beautiful with wings closed or open?
Viceroy, (Donna)
Take 2.
Buckeye, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Painted Lady, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Take 2, (Donna).
Eastern-tailed Blue, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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Leaves continue to grace a long fallen Sycamore along the Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
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There still may be time before the first hard frost results in an abrupt end to most of the current insect activity. Katydids and crickets that so willingly provide the late summer soundtrack for our outdoor adventures will fall silent. The purpose of their time here will emerge next spring and take up the charge as the dance of death and life continues. Meanwhile as autumn moves on we continue to enjoy their life.
Widow Skimmer, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Bees on Nodding Bur-marigold, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Male Eastern Pondhawk, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna).
Black and Yellow Garden Spider, the bee managed to allude the spiders web, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Scarlet and Green Leaf Hopper, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Long Horned Beetle, not sure which one, Griggs reservoir park, (Donna).
Grasshopper, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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The Scioto River.
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Recently we were fascinated by an immature Red-tailed Hawk that posed to have it’s picture taken and then decided to fly into a nearby tree in an attempt to extract a meal from a squirrels nest. It did succeed in arousing the occupants but standing on top of the nest it was no match for them as they circled and sprang from branch to branch until they were out of harms way.
Red-tailed Hawk, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Come on out of there, I just went to play, honest!
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A hint of autumn, Griggs Reservoir.
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With the days now much shorter, other creatures seem to sense that colder weather is just around the corner as they enjoy the morning sun or in the case of the squirrels and chipmunks busy themselves collecting stores for winter.
Painted Turtle, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Chipmunk with acorn, Griggs reservoir Park, (Donna).
Red Squirrel, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Groundhog, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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A favorite tree.
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Asters and other late summer flowers now compete with leaves for the seasons beauty.
Neighbors
Evening Primrose, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
The Scioto River pays tribute to autumn.
The river peeks through windblown leaves as they struggle to hang on, Griggs Reservoir Park.
In the autumn breeze milkweed seeds prepare to take flight, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Reflections.
Virginia Creeper, Griggs Reservoir.
Sunflowers, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Color along Griggs Reservoir.
Changing leaves, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Sycamore bark, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Red, yellow, green, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Suspended color along the Scioto River.
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Rocks often washed by the river’s high water are now covered with the litter of trees.
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We often journey into nature equipped with expectations, perhaps it’s seeing a certain bird, insect, or wildflower, but the key to the magic may be to let go, allowing each day, each season, to speak in it’s own voice.
Autumn from the canoe, Griggs Reservoir.
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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.
It’s Their Eyes
Posted on July 7, 2017
We continue to see Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and other birds in the parks near our home. However, this post celebrates the wildflowers, butterflies, and other insects seen recently.
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When presented with two equally good photos, one of a bird and the other of a insect I usually find myself more attracted to the bird. It’s not to hard figure out why, a bird’s eye more closely resembles our own, they are vocal much like ourselves, and often seem to have better parenting skills than we do. The world of insects is not as easy to understand, and when it is, it can be annoying, destructive and sometimes even painful. When I was young, undoubtedly because I was much closer to the ground and spent a considerable amount of time outside, I had a greater curiosity about “bugs”. Now, years later, retired with more leisure time, my interest has been rekindled as I take a closer look at the plants and flowers that, to a large extent, comprise the insect’s world.
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The flowers of early summer seem to do most of their celebrating in meadows and along roadsides. Some like Bee Balm and Jewelweed venture into the woods if sun light is available and Lazard’s Tail is never far from the water.
Bee Balm, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve.
Rattlesnake Master, a rather rare plant in Ohio. O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve.
Chicory, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Saint John’s Wort, (Donna), O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve.
Swamp Milkweed, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Common Mullein, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Jewelweed, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Poke Weed is not an uncommon sight this time of year, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Gray-headed Cone Flower, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Easily overlooked Hairy Wood-mint, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Shadows from an adjacent plant decorate a Wild Potato Vine blossom, Griggs Reservoir Park,
Donna checks out some Lazard’s Tail, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Lazard’s Tail, (Donna).
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With coneflowers and milkweed in full bloom, insects seem to be everywhere. Many leaves, pristine and virgin a month ago, now soldier on with portions missing giving further evidence of the insect’s industry. Spiders and assassin bugs wait in ambush.
Donna takes aim on an unsuspecting butterfly, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve.
Common Wood-Nymph, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve.
Blue-fronted Dancer, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Busy backyard Bumble bees.
A Female Eastern Pondhawk keeps an Eyed Brown Butterfly company, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve, (Donna).
Paddling is a great way to see all kinds of wildlife, including dragonflies. Getting a picture of one is another matter. O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve, Eversole Run.
That is, unless one lands on your finger, Eastern Amberwing.
Ebony Jewelwing, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Little Wood Satyr, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve, (Donna).
Clymene Moth, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
It’s easy to be thankful you’re not a small flying insect when you stare down a Female Widow Skimmer, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
An Assassin bug nymph lurks in the leaf cover, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Red Admiral, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Take 2.
Green bee on Chicory, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Northern Pearly-eye, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Emerald Jumper, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Take 2.
Great Spangled Fritillary, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Bumble Bee on milkweed blossom. It’s amazing how many insects make a living off this plant, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Meadow Fritillary, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
The very small but beautiful Summer Azure, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Black Swallowtail in our backyard.
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After the many years since my youth, when they were an almost integral part of each summer day, I’m again starting to “warm up” to the bugs. We don’t always understand each other and need to work on our communication skills, but I think there’s hope. However, one area that continues to be a challenge is their eyes. I’m okay until I take a picture and blow it up. That’s when I find my brain being stretched a bit, partly in awe, if I was a lot smaller it would be fear, but in any case all of the sudden these guys seem very different almost alien bringing back thoughts of 1950’s Sci-fi movies. Fortunately that’s when I catch myself, realizing that most of them bare me no ill intent.
Cicada, Cedar Bog, (Donna).
Sunglasses anyone?
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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.
Cliff Swallow Close Up
Posted on June 21, 2017
We often see Cliff Swallows when paddling central Ohio’s reservoirs. While seeing them is not rare, getting a good picture of one is. During a recent outing on Griggs Reservoir we had the opportunity to use the canoe to our advantage. We positioned ourselves so that, sitting motionless, a light breeze propelled the canoe toward swallow nests located on the bridge support structure. By being very still we were able to get much closer than we had previously. Once the paddles were picked up to reposition the boat, the birds flew.
Typical Cliff Swallow nest location, Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic ZS50.
Cliff Swallows, Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, cropped, (Donna).
A closer look, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, cropped, (Donna).
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North end of Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic FZ200.
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During our trip, which covered the length of the reservoir, there were plenty of things to see. This was a good thing because I was testing a new Sigma 18-300mm lens. The hope is that the lens, mounted on my DSLR, will do most of what my Panasonic FZ200 does, landscapes, close-ups of insects, and to some extent birds, but with more creative control and exposure latitude while still having the convenance of not having to switch lenses. In harsh light DSLR APS-C sensors tend to do better with highlights and shadows (exposure latitude) when compared to the much smaller sensor used in the FZ200. The Sigma lens is a story of compromises given that it goes from extreme wide angle to telephoto. It’s not a macro lens but will take reasonable pictures of “bugs” while at the same time doing a decent job with landscapes and birds that aren’t to far away. Overall I’m satisfied with it’s performance realizing it will never compete with fixed focal length lenses for ultimate sharpness. For those not familiar with sensor sizes see the chart below. I’ve also included the type of camera used for each picture should the reader be curious.
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It’s the insect time of the year along the reservoir ensuring that there are plenty of fascinating subjects.
Fragile Forktail, Griggs Reservoir, Canon 60D with Sigma 18-300mm lens, (cropped).
Eastern Forktail (F), Griggs Reservoir, Canon 60D with Sigma 18-300mm lens, (cropped).
Familiar Bluet, Griggs Reservoir, Canon 60D with Sigma 18-300mm lens, (cropped).
Widow Skimmer (F) not fully developed, Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, (Donna).
Eastern Pondhawk (M), Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, cropped, (Donna).
Familiar Bluet, Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, cropped, (Donna).
Bee on Milkweed flower, Griggs Park, Panasonic Zs50.
Eastern Amberwing, Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, cropped, (Donna).
Happy Milkweed Beetles, Griggs Reservoir Park, Panasonic ZS50.
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Reptiles and amphibian greeted us during our journey.
Bullfrog, Griggs Reservoir, Griggs Reservoir, Canon 60D with Sigma 18-300mm lens, (cropped).
Hiding, Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, cropped, (Donna).
Very small Map Turtle, Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, cropped, (Donna).
Looking at the other side, Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, cropped, (Donna).
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Other things also watched our passing.
White-tailed deer along the shore of Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, cropped, (Donna).
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At the very north end of the reservoir, Kiwanis Riverway Park, we pulled the boat out for a snack break and spent some time checking out the area birds. Hopefully a few more challenging subjects for the Sigma lens would be found.
Great Egret and Cormorant north end of Griggs Reservoir, Griggs Reservoir, Canon 60D with Sigma 18-300mm lens, (cropped).
A closer look at the Great Egret, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, cropped, (Donna).
Tree Swallows, Griggs Reservoir, Canon 60D with Sigma 18-300mm lens, cropped.
A male Red-winged Blackbird calls out, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, cropped, (Donna).
Northern Flicker, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, cropped, (Donna).
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The below picture is interesting because this Wood Duck duckling, along with three of it’s siblings, was reacting to the presence of our canoe. We never chase birds but these guys shot out of the shoreline brush and took off across the water. Sadly, as we watched them head for another hiding spot, one duckling suddenly disappeared not to be seen again. The victim of a Large Mouth Bass or Snapping Turtle perhaps?
Wood Duck duckling, Griggs reservoir, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, (Donna).
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Recent wildflowers seen.
Water Willow, Griggs Reservoir, Canon 60D with Sigma 18-300mm lens, cropped.
Butterfly Weed continues to make it’s presence known in Griggs Reservoir Park.
Along the water’s edge the flowers of the Button Bush have just started to bloom, Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic ZS 50.
Looking into the woods, a Day Lily stands out, Griggs Reservoir Park, Panasonic ZS50.
Spiderwort, Griggs Reservoir Park, Panasonic ZS50.
Moth Mullein, Griggs Reservoir Park, Panasonic ZS50.
Catnip (non-native), Panasonic ZS50.
Wild Rose along Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, (Donna).
Trumpet-creeper along Griggs Reservoir, Panasonic G7 Leica 100-400mm lens, (Donna).
Coneflower, backyard.
Black-eyed Susan, Griggs Reservoir Park, Panasonic ZS50.
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Often we find ourselves enchanted by a new view of something seen before. Such was the case with our close up encounter with the Cliff Swallows. Their nest building and graceful flight, what amazing birds! On the same day the celebration may be interrupted by an occurrence, like the sudden disappearance of a duckling, that is hard to watch.
Paddling into Kiwanis Riverway Park, Panasonic FZ200.
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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.
Florida, Paddling, Hiking, and Other Things Seen
Posted on March 23, 2017
Most of our photographic energy when paddling or hiking in Florida is directed at the birds, however it’s hard not to see other things when you’re out exploring. For any of you that have travelled to Miami or Naples or any of the other developed areas these pictures will not remind you of that Florida. In our quest to explore ad be in nature we try to avoid such places and look for the natural beauty. While it is still a place of much beauty, when driving through the many developed areas one cannot help but feel Florida is being “loved” to death.
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For those that are curious, our stay in Florida consisted of time spent at Myakka River SP; great hiking, big gators, and great wildlife photography, Lake Kissimmee SP; great hiking, paddling, fishing, and wildlife, the Chassahowzitka River Campground; great paddling, fishing, and wildlife, and Ochlockonee River SP; great hiking, paddling, and wildlife.
Click on images for a better view.
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The first place we visited was Myakka River State Park. In addition to many species of birds it’s home a lot of very large Alligators!
Hammock, Myakka River SP.
Myakka River, Myakka River SP.
Living dangerously, Myakka River SP.
Alligator heaven, Myakka River SP.
Almost everything’s cute when it’s little, Myakka River SP.
Cooling off, Myakka River SP.
Lots of babies, Myakka River SP, (Donna).
Bellowing, Myakka River SP.
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Sunset, Myakka River SP.
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Rumor has it that the alligators enjoy a turtle now and then. Hopefully this fella will live to a ripe old age.
Florida Redbelly Cooter, Myakka River SP
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Myakka River, Myakka River SP.
Air plants, Myakka River SP.
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Whether in Myakka or otherwise there were always butterflies and other insects to facinate.
White Peacock Butterfly, Myakka River SP
Black Swallowtail, Ochlockonee River SP.
Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, central Florida, (Donna).
Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, (Donna).
Pondhawk, Ochlockonee River SP.
Long-tailed Skipper, Chassahowitzka River, (Donna).
Zebra Swallowtail, Ochlockonee River SP.
Palamedes Swallowtail, Chassahowitzka River.
Red-banded Hairstreak, Ochlockonee River SP, (Donna).
Jumping Spider, Lake Kissimmee SP.
Roseate Skimmer, Ochlockonee River SP, (Donna).
Ornate Pennant, Lake Kissimmee SP. (Donna)
Fiddler Crabs, St Marks NWR, (Donna).
Fiddler Crabs in combat, St Marks NWR, (Donna).
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One of the more interesting places in Myakka River SP is the Deep Hole.
Heading towards the Deep Hole.
Alligators were everywhere!
The Deep Hole, Myakka River SP.
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After Myakka we made our way about 90 miles tp Lake Kissimmee SP in the center of the state and then on to the Chassahowitzka River area and then Chassahowitzka River SP in the panhandle.
Live Oak, Lake Kissimmee SP.
Lake Kissimmee SP
Exploring Mashes Sands Beach near Ochlockonee River SP, (Donna).
Along the trail, Ochlockonee SP, (Donna).
St Mark’s Lighthouse, St Mark’s NWR.
Sopchoppy River, St Marks NWR.
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My wife was better about documenting the flowers.
Thistle, Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area, (Donna)
Golden Club, Sopchoppy River, (Donna).
Florida Scrub Roseling, Myakka River SP, (Donna).
British Soldier Lichen, Lake Kissimmee SP
Sundew, Ochlockonee SP, (Donna).
Rain Lilies, Wakulla River
Checking out the Spider Lilies, Wakulla River.
Spider Lilies, Wakulla River
Southern Blackberry, Ochlockonee River SP.
St John’s Wort, Ochlockonee River SP.
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We also ran across a number of snakes and other reptiles during our adventures.
Banded Water Snake, Chassahowitzka River, (Donna).
Eastern Racer, Lake Kissimmee SP.
Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake, Ochlockonee SP, (Donna).
Brown Anole, Lake Kissimmee SP.
Green Anole, Ochlockonee SP, (Donna)
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. . . and then some other creatures.
Armadillo, Chassihowitzka River area, (Donna).
Bobcat, St Marks NWR, (Donna).
White Squirrel, Ochlockonee SP.
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Central Florida landscape, (Donna).
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Below are some birds pics that missed the previous Florida post.
Osprey trying a new fishing technique, Chassahowitzka River, (Donna).
White Pelican trying not to get it’s feet wet, Upper Myakka Lake, (Donna).
Limpkins, Myakka River SP, (Donna).
Red Shouldered Hawk (FL variant), Lake Kissimmee SP, (Donna).
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This year proved to be especially good for seeing River Otters while we paddled various rivers.
River Otter, Chassahowitzka River, (Donna).
River Otter, Sopchoppy River, (Donna)
River Otter, Sopchoppy River
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Views from the canoe, an incomplete photo record of places paddled.
Tiger Creek, Lake Kissimmee SP.
St Marks River, (Donna).
Tiger Creek into Tiger Lake, Lake Kissimmee SP.
Crawford Creek, Chassahowitzka River
Fish Camp, Crawford Creek.
St Marks River
Otter Lake, St Marks NWR.
Canoe wake reflection, Otter Lake, St Marks NWR.
Yes there is someone in the stern of the canoe.
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Those of you that follow this blog know I like to occasionally like to put a line in the water. Florida didn’t disappoint.
Largemouth Bass Sopchoppy River
Largemouth Bass, Lake Kissimmee, (Donna).
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That about wraps up Florida for this year. Whether on foot, in a canoe or kayak it’s a great place to enjoy nature. Thanks for stopping by.
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Sand and Water, Bald Point SP, (Donna).
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XXX
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Should you wish, prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo. and Donna’s 2017 Birds of Griggs Park calendar is available at Calendar.
“Black Lagoon” Crayfish and Things Eating Things
Posted on August 27, 2016
Well not exactly the Black Lagoon (recalling a movie from childhood), but while I was in Michigan fishing my wife continued to explore the areas around our home in central Ohio. One morning between heavy rain storms she observed some rather interesting behavior by the local crayfish population in Griggs Reservoir as they gathered along the shore and then partially crawled out of the water. We spent some time researching crayfish (did you know there are 20 species in Ohio?), trying to understand this behavior but to no avail. Our only guess is it had something to do with the recent heavy rains.
The Griggs Reservoir crayfish seemed to be waiting in line to peer above the water’s service, (Donna).
One rather large specimen takes his time looking around, (Donna).
It became a group activity.
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Upon my return we spent time paddling Griggs Reservoir as well as exploring Prairie Oaks Metro Park looking for late summer dragonflies and butterflies. At Prairie Oaks we arrived about 20 seconds to late, according to our hiking companions, to witness a garden spider making quick work of a dragonfly that it had captured in it’s web. That spider was fast!
Unfortunate dragonfly, Prairie Oaks
Black and Yellow Garden Spider.
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. . . and continuing with the same theme, just a few days earlier my wife caught this robber fly enjoying lunch at the expense of a careless bee.
Robber Fly, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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Also courtesy of my wife sharp eye, one last series of photos dealing with things eating other things.
Double-crested Cormorant attempts to eat a Crappie on Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
Ultimately, the Crappie being just a little too big to swallow, swam away, (Donna).
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We don’t usually consider ourselves a food source so it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that if a creature is not in the process of being eaten, it is usually searching for or waiting to ambush it’s next meal, or if successful, eating it. Spending time in nature guarantees one will witness such things from time to time. In the last few days not everything seen has been in the process of eating or engaged in some unusual hard to explain behavior. Some things were just posing for the camera.
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There were butterflies, some of which like the Summer Azure and Eastern Tailed Blue are very small.
Red-spotted Purple, Griggs Park.
Buckeye, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Viceroys, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Summer Azure, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Meadow Fritillary, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Eastern Tailed Blue, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Monarch, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna).
Juvenal’s Duskywing (F), Griggs Reservoir.
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Dragonflies.
Eastern Amberwing, Prairie Oaks, (Donna).
Twelve-spotted Skimmer, Griggs Reservoir.
Common Whitetail, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Eastern Pondhawk (F), Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Calico Pennant, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna).
Powdered Dancer (Blue form), Griggs Reservoir, (Donna).
Ebony Jewelwing, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna).
Eastern Pondhawk, Griggs Reservoir
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Moths, they come in an amazing array of shapes and sizes.
Snowberry Clearwing Moth, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna).
Chickweed Geometer Moth, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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and other things.
Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Common Dogwood Sawfly Caterpillar, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Bumblebee on False Dragonhead, north end of Griggs Reservoir.
Arrowroot, north end of Griggs Reservoir.
Map Turtle with friend, Griggs reservoir, (Donna).
Loaded with pollen, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Solitary Sand Wasp, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Monarch Butterfly caterpillar, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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Oh yes, we have been seeing birds and a few posed for a picture.
Northern Flicker, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Eastern Phoebe, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Hairy Woodpeckers, north end of Griggs Reservoir.
Mallards creating reflection art, Griggs Reservoir.
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Once again we find ourselves amazed at what is seen right under our nose in central Ohio. Should you be curious about such things, but not inclined to try your hand at photography, get a pair of binoculars, preferably a pair with close focus capability, and a new world will be opened to you! Thanks for stopping by.
North end of Griggs Reservoir from the canoe, (Donna).
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Summer Wildflowers, Butterflies, and a Few Birds
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.
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Milk Weed Beetle, Griggs Park, Donna
Wild Lettuce, Griggs Park, Donna
Halberd-leaved Rose-mallow, 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
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Hope you enjoyed this summer celebration of nature in central Ohio. Thanks for stopping by.
