Central Ohio NatureA Favorite Florida State Park
Posted on April 3, 2019
After the previous post about early spring in Ohio we thought we’d travel back in time to late January and explore the natural beauty of Florida’s Lake Kissimmee State Park. After our third visit we now consider it a cornerstone for any winter camping trip to Florida.
Live Oak
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An advantage to many of the parks we visit in Florida is that they’re not separated by great distances so it’s an easy matter to pull up stakes in one and head down the road to the next. Lake Kissimmee SP is not far from Little Manatee River, is a much larger park so there is plenty of nature to explore without ever leaving the park. The greatest variety of birds can be seen if one quietly paddles the lake shore, Zipper Canal, or Tiger Creek but birding is also very rewarding along the hiking trails. When not observing warblers, gnatcatchers, or kinglets. the trails are a great way to see the park’s many Red Headed Woodpeckers and there are rumors of Scrub Jays although that’s one we have yet to see.
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Folks sometimes ask if we’re concerned about taking expensive camera equipment in a canoe. The answer is yes, but we’ve been blessed to see many birds that we wouldn’t have otherwise and are sometimes lucky enough to get a picture so we feel it’s worth the risk. Within reason the canoe doesn’t limit the amount of equipment one can take and while you may get lucky from time to time don’t expect tack sharp “tripod” images. Where the canoe fails as a photography platform is when wind and water conditions create excessive motion or make the boat hard to control leaving little opportunity for pictures. Although some might not agree, a bonus when exploring overgrown Florida shorelines in a small boat is wondering if around the next bend one will startle a large gator. It’s an experience of “wildness” not availible in places further north. With that intro, below are some of the “canoe” birds seen during our two weeks at the park.
A favorite Lake Kissimmee perch for a group of Anhingas
A closer look at a male.
Paddling Zipper Canal between Lake Kissimmee and Rosalie Lake.
A Bald Eagle along Tiger Creek which flows from Tiger Lake to Lake Kissimmee.
A Bald Eagle peers down at a prospective meal . .
. . then dives.
Hundreds of Tree Swallows in an early morning feeding frenzy on Lake Kissimmee.
A few take a break from the hunt, (Donna).
Clouds over Lake Kissimmee.
Immature Snail Kite along the Lake Kissimmee shoreline. The kites were a real treat because during last year’s visit, which was right after a hurricane, there were none to be seen.
Mature Snail Kite with snail, (Donna).
Mature Snail Kite.
A Glossy Ibis reveals how it got it’s name, (Donna).
Rosalie Creek between Rosalie and Tiger Lakes.
Young Alligator along Tiger Creek.
Tri-color Heron along Tiger Creek, (Donna).
Black-crowned Night Heron along the Zipper Canal, (Donna).
Great Egret with fish, (Donna).
Little Blue Heron, (Donna).
Lily pads, Lake Kissimmee.
Swallow-tailed Kite over Tiger Creek. Observing them it appears that they often catch their prey in their talons and proceed to devour it on the wing.
Common Moorhen along the grassy Lake Kissimmee shoreline, (Donna).
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The hiking trails offer a different mix of birds and wildlife. The length of hike often dictates the type of equipment one decides to take along. Lugging ten pounds of camera equipment for seven or eight miles is not fun. One solution I saw this year was to modify a light weight golf cart to haul your equipment if the trail conditions and other restrictions allow.
The type of golf cart that would be easy to modify to carry a tripod and camera with long telephoto lens.
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When hiking park trails one thing that always amazes me is how different species of birds stay together or flock. One can walk for miles and not see much of anything and then all of a sudden there will be birds everywhere. Chickadees, titmouse, kinglets, gnatcatchers, and warblers are often seen together and often there will even be a blue jay in the mix. With the Live Oaks draped in Spanish Moss, the palmettos, and the pines, the landscape is enchanting so if the birds aren’t cooperating there is always something to appreciate.
Tufted Titmouse often alert us to the fact there may be warblers in the area. (Donna).
Sure enough, a Black and White Warbler makes an appearance.
Along the trail.
Another view showing tail and flight feathers.
We weren’t quiet sure what this Red-bellied Woodpecker planned to do with the acorn, (Donna).
White-eyed Vireo.
Eastern Phoebe, (Donna).
Sandhill Cranes. As common as they are we did not have the many opportunities to photograph them.
Pine Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler
Bald Eagle and nest on Buster Island near the Cow Camp.
The Great Crested Flycatcher showed up near our campsite. It’s the largest of the flycatchers, (Donna).
Sunlight and Spanish Moss.
Blue Gray Gnatcatcher
A Northern Flicker shared the Red Headed Woodpeckers territory.
Buster Island trail.
Red-headed Woodpeckers are quite common in the park.
Yellow-rumped Warblers competed with Palm and Pine Warblers for most common status.
If Florida had a state hawk, it sound be the always vocal Red-shouldered.
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The other things:
Curious deer, (Donna).
Bark Anole.
A large Golden Silk Orb-weaver.
A Golden Silk Orb-weaver sun lit with a background of dark shade.
Fascinating fungi along the trail.
Female Band-winged Dragonlet
Yellow Milkwort is native and found throughout most of the Florida peninsula. Interestingly, the only place in the world it grows is Florida.
Grass highlighted by the winter sun.
The long burrows, up to 40 feet wide and 10 feet deep, of the endangered Gopher Tortoise are home to over three dozen other animal species that use them for shelter from harsh weather and predators.
Anole displaying.
The winter light often highlights the Spanish Moss and creates deep shadows.
Yellow Jessamine is a common flowering vine in January and February.
A Spiny-backed Orb-weaver suspends over the trail.
Florida Baskettail.
Oak Toad, (Donna).
Eastern Racer, (Donna).
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Lake Kissimmee SP is one place we will be returning to next year. With its long hiking trails and extensive areas to explore by canoe there is always a new adventure waiting.
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Tiger Creek
Under a clear blue sky,
with the winter sun warming skin exposed to cool morning air,
paddles rhythmically break the still surface,
as the canoe glides with anticipation along a winding creek
wrapped in sage, bulrush and lily pads.
A solitary alligator swims slowly ahead
then slides below the surface and disappears
while not far away
herons, hawks, egrets, and eagles announce their presence.
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Thanks for stopping by.
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A Special Place In Michigan
Posted on July 24, 2018
At least once a year for the last number of years we’ve traveled seven hours from central Ohio to the expansive 4500 acre Rifle River Recreation Area in Michigan. With it’s fairly extensive system of hiking and mountain bicycling trails, plus lakes that don’t allow motors, it’s a beautiful quiet nature lovers paradise. The park’s woods contain conifers, including some fairly large White Pine, as well as deciduous trees like oak and maple making it home to a great diversity of insects, plants, birds, and animals. The park has two campgrounds, one with electrical hookups, and one that is rustic. We prefer “tent” camping in the Devoe Lake rustic campground with it’s pit toilets and handpumps, whether in our small trailer or in a tent, because the sites are bigger, more secluded, and a variety of birds often come right to your campsite. In addition the rustic campground communicates with park’s best hiking trails without the need to get in your car.
Park Map.
A south loop hiking trail cuts through meadows interspersed with stands of trees that attract numerous species of butterflies and dragonflies not mention birds such as Indigo Buntings that love that type of habitat.
South Trail
The northern loop takes the hiker on much more rolling terrain interspersed with swamps and culminating along a ridge that provides a panoramic view of four of the parks lakes.
Grousehaven Lake from the park loop road.
The lakes offer a variety of fish species to attract the angler including Brook and Brown Trout, Northern Pike, Large Mouth Bass and panfish.
Typical catch and release LM Bass on Devoe Lake.
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Many of the lakes just outside the park boundary offering public access are heavily developed with boat and dock filled shorelines and large year round homes which in recent years have replaced many smaller cabins set back in the trees. Some of the larger multistory dwellings seem almost ready to topple into the lake giving these small bodies of water more the feel of a large recreational swimming pool. Even so, the lakes do offer good fishing even if with somewhat diminished natural aesthetic. However, if communing with nature is your goal, it is worth it to travel away from the park to the nearby Au Sable River and it’s chain of lakes which offer a rewarding undeveloped destination for the photographer, fisherman, and nature lover.
Loud Pond, Au Sable River chain of lakes.
Loud Pond Au Sable River chain of lakes.
Loud Pond Au Sable River chain of lakes.
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Within the park, even without a very special species of bird, there is ample reason to return year after year to enjoy the park’s beauty. But the very special bird that makes the park so irresistible is the Common Loon. Numbers seen vary year to year but they’re always there with their haunting cry breaking the silence of the night. To our knowledge it’s the closest location from central Ohio where nesting loons can be found.
Common Loon
With young, (Donna).
Another view, (Donna).
Meal time, (Donna).
The young are growing fast.
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Lodge Lake.
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An equally enchanting bird usually seen on Grebe Lake is the Trumpeter Swan. During one paddle the call of the adults across the lake gave ample evidence as to how they got their name.
Trumpeter Swam Family, (Donna).
Another look.
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Being old enough to remember when they suffered the ravages of DDT and were very rare Bald Eagles always have a high wow factor. We had a number of sightings in the park and at least five the day we paddled Loud Pond along the Au Sable River.
I control the canoe and my wife often takes the pictures.
Where there is a nest there is usually an eagle.
Donna get’s a picture of one of the Bald Eagles seen on Loud Pond.
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Equally fascinating were the other birds seen during our hikes and paddles.
A Great Crested Flycatcher over looks a meadow on the south trail.
An immature Great Crested Flycatcher asks to be fed, (Donna).
A Catbird puts everything into it’s song, (Donna).
A good day for the Cedar Waxwing, not so much for the dragonfly, (Donna).
Along the south trail in the very top of a tree a Chestnut-sided Warbler sings it’s heart out, (Donna).
A Green Heron makes a living along the shore of Devoe Lake.
Too far away for a good pic, perhaps an immature Rose Breasted Grosbeak?
Ever on the lookout for flying insects, like sentry’s Kingbirds lined the shore of Devoe Lake.
Another look, (Donna).
Near water’s edge a Kingbird sits on it’s nest, (Donna).
Donna catches this female Kingfisher along the shore of Devoe Lake.
A Tree Swallow party along the shore of Devoe Lake,(Donna).
Numerous Rose Breasted Grosbeaks were seen but they proved a challenge to photograph, (Donna).
Spotted sandpiper along the shore of Loud Pond, (Donna).
Immature Spotted Sandpiper along Loud Pond, (Donna).
Immature Baltimore Orioles hang out in a distant tree.
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The Rifle River just downstream of Grousehaven Lake.
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If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time you know we love dragonflies. While butterflies may initially catch your eye very few creatures fascinate in the air like the dragonfly. But the relationship fraught with conflict because we also love birds and the dragonflies maneuverability is often not enough to avoid becoming a tasty high protein snack.
Calico Pennant, (Donna).
Female Ruby Meadowhawk
Blue Dasher, (Donna).
Chalk-fronted Corporal.
This Damsel fly on flower illustrates the capability 0f the micro 4/3rds Panasonic (Leica) 100-400mm lens, (Donna).
Dot-tailed Whiteface, (Donna).
Mating Ebony Jewelwings, (Donna).
Twelve-spotted Skimmer.
Female Lancet Clubtail, (Donna).
Female Calico Pennant.
Male Halloween Pennant.
Mating Halloween Pennants, (Donna).
Slaty Blue Skimmer, Tamron 18-400mm zoom.
Most of the time when we take a picture we have a pretty good idea what the subject is. When we don’t part of the fun is during the research to figure out what it is. So far the ID of this rather nondescript dragonfly remains a mystery.
The Vesper Bluet is a late afternoon and evening damselfly, (Donna).
Mating Vesper Bluets, (Donna).
River Jewelwing seen along the Au Sable River, (Donna).
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The Rifle River near the park’s southern boundary.
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Butterflies live a rough life. Subject to the effects of rain, wind, sun and sometimes attempted predation they often become rather tattered with age. Like wildflowers much of their magic come from the fact that they are only here for a short time. During this most recent visit it was interesting because we didn’t see as many as expected and often the ones seen were rather tattered. However, the few that were in nice enough shape to merit a photograph took up the slack.
Common Wood-Nymph, (Donna).
Northern Pearly-eye
Northern Pearly-eye another view.
American Copper, (Donna)
Another view, (Donna).
Great Spangled Fritillary, Tamron 18-400mm zoom.
Peck’s Skipper with a partially shaded wing explores an iris.
Northern Cloudywing Skipper
Eastern Comma.
Monarch, (Donna).
The very small and seldom seen Banded Hairstreak, (Donna).
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No matter when one visits the park in spring and summer there are some flowers that are seen and some that are not. Turtleheads and Cardinal flowers usually appear in August so we missed them this year but others were present.
Certainly not a flower but one of a number of very large White Pines in the park. How do you capture it’s impressive size in a photograph?
St. John’s Wort, (Donna).
Yellow Water Lily
Black-eyed Susan’s appear to take flight, (Donna).
This American Wintergreen was growing in a very moist area, (Donna).
Spotted Knapweed along the Lake Huron shore.
Pickerel Weed on Grebe Lake.
Water Lily.
Water Lily times two, (Donna).
A hover fly checks out a water lily.
Clustered-leaved Tick-trefoil.
Small and very common in the meadow areas along the south trail this one has eluded identification.
Bladderwort seen along the north trail, (Donna).
New Jersey Tea or Wild Snowball, interestingly it has been used for treated such things as gonorrhea, syphilis, colds, cough, fever, chills, spasms, bleeding, . . . “.
Monkey Flower, (Donna).
Swamp Milkweed, (Donna).
Indian Pipe, (Donna).
Jack-in-the-Pulpit.
Fern.
At their peak these Picture Plant flowers will turn a deep burgundy. See below for the leaves.
The leaves resemble a picture, imagine that!
Daisy Fleabane, very small, very common, very beautiful.
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Early morning on Grebe Lake.
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When out on a day’s hike looking for birds, flowers, or butterflies it’s hard not to notice other things and sometimes they become the most memorable.
Painted Turtle, Devoe Lake.
Pixie Cups, north trail.
We saw quite a bit of this colorful fungi the day we hiked the south trail.
Six-spotted Tiger Beetle along the trail, (Donna).
American Toad, (Donna).
Garter Snake in an unusual location, Devoe Lake.
A beaver lodge on Grebe Lake.
British Soldier Lichen seems to love old fence posts.
Early July is apparently not the best time for fungi. This was one of the few not very colorful examples seen.
Crown-tipped Coral Fungi near our campsite.
A Map Turtle catches a few rays, (Donna).
A large Porcupine is spotted along the south trail, (Donna).
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So much natural diversity in one Michigan state park! This year we left the park wishing for a few more days to explore, to look more closely with intention, to breath in the fragrance of balsam, or just to gaze up into the splendor of the green canopy of trees surrounding our campsite. Perhaps that’s the best way to leave.
Devoe Lake.
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Thanks for stopping by.
We didn’t see them all, but . . .
Posted on May 25, 2018
this spring the warbler migrants have been as enchanting as ever. While the mix of birds that pass through our area is undoubtedly fairly consistent from year to year what we end up seeing isn’t. There is always a little frustration when a favorite bird doesn’t present itself in our local park especially when they were almost impossible to miss the year before. With many birds having come and gone, and others now much harder to see and photograph due to the increased leaf cover, we thought it would be a good time to showcase some that were seen.
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One doesn’t always have to travel far. One morning, after hearing it’s call, we found a Chestnut-sided Warbler in our front yard.
Chestnut-sided warbler on it’s way north.
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At our local park, sometimes not more than a few yards from each other, my wife might see a bird that I would miss completely. A persistent call helps, but unless one detects movement the often brightly marked birds can be hard to spot.
Black & White warbler, Griggs Reservoir Park.
With a small insect.
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Blackpoll warbler, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
2. (Donna).
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Yellow warbler, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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Still further from home others were seen along Alum Creek Reservoir and the south shore of Lake Erie at Magee Marsh.
Yellow warbler, Magee Marsh.
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Blackburnian warbler, Magee Marsh, (Donna).
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Prothonotary warbler seen while canoeing the north end of Alum Creek Reservoir.
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Magnolia warbler, Magee Marsh.
2. (Donna).
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Northern Parula warbler, Magee Marsh.
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In our local park, in addition to the warblers other birds have been active and hard to ignore.
Red-eyed Vireo, Griggs Reservoir Park.
2. (Donna).
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Probably just passing through a Swainson’s thrush peeks out from behind a small branch, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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Blue-headed Vireo, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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Great Crested Flycatcher, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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A female Rose-breasted Grosbeak is seen at Griggs Reservoir Park and appears to be nesting in the area.
Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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Cedar Waxwing also nest in Griggs Reservoir Park . . .
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as does this male Red-winged Blackbird.
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Seen more often in the winter this Hooded Merganser enjoys the morning sun along the Scioto River just below the Griggs Reservoir Dam . . .
then commences to tidy up.
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Wildflowers also continue to enchant and never fail to provide strong competition for our attention.
Wild Columbine along the rock faced shore of Griggs Reservoir.
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While we will continue to see warblers for the next week or so it’s always a bit of a let down when one senses that spring migration is coming to an end. True, one can travel north and see birds but as nesting activities begin in earnest things become quieter and the birds more secretive.
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But for this year in this writers eyes the gift has been given. It is the realization once again that we are part of a sacred world of diversity and wonder and no more noble, important, or worthy than the warblers that are also part of earth’s fabric of life and grace our lives each spring as they make they way north to continue the cycle.
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Thanks for stopping by.
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Spring along the Scioto River.
A Spring Gift Along The Reservoir
Posted on May 19, 2017
This post covers some of the birds as well as other things that have been seen along the Scioto River corridor in central Ohio in the past few days. Many of the birds seen will continue their migratory journey further north. It’s a magical time of year as green spaces, especially those along lakes and rivers, are transformed by the sights and sounds of birds perhaps not seen other times of the year.
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Some birding days are better than others. In the spring a strong wind from the north usually means more birds. A wind from the south seems to send them on their way. All the birds may seem to be in the treetops one day while the next they’re at eye level making an impossible subject easy to photograph. While no one can guarantee what will be seen, even an inexpensive pair of binoculars will greatly increase your chances of seeing birds allowing you to enter their world and appreciate creatures with such unique beauty that it’s sometimes hard to believe.
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Everyone has their own way of appreciating nature, while we do make a point of traveling to more distant locations, we try to concentrate on a few areas close to home, observing the changes as the year progresses. A benefit of visiting a “favorite spot” often is that one is blessed with a sense of ownership, not in a possessive sense, but rather as a caring participant. A litter bag is always part of our equipment as it’s especially hard to walk by litter after one has just seen a Scarlet Tanager. The real plus is that through listening, looking (perhaps taking a picture), and allowing myself to be in the place, I’m extended beyond myself to a larger whole. Through this experience, which I once heard referred to as “a prayer”, I become richer and more grateful.
Griggs Park along the reservoir.
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A few days ago my wife was looking for warblers right along the river as I did likewise along a some trees a little further away from the water. She was paying attention to the low lying brush at water’s edge when she decided to look up into the overhead tree branches and found herself confronting a much larger bird.
Bald Eagle along the Scioto River just below the Griggs Reservoir Dam, it didn’t stay long . . .
before it flew across the river . . .
to a safer perch. (Donna).
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Out of the corner of my eye I did see the eagle as it flew by but right in front of me there was a Great Crested Flycatcher. What to do, a flycatcher in the bush or a flying eagle. I chose the bird in the bush.
Great-created Flycatcher along the Scioto River just below Griggs Reservoir Dam..
Take 2.
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Warblers are surprisingly small when compared to the Great Created Flycatcher but make up for their size in quantity. Many, including Cape May and Yellow-rumped, continue to be seen.
Black and White warbler, Emily Traphagen Park.
Take 2.
Male American Redstart, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Take 2, (Donna).
Redstart with mayfly, Griggs Park.
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It’s hard to ignore the orioles which continue to be very common. Right now there are so many in Griggs Park that it’s quite possible that only a few will nest here with the remainder heading further north.
Male Baltimore Oriole, Griggs Park.
Female Baltimore Oriole, Griggs Park.
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It was a real treat to see our first Cedar waxwings of the year.
Cedar Waxwings, they handed the berry back and forth several times. Griggs Park.
Cedar Waxwings, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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Red-eyed Vireos are often spotted in dense treetop leaf cover but every once in a while they come down so we can get a better look.
Red-eyed Vireo, Griggs Park.
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An Acadian Flycatcher was also seen.
Acadian Flycatcher? Griggs Park.
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We first spotted a streak of white, black, and red. Open landing the Rose Breasted Grosbeak played hide and seek as it chowed down on what were apparently very tasty seeds.
Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Griggs Park.
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Another bird seen only during spring migration is the Scarlet Tanager.
Scarlet Tanager, Griggs Park.
Just a minute.
There, that’s better.
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Morning sun and leaves, Griggs Park.
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The Swainson’s Thrush is usually only seen during migration.
Swainson’s Thrushes were everywhere in Griggs Park.
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Our first Kingbird of the year along Griggs Reservoir. Some will stick around to nest in the park.
Kingbird, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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We also noticed a few “non-bird” type things.
Immature male Common Whitetail, Emily Traphagen Park.
False Solomon’s Seal, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Female Black Swallowtail, Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna).
The Northern Water snake orgy goes on, see previous post, (Donna).
A Woodchuck tries to blend in, Griggs Park.
Wild Columbine, Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna). This photo was inspired by one of our birding friends.
A chipmunk poses, Duranceaux Park.
Six Spotted Tiger Beetle, Emily Traphagen Park, (Donna).
Zebulon Skipper, Emily Traphagen Park. (Donna).
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We can’t forget all the other birds seen in the past week. Many of these are year round or summer residents.
A very noisy Winter Wren, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Eastern Phoebe, Griggs Park.
Hidden in the leaf cover an immature Eastern Phoebe waits for it’s next meal, Duranceaux Park.
Blue Jays continue to be industrious, Griggs Park.
Red-bellied Woodpecker looks for a meal in Emily Traphagen Park.
The beautiful marking of a Northern Flicker are clearly seen as it briefly pauses overhead, Griggs Park.
Carolina Chickadee, Griggs Park.
Great Blue Heron, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Hairy Woodpecker, Griggs Park.
Easy eats may be why we’ve seen so many Great Egrets along the reservoir and river this spring, (Donna).
Great Egrets, Griggs Park
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With spring in full swing, there’s almost too much is going on, but we hope everyone enjoyed this photographic celebration of spring in central Ohio.
Griggs Reservoir Cove, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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Thanks for stopping by.
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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.
Walking Not Running
Posted on May 1, 2017
When younger one of my greatest joys was running trails in the various area parks and experiencing the exhilaration as my body rose to the challenge of each new hill or greater distance. Blame it on the aches and pains of age, overuse, or maybe just wanting something more out of the experience, but at some point trail running wasn’t as enjoyable so I started to walk when in the woods. Sometimes I walked fast, but often a little slower not worrying as much about getting a “workout”. It wasn’t long before I started seeing things I hadn’t noticed before and often found myself stopping for a better look. At first, armed with only a little curiosity, I did so impatiently, wanting to keep moving. But gradually, the more I looked the more was noticed; relationships and interconnections, certain butterflies liked certain plants, some birds were usually found in the treetops, others on the ground, and some somewhere in between. Some birds passed through very briefly in spring and fall while others appeared to hang around all year. There were unique spring, summer, and fall wildflowers. Nothing was forever, flowers faded, plants died, hawks ate squirrels, storms downed once admired stately trees, but through it all there was always new life.
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Aware of their interconnectedness, the plants, animals, and insects seen became more interesting, and then they, as well as the experience of being in nature, became almost magical. There was apparently a lot more going on than I ever realized when running. Slowly, rather than being “inner-directed” and worrying about “breathing and pulse rate”, I became “outer-directed”. A feeling of being part of something much bigger than myself, or even humankind, started to develop. Before long a feeling of oneness with “that bigger something” would embrace me while walking through the woods or paddling a lake or river. But also a heightened awareness arose that, like the “stately tree”, I was not here forever. I had been given a gift that allowed me, for a very brief moment of seemingly insignificant time, to look, listen, smell, and touch the wonder of it all.
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So on that note, the following pictures of things seen in nature over the last few days are offered as a merger celebration of this brief moment in time.
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The Baltimore Orioles have arrived to nest along the Scioto River and Griggs Reservoir.
Baltimore Oriole over the Scioto River, (Donna).
Male Baltimore Orioles along Griggs Reservoir.
Another lone male along the Scioto. The males are often seen chasing each other this time of year.
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Paddling on Griggs Reservoir it’s hard not to notice that the Wild Columbine is in bloom along the low but rocky cliffs of reservoir’s east shore.
Wild Columbine.
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Walking park paths other late spring wildflowers have also been seen.
Appendage Waterleaf, (Donna).
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Very common Yellow-rumped Warblers pass through Griggs Park heading north to Michigan or Canada to nest.
Male Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Another view.
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High in a Sycamore the first Great Crested Flycatcher of the year is seen. It will probably nest along Griggs Reservoir.
Great Crested Flycatcher. Note distinctive yellow underside.
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A whimsical year round resident, this Carolina Wren shows off it’s prize.
Carolina Wren
Another view.
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Numerous Palm Warblers are seen passing through Griggs Park as they also head further north.
Palm warblers are common in the spring and fall along Griggs Reservoir.
Another view.
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Also on it’s way further north a Nashville Warbler forages at the edge of the Scioto River. Not a bird we often see.
Nashville Warbler.
Another view, (Donna).
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As it searches for higher ground a Northern Water Snake is seen along the rain swollen Scioto River.
Northern Water Snake
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A “turtle family” doesn’t seem to mind the high water.
Red-eared Sliders along the Scioto, (Donna).
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Trying to locate a warbler we sometimes have a sense we’re being watched.
Peeking out.
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Sure enough!
Gray Squirrel
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We hope that in the past few days your adventures in nature have been as rewarding as ours. 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.
Late Summer Magic; Insects and Fall Warblers
Posted on September 7, 2016
Late August isn’t usually when I think of seeing fall warblers in central Ohio. Although I’m sure that’s the result of a certain level of ignorance on my part. So not really expecting the warblers this early, most of our efforts in recent days have been spent looking for, and enjoying, the “bugs” that currently seem to be in their prime. What started as a way to say curious during the summer doldrums has now become a real goal of our explorations.
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Whether a spider, butterfly, moth, bee, or dragonfly their unique beauty and behavior, so unlike our own, takes us into a truly different world. Fascinating as they are I wouldn’t want to return “in the next life” as an insect. The dragonfly is too efficient and maneuverable a flying machine bringing a quick end to anything flying nearby that it considers a meal. The life cycle of many wasps requires that caterpillars become live hosts for their larva. A convenient meal for the future wasps but undoubtedly not a pleasant experience for the caterpillar. A garden spider quickly dispatches and gift wraps a careless fly in silk for later consumption. And just when you think your the biggest, baddest, “bug” around, a bird comes along. I could go on but it is sufficient to say, it’s not for me.
Praying Mantis in our backyard garden. They’ve been observed catching unsuspecting humming birds that get a little too close.
A closer look, this is one insect that has no trouble holding on to it’s meal!
Iron weed and a Clouded Sulfur, flowers upon flowers, north end of Griggs Reservoir.
Wasps making baby wasps, Prairie Oaks Metro Parks.
Pelecinid Wasp, Prairie Oaks Metro Park
Monarch, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Question Mark, Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
Spotted Orbweaver, Griggs Park
Triangle-bearing Orbweaver (very small), Griggs Park
Very small Mayfly close to the water, Griggs Park
Funnel Weaver Grass Spider, (Donna)
Bumble bee, (Donna).
Overhead view of a Katydid, (Donna)
Walnut Caterpillar, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna)
Marbled Orbweaver, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna)
Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, (Donna)
Unidentified fly, Griggs Park, (Donna)
Mayfly, Griggs Park, (Donna)
Grasshopper, Griggs Park, (Donna)
Spotted Orb Weaver (underside), Griggs Park, (Donna)
Variegated Fritillary, Griggs Park, (Donna)
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It’s not as if there haven’t been birds around. Sometimes, in our quest for insects, we get so engaged in looking down we forget to look up! The Osprey was discovered as we were looking for warblers and provided many great poses as he devoured a fish just two of which are shown below.
Osprey with fish, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Take two.
Northern Flicker, finally managed to get an image which shows off most of it’s distinctive markings, Kiwanis Riverway Park
Great Crested Flycatcher, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers, adult and immature, Griggs Park
Great Blue Heron and nest, north end of Griggs Reservoir. This is special because it’s the first nest I’ve noticed at that area in some time.
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. . . and then there were the warblers, always more seen than successfully photographed.
Black and White, Griggs Park
Yellow-throated, Griggs Park.
American Redstart, 1st year, Griggs Park.
From a different angle, (Donna)
Cape May, Griggs Park, (Donna)
Immature Red-eyed Vireo, Griggs Park
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When in nature take a moment to enjoy the whole, allowing yourself just to be.
Kiwanis Riverway Park.
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With the fall migration just getting started we’re looking forward to what will be seen in the coming weeks.
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Thanks for stopping by.
Open To Nature’s Possibilities
Posted on May 28, 2016
Now that the spring migration is tapering off expectations need to be adjusted when visiting a local park or taking a walk in the woods. For birders it’s all about avoiding the big letdown after several weeks where each outing meant wondering what new warbler the day would bring. On a recent hike at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, even if one was lucky enough to catch a glimpse, many birds soon disappeared into the leaf cover. Perhaps it’s time to diversify and look for other things, fungi, flowers, and non-warbler type birds.
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With this in mind we headed for the aforementioned park remembering that it’s a good place to see Indigo Buntings.
Indigo Bunting, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Take 2.
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A few other Battelle Darby birds were also cooperative, if only just.
Common Yellowthroat, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Female Yellow Warbler? Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Eastern Spotted Towhee, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
White-eyed Vireo, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
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It was hard not to notice the early summer wild flowers along park trails whether at Battelle Darby or closer to home..
Appendaged Waterleaf, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Spiderwort, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Miami Mist, look but don’t touch! Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Hawkweed, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna)
Blackberry blooms, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Common Cinquefoil, , Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Sweet Cicely, Griggs Park, (Donna)
Angelica, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Purple Rocket, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Forget Me Not, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Blue Flag Iris, Griggs Park.
Philadelphia Fleabane, Griggs Park.
Multiflora Rose, Griggs Park.
Yellow Flag Iris, Griggs Park.
English Plantain, very common but with it’s own unique beauty, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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Once thought of as an alternative when we weren’t seeing birds insects have now become fascinating in their own right.
Mating Golden-backed Snipe Flies, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna)
Six-spotted Green Tiger beetle, , Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna)
Silver-spotted Skipper, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna)
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Battelle Darby Metro Park, (Donna).
Eastern-tailed Blue, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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Not a flower, insect, or bird my wife nonetheless noticed this very small but beautiful fungi.
Scarlet Cup, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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Closer to home there were also things to see, the first humming bird of the year at O’Shaugnessy Nature Preserve and a hawk with prey at Griggs Park.
Certainly not a National Geographic quality pic but it was a FOY Ruby-throated Hummingbird, O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve, Twin Lakes Area.
Kingbird, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Take 2.
Nesting Prothonotary Warbler along the Scioto below Griggs dam, (Donna).
Cowbirds, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Great Crested Flycatcher, Griggs Park.
Female Hairy Woodpecker, Griggs Park.
Northern Flicker, Griggs Park.
Baltimore Oriole seen while kayaking on Griggs Reservoir.
Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk with squirrel, Griggs Park
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And a few other creatures also caught our attention.
Eastern Spiny Softshell seen while kayaking on Griggs Reservoir.
Leopard Frogs, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
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That’s about it for this post. We always wonder if we’re going to run out of things that fascinate and enchant. Fortunately in nature the more you look the more you see.
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Thanks for stopping by.
Quiet afternoon, Griggs Reservoir.
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XXX
