Kip’s Comments - June 22, 2025

Our House on the Prairie and Red Fox

I do not remember ever choosing to watch an episode of “Little House on the Prairie” or reading the book series. Instead I watched Marlin Perkins (Wild Kingdom) or Marty Stouffer (Wild America). Drama was beaten out by wildlife action time and again. While I did not watch the program or read the chapters, I do like the title since the word “prairie” is included.

Prairie habitat is good habitat to have around. Since we began our small prairie project we have seen a dramatic increase in birds and bugs over what used to be around. Our pollinator habitat is not large, but it means much to us and to wildlife.

Early this morning I walked part of our prairie to catalog what flowering species were present. There were a good number - some native and some non-native. As I studied the blossoms I photographed more than a few to share here. By the way, the first picture featured was my favorite for the day (purple prairie clover).

Purple Prairie Clover - Image 987726

Common Poppy - Image 987567

Common Poppy - Image 987568

Evergreen Candytuft - Image 987578

Hoary Vervain - Image 987608

Lance-leaved Coreopsis - Image 987612

Prairie Coneflower - image 987615

Prairie Coneflower - image 987640

Yellow Goatsbeard - Image 987925

For the past weeks I have spent considerable time at a red fox den. Now that the young fox have either left the den or the mother moved them (really guessing the five little ones left to go wild), I put together a video featuring some of the images I recorded. See the images by clicking on this link: Images at a Red Fox Den

Red Fox - Image 983249