Kip’s Comments - September 15, 2025

My Green Heron Buddies, Photoperiods, and Tackle Harvest

Almost every time I am on the river recently, assuming boats and PWCs have not been tearing around, I see two green herons. Due to the frequent observations in the same general area, it is probably safe to assume I am with the same birds.

Again today I saw two green herons in the same area as normal. Today though, one of the little herons allowed me to float within a few feet of it while I was pressing my shutter release button. When the bird finally had enough, it did not fly away. Instead the heron walked up on shore and down along the river bank. I did not follow it. The bird was busy “fishing” so I left the area.

Green Heron - Image 1027603

Green Heron - Image 1027635

Green Heron - Image 1027653

My curiosity struck again today as I wondered what part of a tree actually “senses” the shorter or longer periods of light in plants - including trees. That led me to the word “Photoperiodism.” I am continuing to study which part specifically senses the difference in length of light. Based on my initial research, this could get quite “deep” so I will study it more later. For now I found a few leaves that are rich in autumn colors while others are not. That difference spawned the photoperiodism question.

Green and Red Silver Maple Leaves - Image 1027388

Red Poison Ivy Leaves - Image 1027687

A little note of accomplishment… This has been a very productive year for harvesting abandoned fishing tackle. My “take” on discarded fishing line must be in the thousands of yards - all properly disposed of. Bobber recoveries have been numerous - I don’t need to buy any. Hooks and sinkers trail behind with just a handful of each. Actual lure recoveries have been less than a dozen, which stand to reason. They are usually left high in a tree or on a snag under water. Only occasionally do I find them within reach of a guy in a canoe. Much of my harvest is later put to use by my grandkids.

Fishing Lure in Tree - Image 1027379

Finally, this spider had a lovely web near where I was wiggling through tree branches to harvest tackle. I photographed it and changed my approach. The web remains intact.

Common Long-jawed Orbweb Spider - Image 1027366