What is Missing?

Before our grandsons woke this morning I spent time roaming our little “prairie” and flying over the homestead. The good news is more wildflowers are beginning to bloom. Other good news is we have what I hope is an ample supply of pollinators of smaller sizes - hoverfly or standard fly size or so. Sadly, I saw no bees, butterflies, moths, or dragonflies. Where are they? This year has been my lowest for seeing butterflies and moths. What is happening and what can we do to correct this alarming trend?

When Gramps is in Charge of Four Grandsons

Doubt was running rampant - at least I think it was - as this Gramps was in charge of four grandsons today. Grandma checked on me and the boys as did their Momma. We had no trouble and…

Drama on the Roadway

For the second time in as many days I rescued a turtle that started its trek across a road, then paused (squirrel-like) in the traveled portion of the road. Both times I moved the turtle in the direction they were going.

I am happy to say there were no turtles…

Blossoms, Butterflies, and Insects with My Grandson

Today’s activities included a couple of hours with one of my grandsons at the Saylorville Reservoir. We spent much of our time with cameras at the butterfly garden. Following are some of my images.

Calendar Image? And Invasive or Not - Wow… So Pretty!

During a mid-week road trip I took a few minute pit-stop at a prairie site along I-35. The prairie was filled with native and non-native wildflowers - in fact there may have been a dominance of invasive plant species. Native or not, the many scenes were pretty enough…

A Challenge Species with an Unusual Characteristic

For about as long as I have been exploring wildlife with a camera, one bird species has consistently posed photographic challenges. Belted kingfishers are one of those birds that make their presence known by sound and their determined flight along and over water. I repeatedly see kingfishers, but I seldom come home with…

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…

If I Could Talk To the Animals - Working a Scene

As I was working at our cabin today I noticed a giant mayfly on the pontoon boat. I took a couple of pictures of the mayfly and promptly recognized an opportunity to invest time and effort for better photos. Feel free to go through the following photos to see how I went from pontoon pictures to images on vegetation that looked much more natural. I did add extra light via my flash.

As for talking to the animals. These mayflies are prized…

Summer Solstice Suggestion

About this time last year, really, about this time every year, I try to remind people why the summer solstice is important. Here goes the annual update.

Foremost is the fact that summer is officially here. But, there is so much more. After today, our hours of daylight begin to decrease. After today, vegetation begins the process of ending their lifecycle, eventually dropping to the ground in the fall. After today, we are on the downhill slide to winter.

It may be premature to get your snow shovels…

Different Views From the Morning

All plans stopped early this morning when I noticed the sun shining through a handful of pleated inkcap mushrooms that popped up in our yard. I lost the battle to mosquitos as I composed a variety of images of the little fungi, but I enjoyed the results - skeeter welts or not!

Wondering

Since the emerald ash borers killed so many trees in the past years, it seems the woodpeckers have been thriving. I have seen more red-headed woodpeckers recently than I have observed since childhood. Is this a coincidence or have I hit on something?

For what it is worth, the red-bellied woodpeckers appear to be doing well too!

Images from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

I recently completed a short visit to the BWCA. My plan was to find pink lady slippers (did not happen) and northern pitcher plants (featured below). While there I recorded a few other images. I may put something together later about the outing.

Micro-Prairies (Habitat Islands) - Good For All

Before a Soil and Water Conservation District meeting this afternoon I wandered the small prairie area - a sample prairie - outside of the NRCS building. For many people the idea of a prairie, even a “micro prairie,” is something foreign. “Prairies are large…thousands of acres…” “Prairies are in the country, outside of the city…” “Prairies are unkempt; we prefer a manicured lawn…” Such are some comments about prairies.

Maybe there is another way to think about prairies. What if we all included a small, micro-prairie in our yard? This would be areas set aside for bees, butterflies, and maybe other wildlife - along with wildflowers - to thrive. The space would not have to be large, but big enough for a variety of native plants to exist. Think of the habitat that could be provided if we all had at least a micro-prairie! Little islands of habitat across the country could help bring pollinators (think monarch butterflies and other species) back.

The positive impacts of such an idea are several. Pollinators would have regular, continuous areas to thrive - to feed and reproduce. Our plant life - wild and domestic - depend on pollinators. More pollinator habitat should equate to more pollinators that should equate to a healthier life for humans. Pollinator habitat is pretty in its own way - the randomness, the variety of colors, the continual show of blossoms throughout the growing season.

What might be drawbacks to micro prairies? …

Attractive, But Can Be Lethal (and more)

During my travels today I came upon an area where very tall plants with “parsley-like” leaves and tiny white flowers appeared to be thriving. I had a hunch that plant might be trouble and after doing research I confirmed my suspicions. Assuming I am correct, this pretty plant is poison hemlock.

For most people the plant is only an issue if any parts are ingested. Some though, may suffer just from touching the plant. So, avoid this plant and you will hopefully avoid any issues for yourself. (I will be notifying the county roadside vegetation manager to ask about eradication.)

Other observations today included…

Observations From My Happy Place

Well before most folks were up and around today I was checking for life on the Wapsipinicon River. Birds were calling and feeding all around, but most could not be seen at close range. I did manage a few photographs worth keeping before the gnats woke for the day and ended my fun.

Notice the…

Small in Size, Large in Meaning

A family member and I spent another day at the great healing spot to the north. Over the years we have visited this location many times with great results. During that same time we have met many fine people, some who are more than acquaintances but have become friends.

One person in particular makes an impact each time we visit. Whether a smile is shared due to a full workload or we pause to chat and catch up on life - visits are meaningful.

When we met today our friend already knew what the plan was. What we did not expect was the gifting of a small “worry stone” for my family member. Worry stones are intentionally small and designed to be carried for times when stressed, anxious, or in need of comfort. There is no doubt the worry stone will be carried.

Thank you so much for making a difference. I know there are days of frustration and questioning. Know that today your presence had a very positive impact and for you we are thankful!

Time for a Theme Change

After concentrating much effort recently on photographing migratory birds - especially small birds - today I focused on outdoor activities on the Wapsipinicon River. What the Wapsie lacks in grandiose views, it excels in as a peaceful, relaxing, inviting setting not far from home. I could spend many, many days on this ol’ river!

Watching the Neighbors Eat

I suppose most of the time it would be considered rude if you sat quietly in the shadows and watched your neighbors eat. Inconsiderate or not, that was what I did for a while early this morning on the Wapsie River..

After many hours of darkness the prothonotary warblers along the Wapsipinicon were hungry. I was out looking for green herons that were calling when i…

Looking Around - A Long Trip

Since I had an appointment this afternoon with U of I, I left early this morning to do some exploring on the drive down. Extra destinations for the day were Lake McBride (seen here)…

Critters at the Cabin

Very early this morning I was enjoying quiet time at our cabin. Every now and then the clouds overhead allowed the sun to shine through. Birds were calling from…