The Next Generation Clean-up Crew

As I traveled today I came across a pair of young turkey vultures practicing their clean-up skills. Not much was left of what appeared to be a road-killed rabbit. It was hard to tell for sure since there was so little left.

Turkey vultures may not appeal to most people, but think of the job these birds do. Shortly after the vultures sense the smell of carrion they are on the ground dining on the meat. Think what our roads would look like without turkey vultures.

By the way, soon the turkey vultures will be headed to warmer climates. Then we will see bald eagles doing what turkey vultures do now. Both thrive on carrion.

For those wanting something prettier, how about this view of sawtooth sunflowers!

From Ten Days Ago

Ten days ago a nature enthusiast friend sent me pictures of wild coffee. When I researched the plant I found another name: orangefruit horse gentian. Regardless of how the plant is known, I had not seen it before and was hoping to find it in 2025. Today was my day to search for the elusive plant - no matter what you call it.

After rereading the message from my buddy I am realizing I made more work out of finding the plant than was necessary. Had I headed in the right direction my “life plant” would have come into view early into the search. Instead, I worked harder. But, I had a good hike and a great time so all is well!

From Ten Days Ago

Ten days ago a nature enthusiast friend sent me pictures of wild coffee. When I researched the plant I found another name: orangefruit horse gentian. Regardless of how the plant is known, I had not seen it before and was hoping to find it in 2025. Today was my day to search for the elusive plant - no matter what you call it.

After rereading the message from my buddy I am realizing I made more work out of finding the plant than was necessary. Had I headed in the right direction my “life plant” would have come into view early into the search. Instead, I worked harder. But, I had a good hike and a great time so all is well!

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.

Two Weeks and a Couple Days Later

Two weeks and a couple of days ago I explored a local fen in search of Grass of Parnassus and fringed gentians. While I found the Grass of Parnassus were having an outstanding blooming season, I struck out on fringed gentians and bottle (closed) gentians. I planned to return to assure the absence of blooms was due to timing and not something else.

This morning was my time to check the fen again. A smile came across my face when I found many fringed gentians, bottle gentians, and an assortment of other late fall wildflowers.

I will share a sampling of images below. If my video will work, I include more photos from this morning in that clip.

Feathers Above the Water, Feather on the Water, Fungi, and Foliage

My morning paddle trip provided a number of wildlife observations. Above the water there were warblers, an adult bald eagle, and green herons.

On the water was a single feather carrying a water drop.

Fungi was thriving on a log over the water.

And foliage is beginning to change colors next to the water.

It was a pretty morning!

Glimpses of Autumn From Sweet Marsh and the Sweet Water Trail

All around the landscape Mother Nature is providing pretty glimpses of the changing seasons. If a person slows down to look around, the scenes come into view.

I hope you enjoy some of what I saw this morning.

Can’t Put A Finger On It

As I passed this scene at ground level I was mesmerized. Was it the steam rising off the wetland? Was it the long shadows formed by the sun backlighting the trees that are slowly expanding on the green space? Was it the assembly of all?

I don’t know why, but I really liked this scene and am looking forward to more like this as autumn 2025 progresses. I was glad I had my drone with me.

Aerial Seeding of Cover Crops

When a friend of mine mentioned she and a group of others would be working with pilots to aerial seed fall cover crops today, I asked if I might be able to stop by to watch and learn. Wow… what an education I got!

Part of the Mix

Very few locations considered “virgin prairies” exist in Iowa (or probably elsewhere). Most of the prairies we do have were likely the beneficiaries of human help.

Today our Soil and Water Conservation District, in partnership with our NRCS team, and with volunteers from…

Senior/Junior

During my morning exploration I found a tree hosting turkey vultures - all adults. This bird was on the top of the tree.

Flying nearby (in lesser quality light) was this young turkey vulture. Notice how the face is not red yet. In four to five years the head will become bright red.

It won’t be long before the turkey vultures head south. Generally vultures are fair-weather birds and are seldom seen when there is snow on the ground. (Of course there are always the early arrivals and late departures, but the bulk of the vultures are not around when snow is.)

Pics From the Weekend

Once again we enjoyed a pleasant “outdoor weekend” with family and friends. Temperatures were cooler than last weekend, but the sights and sounds were nice.

Following is a sampling of images..

Signs of Water Health

Right near my dock I noticed a stick in the water where I was going to drop my canoe. Since I am particular about my canoe, I was prepared pull the stick out of the way. As I went to reach for the branch I noticed a freshwater bryozoan that was established on the branch. Since freshwater bryozoans are rather fragile and are indicators of good water, I opted to work around it as I took some pictures and went on my way.

Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Green Dragon Seed Comparison

Last week I found and photographed two red-berry (seed) clumps. I knew one was a Jack-in-the-Pulpit plant, but I was not sure of the other.

According to my app, the second clump of seeds was a “green dragon.” Green dragon plants are…

So Which Is It?

My fugus app tells me this is either a giant puffball or a mushroom found in Europe. I suppose I should lean toward the puffball ID, but I am not quite sure. Maybe time will tell.

What a Weekend!!!

What a great weekend spent with family and friends. So much happened, so many experiences, so many pictures For now I will share some that I really liked.

Mostly Yellow and Some at Twelve Feet

Most of today’s images feature domestic plants - giant sunflowers. Cultivated or not, there is something pretty about bright yellow flowers high in the sky. Today the sunflower heads were…

Scenes From Rural America

This morning’s moody weather helped to make a few interesting “Rural America” pictures.

Subtle Changes with a Life Bird For Me

Unless you are studying the environment, you may not realize how fast the season is changing. Soybeans and corn are beginning to yellow. Leaves on trees are changing their hues - some very slightly and others more pronounced. And, the bird migration to warmer climates is well underway.

As I paddled the Wapsipinicon River this morning I was treated to four warbler species. One of those - the…

No Chlorophyll Yet Surviving and Exotic/invasive Fungi

During my explorations today I found Indian Pipe growing. Indian Pipe is an unusual plant in that it lacks chlorophyll. This plant gains its nutrients by parasitizing fungi that feed off tree roots. What an interesting plant.

During my studies I learned something interesting about golden oysters…