Slaty Skimmer
This Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta) is not hanging out in the desert, though it may look like that from this photo. Much of the region is running a strong rainfall deficit from the past few months with many areas abnormally dry and some in the midst of moderate drought. This combined with higher than average temperatures and aggressive destruction of vegetation in areas around ponds like this one (I promise there is a pond out of sight in this photo with actual water) can make what was a favorable area for insects and thus birds and other wildlife far less attractive and beneficial. Water...
Read MoreMale Eastern Pondhawk
I was able to spend a little time checking out a couple of usually good spots for dragonflies last week. This lovely male Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) was waiting for some females on a leaf on the edge of a pond. June is usually the beginning of the main part of our flight season, and this is the best time of year to get out and find some odonates. Whether they are zipping by capturing prey, mating, ovipositing, warming themselves or more you should explore any type of wet area near you to find them busy as can be in the summer sun. If you need some creative plans for the...
Read MoreSummer Sun
Here’s a weekend project for you – yep, more homework! Go find the sun and bask in it however you please Discover a place outdoors or more life that you have never seen before during this sensational summer weather Be reminded why the blue sky against the green landscape is one of the best sights there is Enjoy every moment of it that you can with your friends and family!
Read MoreGrass Pink
This Grass Pink, or Deptford Pink, (Dianthus armeria) is truly exceptional in terms of vibrant color for such a tiny plant. The wildflower is native to Europe, and though nonnative in our soil it does well without becoming invasive or dominating any landscape. What are we do to about such species? Try to remove them all at tremendous cost and inevitably failing? We have to focus on protecting our greatest conservation priorities and selectively dealing with the most dangerous invasive plants that crowd out or harm native endangered wildlife. There is no way to turn back the clock and restore...
Read MoreWeb-footed Salamander (Bolitoglossa medemi)
While we’re on the match stick theme – here’s another non-flashy stunner from last week’s Panama trip. Tropical salamanders also breed through direct development, skip a free-swimming larval stage, and hatch as mini versions of their parents – just like the miniature rain frog I posted earlier this week. This young web-footed salamander (Bolitoglossa medemi) is also spectacularly tiny! Twan Leenders RTPI President
Read MorePurple Coneflower Coming
This Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is about to bloom to add to the menu for all of our pollinators. What is most striking is how at this stage the plant looks like it has a green glow in the center, a pulse of life about to explode in showy color. The flower is radiant and the fuel to the gorgeous creatures that will be flying for it soon.
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