Days Like This

Yesterday was one of those days I live for, comprised of seemingly endless hours immersed in nature's splendor. And splendid it was! Yep it's that time of year to behold Splendid Tiger Beetles!

Splendid Tiger Beetle, Spring Green Preserve, Sauk Co, WI 14Sept2017

Months ago, when putting together my work schedule, I penciled in "Spring Green" on September 14th. I had not visited the preserve since early spring. Moving, hummingbird banding and other trials of life have kept me from more regular visits to Spring Green Preserve as well as some of my other favorite haunts.

I had intended to get an early start on the day which rarely happens for me. I've become slightly obsessed with documenting the birds and critters in my yard. Therefore with migration still under way, I felt compelled to hang out at home for the first couple hours to see if any new birds came through. Sure enough I added Yellow-throated Vireo to the list. I've also been enamoured with watching "my hummingbirds" and recording total number of individuals each day. My time is fleeting most days. So I've had little opportunity to capture any crushable moments. Yesterday I finally nailed it. I was just about to leave for the day when a hummer buzzed in and obliged me by nectaring on my flowers in decent sunlight for once.

Satisfied with successfully capturing a few hummingbird images, I headed west to the sand barrens and desert prairies. My target was tiger beetles. Mid-September appears to be high season for finding several species especially at Spring Green Preserve. But before heading to Spring Green, I elected to explore a new state natural area for me, Gotham Jack Pine Barrens. A couple months ago I stumbled upon information about this location which became a must-see destination when I read it was comprised of dry sand prairie, sand blows and held the promise of potentially finding Northern Barrens Tiger Beetle.

Powerline intersecting access road to Gotham Jack Pine Barrens

I exhausted the late morning into early afternoon exploring a small segment of Gotham. I immediately found several tiger beetles along the power line that intersected the access trail into the property. These included Big Sand, Festive, Punctured and Oblique. 

Gotham Jack Pine Barrens, sand blow, Richland Co, WI 14Sept2017

Upon finally reaching the sand blows adjacent to the Wisconsin River, I found many more Big Sand and few more Festive tiger beetles.

Festive Tiger Beetle, Gotham Jack Pine Barrens, Richland Co, WI 14Sept2017

The site looked to have good potential for Ghost Tiger Beetle though none were found. I toured the area hopeful to find additional tiger beetle species. For a good while all I could locate were more Big Sand tiger beetles.

Six-lined Racerunner, Gotham Jack Pine Barrens, Rickland Co, WI 14Sept2017

I flushed a six-lined racerunner which was a pleasant diversion from my sweltering tiger beetle search. This is a special concern species in Wisconsin. I seem to have a fair amount of luck seeing one or two in any given year. The racerunner had been chilling in what I will refer to as "heather." I did not make the effort to identify the plant. I suspect it is some type of heather as it had an uncanny resemblance to the "beach heather" I've observed along Lake Superior. This small lizard dashed for cover in another clump of heather as I came walking through the sand blow. Alerted to its presence, I found it sitting motionless in its new hiding spot. Stealthily, I leaned in for a few photos. Upon standing up, I spotted a second one resting in another clump of heather. Its brilliant blue tail had betrayed its location. Once aware of my presence, it too dashed for refuge in another location.

Gotham Jack Pine Barrens SNA, Bronzed and Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle habitat

I continued to search the sand terrace adjacent to the Wisconsin River for a good while finding only a sparse number of  tiger beetles. The time had moved past noon. THE HEAT WAS ON in the sweltering 85+ degree sun. I was beginning to feel a bit desiccated and was running low on water. Crows were making a ruckus in the adjacent pine plantation. I walked into the area for reprieve from the sun and to inspect the situation. The birds scattered upon my entry. I suspect I flushed whatever the crows were so worked up about. Likely a Great-Horned or Barred Owl though I can't be certain since I never laid eyes on the target of the crows outburst.

Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle, Gotham Jack Pine Barrens, Richland Co, WI 14Sept2017

FINALLY persistence paid off, I located a different tiger beetle species when I returned to the sand blows. A Hairy-necked! And just like that, once I spied one, suddenly the sand blow was alive with multiple beetles scurrying about. I estimated at least 12-18 individuals. These were all on a terraced area at least 20 feet above river. They proved more difficult to photograph than the other tiger beetle species, in constant motion and wary of my presence. Anyone who has ever attempted macro photos of tiger beetles knows what a challenge they can be.They must have incredible vision. They flush at the slightest of movements, landing anywhere from 5-15 feet away. They will often land in a face-off position with you. They stare you down with their penetrating eyes, vigilantly attentive to you, the threat in their midst. One false move and poof! Off they flee! It can be downright maddening.

Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle, Gotham Jack Pine Barrens, Richland Co, WI 14Sept2017

Despite my low energy I pushed myself to execute due diligence and inspect the sand down the embankment of the river. I surmised I might find Bronzed Tiger beetles closer to the river. This species seems to like the wet sand near bodies of water. As anticipated, my trip down the bank was rewarded with Bronzed Tiger Beetles. All specimens had darker, more muted maculations than I've seen on this species before.

Bronzed Tiger Beetle, Gotham Jack Pine Barrens, Richland Co, WI 14Sept2017

Compare the beetle above to this more typical appearing Bronzed Tiger Beetle I photographed in Vilas County, WI in August.

Bronzed Tiger Beetle, White Sand Lake,Vilas Co, WI 6Aug17

On my return trip back to the car, I finally located the actual jack pine barrens of the site. There was more sand I could have investigated, but my energy reserves were low.

Gotham Jack Pine Barrens, the actual jack pine barrens, Richland Co, WI 14Sept2017

I gave a cursory look for Northern Barrens upon exiting the site, but came up empty. I observed this species in Marinette County this year and last. However I have been attempting to find them in locations closer to Dane County, my county of residence. Perhaps another time. Gotham is definitely a place I will be returning to!

Northern Barrens Tiger Beetle, Marinette Co, 12June2017

Next up Spring Green Preserve, a mere twenty minutes from Gotham...but not before I enjoyed a late lunch at the Spring Green General Store. I hydrated and cooled off as best I could during my hour break between outings. However when I hit the desert trail at Spring Green, I quickly realized I had not completely cooled my body temperature from the morning and the hike up the bluff to add Splendid and Common Claybank tiger beetles to my list for the day was going to grueling. AND IT WAS. I hiked the desert prairie trail as quickly as I could telling myself to conserve my energy for the treasures at the top of bluff. As I hiked, I contemplated my insanity given how hot was I feeling. I was unsure if I would be physically capable of making the ascent up the backside of bluff given the heat and my sense of exhaustion from having been in the blazing sun for several hours already. Thankfully the shaded trail up the bluff felt cool enough that I went for it. Slowly, deliberately, up and up I climbed, worrying if my cardiovascular system would hold out. But it was all good.

Northern Black Widow, Spring Green Preserve, Sauk Co, WI 14Sept2017

Arriving at the top of the bluff I found what I believe to be a Northern Black Widow spider. While crouching down to photograph the spider, it suddenly disappeared. I was a bit unnerved worrying I had gotten to close with my lens hood. I briefly became spooked that it was actually on my camera or worse, my person. After inspecting my camera and arms for the small but menacing spider, I discovered it had retreated into the shade a safe distance from me. It's amazing how once I saw this spider, my concern and sense of over-heating subsided.

Northern Black Widow, Spring Green Preserve, Sauk Co, WI 14Sept2017

Finally I walked along the ridge to the bluff top hoping to find Splendid and Common Claybank tiger beetles. Given the paucity of tiger beetles I had seen coming up through the desert prairie trail, I was concerned my efforts would be met with disappointment...Nah. At the top, much like I had seen before during mid-September, the Splendid Tiger Beetles were darting about the rocks and I was elated to see them again.

Spring Green Preserve, east bluff Splendid and Common Claybank tiger beetle habitat

I went to work obtaining some photos. 

Splendid Tiger Beetle Spring Green Preserve, Sauk Co, WI 14Sept2017

I was actually thinking finding Common Claybank would be a long shot. Only one or two had been seen here last year. But when I turned my trunk while keeping my feet planted, bingo, a Common Claybank appeared! Fortunately I was on my game (ever so briefly and rare). I leaned down, keeping my feet motionless and crushed a photo within seconds. Lucky me because in less than a minute, just as quickly as the beetle appeared, it was gone.

Common Claybank Tiger Beetle, Spring Green Preserve, Sauk Co, WI 14Sept2017

Was that the icing on the day? It's difficult to say. It was all pretty damn golden. Black-widow is a Wisconsin life insect for me. I'm fairly stoked about that surprise. 

Spring Green Preserve, east bluff, Sauk Co, WI 14Sept2017

Otherwise much of the day, especially my visit to Spring Green preserve, in some ways was redundant to a September trip I made there last year. BUT it does not lessen the experience or joy. The fact that the Splendid and Common Claybank tiger beetles showed up again this year, as expected, during their expected time, it's comforting. It's exciting! I will NEVER take such redundancy for granted. It tells me some islands of our natural world are still OK. I recognize it could all go away. I live in a state run by Scott Walker and a country run by Donald Trump, where it seems anything and everything is up for sale. Greed and over-population are increasingly placing more pressure on our natural resources. It's pay to play (or destroy). So NOTHING can ever be taken for granted. Unfortunately the crooks running the show do not respect our natural world nor do they value sound environmental policy.

So...an eight species tiger beetle day, close encounters with six-lined racerunners and a black widow spider, and several other goodies along the way, heck yeah, it's golden! It really does not get better for me. This connectedness, it's what makes my life vibrant and drowns out the bad days and bad actors, the haters and cyber-bullies. All that noise is no match for the power of nature. 

Fortunes of Fall

Timing and good fortune were with me yesterday as I ventured out to see if I could catch some fall warbler action at Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton, WI.

Magnolia Warbler, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 7Sept2017

Though I got another late morning start, I found several nice feeding flocks along the mile or so of the creek corridor. I totaled 14 warbler species, all of which were seen within the first hour.

Nashville Warbler, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 7Sept2017

Had I arrived shortly after noon, I likely would have had a much different experience given activity had quieted considerably when I retraced my path over the first half of my walk.

American Redstart, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 7Sept2017

Lighting was low, the foliage was dense and birds were on the move feeding on the ample insects to fuel the next leg of their journey south.

Magnolia Warbler, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 7Sept2017

The process of observing behavior through my lens was far more rewarding than the resulting images.

Tennessee Warbler, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 7Sept2017 

Despite the relatively drab appearance of many of the fall warblers (Tennessee Warbler comes to mind as the most boring of the lot) I can appreciate the nuanced fall hues of certain species like the striking greens on the Chestnut-sided Warbler (sorry no pic) or the faint "bay" washed flanks of the Bay-breasted Warbler.

Bay-breasted Warbler, Dane Co, WI Sept 2015

I think I come to this thought quite often: What the hell is the color "bay" anyway? Did you say, "Google it?" Well I did. I learned bay is a reddish-brown hair coat color of horses. Horses! If I were the betting type, I would put money on the birding gods eventually changing this common name to something more fitting of birds.

A few adult male American Redstarts were around looking just as a brilliant as they do in the spring.

American Redstart male, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 7Sept2017

And "Wilson" too!

Wilson's Warbler, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 7Sept2017

I would argue this fall plumage of the Common Yellowthroat is actually more striking than its spring colors.

Common Yellowthroat, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 7Sept2017

There were plenty of vireos around as well, mostly of the Red-eyed variety. I was hoping for a dance with a "Philly," but settled for eye-level views of this Yellow-throated instead. This species breeds in southern Wisconsin. But since I've had little time to bird this summer, I haven't seen one in a few months. So I was grateful for the obliging views.

Yellow-throated Vireo, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 7Sept2017

Looking ahead to all things nature, I hope to round out my year list of Wisconsin orchids with a some fall-blooming spiranthes species. A visit or two to western Dane County and/or Sauk County in the next week should do the trick. I've done well on my 2017 orchid quest and hope to compile a summary of the orchids I've catalogued this year.

I continue to relish my new yard and am often quite content remaining at home to admire my nearby surroundings. There are still plenty of interesting critters to observe as far as insects go. In addition, migrant birds have been steadily visiting in recent weeks. I believe I am up to five warbler species for the yard with very little effort. I've also tallied at least 4 individual Ruby-throated hummingbirds and I have a Barred Owl that continues to hoot near my bedroom window most evenings. Perhaps strange to some, the resident American Crows are at the top of my list of favorite yard birds. Given their high intelligence I am intrigued by their behavior and wish I had more time to study them.

Until the next time enjoy all this changing season has to offer!

Too Fly for Warblers?

We have passed the mid-August point which roughly marks the onset of southward passerine migration. I was hoping to to get out in the early morning to catch some of the warblers before August's end. However when given the rare opportunity of sleeping versus rising early for birding, sleep has prevailed. Between work, hospitalizations of both parents, continuing projects at my new home and travel to Totality (still reeling from the bliss!) I cannot seem to shake a sense of perpetual exhaustion. 

Last Friday I made a lackluster attempt at birding for migrants. However, as most seasoned birders and those involved in passerine surveys well know, timing significantly impacts detection of passerines. Hence starting my one-hour birding effort midday was met with unimpressive results. 

But time outdoors is rarely lost on me. While midday can be a bust for birds, it's most often rewarding for insects. On this particular day, flies took center stage. 

Peacock flies! 

Initially I had been mostly seeing the ubiquitous Delphinia picta which I've photographed many times. 

Pictured Wing Fly, Dane Co, WI 25Aug2017

But on my passage along the trail back to my car, I began seeing several Peacock Flies. I have seen this species twice before with marginal photography results. Their constant movement and small stature (a few millimeters) makes them a challenge to photograph. The process is fun regardless of the results.

Peacock Flies are included in the class of flies commonly called "pictured wing flies" but carry the more appropriate common name which is likely a reference to the peacock-like patterning and blue iridescence in their wings.

Horse Flies were present too! To most this is just a nuisance biting insect. However I found this particular species, Striped Horse Fly, to be strikingly gorgeous! A search of Google images of various horse flies opened my awareness to what a great photography subject these insects can be. The eyes! Amazing and quite variabley patterned!

An Eastern Forktail damselfly. I've been trying to learn more about the Odes this summer and document my observations. I'm pretty clueless with the identification of this class of insects, but have it on good authority that I got this one correct for once! Again with much in nature, the colors and pattern differences of this insect class are intriguing. 

I also observed two awesome jumping spider species. This big, furry, cooperative specimen....

And this smaller fella. Different or same species? I'm too lazy to investigate. 

Before you know it passerine migration will be done and vagrant season will be upon us. Hopefully I can find the time and motivation to rise early on one of my free days to bid farewell to the jewels of forests. Fortunately my yard has attracted a few warblers so far this season including Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Green, Tennessee, Nashville (sitting on the can when I spotted this species) and American Redstart. So all is not lost on my preference to sleep!