Juniper Charms in Verdigris Bliss

I would like to think I have the wherewithal to roll out some extensive blog post sharing some goodies of recent weeks. But all I can say is, "Hell no!" I'll be lucky to get through this truncated post as I rise from several days of fevers and some horrible gastroenteritis.

Juniper Hairstreak, Dane Co, WI 23July2018

Against reason, in a cloud of a throbbing headache and trembling extremities from dehydration, I ventured out to Kahl Road in Dane County today to see if I could spot some Juniper Hairstreaks.

Juniper Hairstreak, Dane Co, WI 23July2018

Third time's a charm!

Juniper Hairstreak, Dane Co, WI 23July2018

For a spell of 20-30 minutes today I felt well, near normal. I was elated to find Kahl road could produce this species again. I had my life encounter with Juniper Hairstreaks at this same location last year.

Juniper Hairstreak, Dane Co, WI 23July2018

For a second year running I also found one of these lovely butterflies predated by an Ambush Bug. Bastard!

Ambush bug predating a Juniper Hairstreak, Dane Co, WI 23July2018

I knew not to spend too long in the direct sun since I was starting from below zero on the "hydrationometer."

Finally, I could time a visit to this road when weather was conducive to butterfly flight.

Juniper Hairstreak, Dane Co, WI 23July2018

On previous visits, despite a promising hourly forecast I had arrived to find overcast skies or rain. As one learns quickly when pursuing butterflies, rain and chillier temps will certainly hamper your odds for encounters with these beauties. Though no visit is entirely lost on me. During my last stop here a few days ago (while sick) I found a cooperative Ground Crab Spider to briefly amuse me.

Ground Crab Spider (Xysticus species), Dane Co, WI 19July2018 

Today's visit was all too brief. I would have loved to have had the endurance to pursue the ID of some of the other insects and butterflies or perfect my images of the Juniper Hairstreaks. However I knew not to push my luck as I felt the beads of precious fluids leaving my body by way of my forehead and I was still in the "do-not-trust-a-fart" phase of my illness (insert smiling pile of poo).

So back to the air conditioning I headed. I made quick stop for Pedialyte en route home which I am nursing as I write. Cheers to ridiculous summer viruses!

Season of the Ghost

Lately, my amygdala has been engaged in the absurd behavior of reflecting back on what Reason surmises is a vacuous slop of darkness and deceit. Wasting time occupying the spaces of my brain with such nonsense is troubling. 

Ghost Tiger Beetle, Sauk Co, WI 28June2018

Fortunately the evolving seasons have tethered me to Nature's forward momentum. I excitedly anticipate her grand seasonal displays. 

Late June through early July bring the season of the alluring state-threatened Ghost tiger beetle. Ghost tiger beetles decorated in cream and carmel patterns edged with frosted copper accents.

Nature's paintbrush is exquisite. Colors pleasingly coordinated...

In the "barren" sandscape that is anything but barren.

Tiger beetle (and then some!)  habitat

Where life and death are beautifully juxtaposed.

A carefully hidden Vesper Sparrow nest, Sauk Co, WI 28June2018

Parasitized by a Brown-headed Cowbird (Boooo!)

Either Cloudless or Orange Sulphur, Sauk Co, WI 27June2018

The seasons will continue in the form of particular flights of beetles and butterflies. Generally more insects will abound, more orchids will emerge. Birds are fledging. Shorebirds have begun their southward flight. That Spring Green Blue Grosbeak of recent years has returned only to be re-discovered in recent days. The wealth of critters and plants abound as they go about the business of thriving, reproducing, to eventually yielding to senescence.

I may orchestrate and plan. But nevertheless will always be surprised.

Absorb. Witness. Propel forward.

Time and Nature will not wait.