More Cow Path!

Saturday, August 25th, following my last trip north for hummingbird banding, I stopped on a whim to search for northern Wisconsin tiger beetles. Heading south through Vilas county, I spotted some promising sand on my Google satellite map. I could have continued south to chase a Wisconsin life Swallow-tailed Kite. Instead I opted to take advantage of one of my last opportunities of the year to find Cow Path and Boreal Long-lipped tiger beetles. Plus I figured if the kite stuck I could chase it another day.

Cow Path Tiger Beetle (Cicindela purpurea purpurea) , Vilas Co, WI 25Aug2018

I highly desired to find a Cow Path tiger beetle since I had only seen this species on one other occasion a few years ago. My wager on tiger beetles paid off in spades. I found both Cow Path and Boreal Long-lipped tiger beetles along with a numerous collection of a few other species.

Cow Path Tiger Beetle (Cicindela purpurea purpurea) , Vilas Co, WI 25Aug2018

This entomological honeypot didn't just host Cow Path and Boreal Long-lipped tiger beetles, but also an overall abundance of tiger beetles that I have not witnessed before.

Vilas County "honey pot"

In addition to the two Cow Path tiger beetles pictured above, I estimated seventy Cicindela scutellaris lecontei (Festive),

Festive Tiger Beetle (Cicindela scutellaris lecontei), Vilas Co, 25Aug2018

Festive Tiger Beetle (Cicindela scutellaris lecontei), Vilas Co, 25Aug2018

Eighteen Cicindela formosa generosa (Big Sand),

Big Sand Tiger Beetle (Cicindela formosa generosa), Vilas Co, WI 25Aug2018

Big Sand Tiger Beetle (Cicindela formosa generosa), Vilas Co, WI 25Aug2018

eight Cicindela tranquebarica tranquebarica (Oblique),

Obliqued-lined Tiger Beetle (Cicindela tranquebarica tranquebarica), Vilas Co, WI 25Aug2018

and one Cicindela longilabris longilabris (Borel Long-lipped).

Boreal Long-lipped Tiger Beetle (Cicindela longilabris longilabris0, Vilas Co., WI 25August2018

The abundance of Festive tiger beetles made for a nice study of the variation in maculations seen on this species. Ten to twelve beetles were visible at a time as we methodically moved forward along a short stretch of sand two-track. Most were quite skittish, intolerable of close approach. Hence the doc shot quality of some of these photos. 

 A few butterflies and other insects were present as well. However I was too immersed in the tiger beetles to bother with identifying most of the other insects presents. I did find this obliging buffalo tree hopper right before my flash battery died.

And I even got the Swallow-tailed Kite the following day! 

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.

Between Then and Now

Time truly waits for no one. One glance over my shoulder assures me of that. Where did the glorious days of mid-May go? What has only been a month since spring migration's climax, feels like no less than six.

Time is peculiar like that. It unpredictably expands and contracts. Three weeks can feel like a year ago, while three years (facilitated by petulant reminders) can feel like mere weeks removed.

White Lady Slipper, Dane Co, WI 26May2018

By far, time mostly expands, full of countless blissful imprints of nature and people coming together in an elevated symphony that drowns out the dark noise.

White Lady Slipper, Dane Co, WI 26May2018

The perspective of time and its infinite wisdom teaches me that something which can feel like a penance at its onset is actually a gift in disguise, a gift that thrusted me on a journey toward freedom from oppression. Survival feels grand. Indeed a gift.

The interim since the passing of spring migration has been brimming with activity. Between then and now nature has continued evolving in all her seemingly infinite ephemeral expressions. I have been there chasing her ever-changing mood. Harnessing her beauty in slivers of time. Stacking memories and images along the way.

Showy Orchis, Pleasant Valley SNA, Dane Co 25May2018

As soon as migration waned, I made haste to find the earlier spring-blooming orchids.

White lady slipper in northern Dane County,

White Lady Slipper, Dane Co, WI 26May2018

Yellow Lady Slipper at Pleasant Valley in Western Dane County

Yellow Lady Slipper, Pleasant Valley SNA, Dane Co 25May2018

...and my lifer, Showy Orchis.

Showy Orchis, Pleasant Valley SNA, Dane Co 25May2018

I have returned to "The Gorge" many times to immerse myself in its spring transformation. I continue to relish in the seclusion available to me so near, yet seemingly so far, from the bustle of the busy Madison area.

Acadian Flycatcher, "The Gorge," Dane Co, WI 25May2018

My yard and gardens have demanded tremendous time as I strive to add more native plants as well as exotic annuals to attract more birds and pollinators.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, my yard, Dane Co, WI 2June2018

I have meandered to several state natural areas including Hemlock Draw, Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie, Pleasant Valley, Town Corner Cedars, Dunbar Barrens, Kissick Alkaline Bog and Parrish Oak Savanna.

Dragon's Mouth Orchid, Sawyer Co, 17June2018

I have traveled north to Marinette County for my breeding bird surveys with some orchids and insects sprinkled in along the way...

Kirtland's Warbler, Marinette Co, WI 10June2018

...and to Sauk, Washburn and Rusk counties for hummingbird banding with more nature squeezed in my limited down-time between banding three locations.

Pink Lady Slippers "in spades," Marinette Co, WI 10June2018

I've logged nine orchid species, numerous robberflies, dragonflies and butterflies, six tiger beetle species and banded over two hundred and fifty Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.

Six-spotted Tiger Beetle, Ferry Bluff SNA, Sauk Co, 27May2018

Boreal Long-lipped Tiger Beetle, Dunbar Barrens SNA, Marinette Co, WI 11June2018

Small Round-leaved Orchis, Sawyer Co, WI 17June2018

Other than the purposeful effort of finding select orchids, nature has mostly revealed herself in an incidental and always rewarding manner.

Showy Orchid, Sawyer Co, WI 17June2018

Pink Lady Slipper,  Marinette Co, WI 10June2018

Life has been busy and will remain so for the foreseeable future. I hope to find time to consolidate and log my observations here. However time will not wait for me. So for now, onward I go!

Is it a Wrap?

Early last week it appeared the excitement of migration through Dane county came to a screeching halt on May 15th. 

Black-throated Blue Warbler (male), Gallistel Woods, UW Arboretum, 14May2018

Our last push of impressive migrant numbers and diversity occurred the day prior. 

Chestnut-sided Warbler (at my feet), Pheasant Branch Conservancy, May 2018

Storms early that morning forced many migrants down. 

Philadelphia Vireo, Graber Pond, Dane Co, WI 14May2018

Wilson's Warbler, Graber Pond, Dane Co, WI 14May2018

Thrushes dominated the day at densities I don't recall seeing before in Dane county. 

Veery, Wingra Woods, UW Arboretum 14May2018

Gray-cheeked Thrush, Gardner Marsh, UW Arboretum, 14May2018

Swainson's Thrush, UW Arboretum, 14May2018

Spring migration 2018: It felt somewhat delayed, then came on fast and furious. It will certainly go down as one for the record books of my gray matter. 

Chestnut-sided Warbler (at my feet), Pheasant Branch Conservancy, May 2018

On the waning side of its climax, warblers continued at my feet, but with far less frequency. As temperatures climbed, birds moved to food sources high in the tree canopy. 

American Redstart, the iconic warbler of waning migration, Graber Pond, Dane Co, 14May2018

The serendipity of Black-throated Blue warblers was certainly with me this spring which contributed to its overall superior rating as far as migrations go. 

Black-throated Blue Warbler (male), Gallistel Woods, UW Arboretum, 14May2018

Throughout the first half of May, I was fortunate to encounter several of these captivating blue warblers at various locations. Frautschi Point delivered my FOY. The UW Arboretum offered stunning looks of both sexes over multiple days. And as we passsed migration's peak, I saw the last male I will likely see for the season at Graber Pond (May 15th). All in all, it simply does not get much better than a Black-throated Blue Warbler quietly sneaking up in serious face-melting proximity during a quiet afternoon stroll in Gallistel Woods. 

It appears the birding fairies knew before I did that there would likely be no additional Black-throated Blue magic for me in the coming months. Unfortunately my travel plans to visit the Black-throated Blue Warbler breeding grounds in the eastern U.P. (Upper Peninsula of Michigan) have been thwarted by my mother's unexpected hospitalization. This is keeping my part-time Yooper parents in the Lower Rio Grande Valley at least until mid summer which means my time in the U. P. will be limited this summer. Oh how I already miss the remote shores of southern Lake Superior...

Hooded Warbler (female), Wingra Woods, UW Arboretum May 2018

As migration wanes, there is still plenty of birding candy to behold. The Hooded Warblers present in Wingra and Gallistel Woods at the UW Arboretum are likely to breed there. Even with lulls in migration and the slowness of the afternoon, these birds are typically active getting about their business of trying to perpetuate their genes. 

I have also been following the progress of a Ruby-throated hummingbird nest  in the same woods where the Hooded Warblers appear to have taken up residence. You can hear the Hooded Warbler singing in the background of this video showing the bird building her nest. 

Ruby-throated hummingbird adding soft lining to her nest, UW Arboretum, Madison, Dane Co, 14May2018

And of course new blooming ephemerals continue to reveal themselves almost daily. 

Bird's Foot Violet, Mazomanie Wildlife Area, Dane Co, WI 17May2018

And as more plants are flowering and temperatures rise, butterfly diversity and numbers are also increasing. 

Juvenal's Duskywing, Mazomanie Wildlife Area, Dane Co, WI 17May2018

By Wednesday of last week I was certain migration was a wrap. Stick a fork in it. Finished in an abrupt and cruel fashion.

Sadly I had turned my attention to all the things I had been neglecting during my month of birding fever, my garden, home, etc.

But could it be so? Was migration really over?

What about the cuckoos? And the myriad of empidonax flycatchers? And Olive-sided flycatchers? So few have been reported this year...Surely there must be more.

Black-billed Cuckoo, Graber Pond, Dane Co, WI 21May2018

Today's verdict on the question of whether migration is a wrap is a resounding "HELL NO!"

Migration may be waning, but indeed there is still more!

Bay-breasted Warbler, Graber Pond, Dane Co, WI 21May2018

Olive-sided Flycatcher, Graber Pond, Dane Co, WI 21May2018