June 21

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, since I planned to be out of town, we went on Friday morning instead when the weather was partly cloudy with a temperature of 66 degrees and a slight breeze out of the southeast. It was good to return after a two-week absence in time to recognize and celebrate the sun at its summer solstice. I stood at the crest of the hill and was pleased to look west over a familiar lush landscape. Descending the hill, I noticed some Goat’s Beard flowers were going to seed appearing gray and fuzzy like a “goat’s beard.” I paused at Mallard Marsh to look and listen to my Redwings. Max was in his usual perch singing away. Mark was sitting quietly in his perch on the far side of the pond. However, I was surprised not to see any females or fledglings in the cattails on the north side. Mike, along with a female Redwing were perched in a small tree on the north side of the trail. Entering Bobolink Meadow, Bob flew toward me and hovered above my head noisily singing to defend his territory. In the mean time, I spotted one fledgling flying low and landing in the underbrush. Hiking through the meadow, I continued to be disappointed that no Bobolinks had yet arrived. At the entrance to North Woods, I admired the purplish inflorescences of Reed Canary Grass. Turning south, I made it to Willow Wallow where Will sat quietly in his perch. I entered Succession Field that was dotted with many Oxeye Daisies. Also, hidden in the grass were Alsike Clover and Red Clover. Along the north side of South Woods there were lots of frothy Spittle Bugs stuck on grass stems. As I turned south toward Artist Overlook, I noticed the Silky Dogwood shrubs were blossoming. Following south trail, I spotted lots of Orange and Yellow Hawkweed. Also, I was surprised how quietly a Great Blue Heron took off from a nearly dried up vernal pond. Arriving at Frog Fen, I noticed some Yellow Sweet Clover just off the trail. Next, I turned south, passed Brady Cemetery and entered Native Grassland where I observed a Painted Turtle resting in the middle of the trail. In the field off to the east, I spotted several blossoms of Spiderwort. I continued north to Grebe Pond where I saw no sign of the pair of swans that had made this their home for the past five weeks. Also, I did not see Gus while Gabe flew up to his usual perch. Rounding the corner, I was treated by a show of bird sights and sounds as Gil and Gordy were swooping and singing among some Redwing females, Grackles and Tree Swallows. Following the trail toward the barn, I saw a few colorful Coreopsis sticking up above the grass. Passing the barn, I noticed some Mayweed growing on the drain field east of the Classroom. Finally, we came to the car for our trip home.

Sustaining sun overhead
Casting its shortest shadow
Penetrating a peaceful pond
Warming the wading turtle
Heating the harden earth
Coming through the canopy
A star that stays nearby
Rays that reach the grass
Shining and sharing its light
Reflecting off the reeds
High in the hazy sky
Way before noon in June
Sensational summer solstice 

D. DeGraaf