July 26

Saturday, Remi stayed back in Alma while I participated in a community butterfly hike at Forest Hill Nature Area led by expert naturalist, Stan Lilley of Mt. Pleasant. The early morning weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 61 degrees and a gentle wind out of the southwest. Before heading out, we paused next to the barn to look out at Grebe Pond where a dozen geese took off and headed west. We proceeded south into Native Grassland that was ablaze with colorful wildflowers, including Bergamot, False Sunflower, Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan and Mountain Mint. Immediately, we were pleased to spot two Monarchs flying around and perching on Milkweed. Its good to see more of these butterflies this summer compared to last year when I saw only a few the entire season. Next, we stopped to look and listen to a perching bird that Stan identified as a Sedge Wren. I was pleased to finally identify this small, secretive bird that I’ve heard but not seen on previous hikes. Continuing south on the trail, I saw my first Monarch egg of the summer attached to a Milkweed leaf. Approaching Brady Cemetery, we observed our 3rd Monarch. We paused briefly at the cemetery entrance to listen to an Indigo Bunting hidden among the high tree branched. Turning north toward Frog Fen, a cloud burst of rain sent everyone but me back to their cars. As the rain stopped, I continued west along the south trail to Sora Swale where I paused to hear both a Yellow Throat and Song Sparrow hidden in the willows. Arriving at Artist Overlook, I recognized the white blossoms of Narrow Leaf Meadowsweet. I turned west again and stopped at the picnic tables to gaze at a lush Succession Field. Entering South Woods, I saw a tiny Winter Moth resting on the forest floor. I exited the woods and proceeded around to the entrance of North Woods where I found a few plants of Heal-All with their purple flowers. Exiting the woods, I continued south toward Willow Wallow where I spotted my 4th Monarch perched on the bunch gall of a Golden Rod stem. Turning east at Willow Wallow, I proceeded toward Reflection Hill looking in vain at dozens of Milkweed plants for Monarch caterpillars. From the top of the hill, I looked down on the green surface of Grebe Pond. I descended the hill to the classroom and decided to continue west to search for Monarch caterpillars on the dense patches of Milkweed next to Mallard Marsh. Despite not finding any, I was able to spot a Milkweed Bug as well as my 5th adult Monarch and a single Black Swallowtail. Finally, I returned to the car and headed home.

Finally spot you

Ended my search

In a flowery field

Stopped to perch

Wings of orange

Lined in black

Butterfly of summer

Welcome back

On a Milkweed blossom

For a while stay

Magnificent Monarch

Your beauty display

D. DeGraaf

July 15

Tuesday, Remi was back in Alma while I hiked in the Petritz Nature Preserve on Beaver Island along with my wife, Caroline and our good friends, Buzz & Linda Wynbeek. The mid afternoon weather was partly sunny with an unseasonably cool temperature of 57 degrees and a stiff north wind. From the car, we followed the half-mile trail north through a forest of mature maple and beech where I spotted a Harvestman on a maple leaf. Continuing north, I paused to pick a leaf of Wintergreen and smell it’s pleasing aroma. We turned east and came to a small clearing where I noticed a few blossoms of Bladder Campion. Further ahead, the trail turned north again and came out on a back dune of Lake Michigan where we felt the full effect of the stiff north wind. Moving toward the water into the fore dune zone, I spotted blossoms of Hoary Buccoon, Milkweed and Harebell. Also, I noticed some Picture Thistle. Next, I paused to take in the always-captivating sight of the lake and the welcomed sound of the surf. Nearer the shore, I saw Huron Tansy, Beach Pea and Silverweed flowers. While continuing to explore the fore dune, I was fascinated by the large number of the well-camouflaged Mottled Sand Grasshoppers jumping near my feet as well as dozens of hard-to-see, tiny, black toads. Also, we were pleased to observe another adult Monarch Butterfly, one of 16 we’ve seen so far this week compared to none a year ago. We turned around to retrace our steps back to the car where I spotted a single Evening Primrose. Returning to the trail through the woods, I noticed up-ahead sunlight peaking through the canopy while at my feet a patch of Heal-All. Finally, we got back to the car and headed to the cottage.

Horn of the ferryboat

Too loud to ignore

Island of summer

Welcome me once more

Lake Michigan beach

Waves pound the shore

Squeal of soaring gulls

Welcome me once more

Song of a distant Loon

I’ve so waited for

Nature’s subtle sounds

Welcome me once more

D. DeGraaf

July 9

Wednesday, Remi and I hiked at Forest Hill Nature Area. The mid morning weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 60 degrees and a gentle breeze out of the northwest. At the crest of the hill, I gazed west over a lush, green landscape. I descended the hill and immediately noticed the sweet fragrance from the dozens of Milkweed plants that were in full bloom. Near the edge of Mallard Marsh, I spotted a Milkweed Beetle on a Milkweed plant. Also, I saw my first of dozens of Japanese Beetles feeding on the vegetation. Entering Bobolink Meadow, I was pleased to see my first adult Monarch butterfly here at the nature area. Approaching the entrance to North Woods, I paused to observe a small, Common White Wave moth on the trail. I turned south, passed Willow Wallow and then turned west into Succession Field where I was pleasantly surprised to spot a beautiful Aphrodite Fritillary butterfly sunning itself near the ground. Circling the field, I was amazed by the large number of Wood Satyr butterflies and Brown Hawker dragonflies that I saw. Along the far west trail, I caught a glimpse of a small, Firefly beetle. Also, I could barely make out a tiny, Green tree frog blending well on a leaf. I headed east and then turned south where I paused at Artist Overlook to gaze down at Sora Swale. Following the south trail, I turned south at Frog Fen, passed Brady Cemetery and walked north through Native Grassland to the edge of Grebe Pond that was full due to the heavy rains of the past week. Continuing north along the edge of the pond, I noticed a dead, Robin fledgling on the trail. I approached the barn where I saw a Yellow collared scrape moth clinging to a leaf and a Green Heron perching on a branch. Next, I decided to walk over to the dock where I was disappointed to see the pond surface was choked with Water meal. Approaching the car, I was pleased to see the storage building remodeling was complete. Finally, we got in the car and headed for home.

Deep in a stagnant pond

With the leech and scud

Are you an alien creature?

Or simply a nymph in mud

Its time to climb the reed

Into the warming sun

Amazing cycle of nature

Metamorphosis has begun

Grow wings of cellophane

Fly now. You’re finally free

Dragonfly of summer

You are a marvel to see

D. DeGraaf

July 1

Tuesday, Remi and I hiked in the Maple River State Game Area off of Croswell Rd. just west of US 127, 16 miles south of Alma. The mid morning weather changed from cloudy, misty to partly sunny with a temperature of 66 degrees and a gentle breeze out of the south. Leaving the car, I walked south on a trail located on top of a man-made berm meandering through extensive wetlands. Along the water’s edge, I noticed lots of cattails and Arrow Arum (Tuckahoe). On the path, I came upon an unfamiliar plant with beautiful yellow flowers called Moth Mullein. I followed the trail as it turned east where I spotted blossoms of Swamp Milkweed on my left and St. John’s Wort on my right. Up ahead of me, a family of geese left the trail and entered the water. Next, I was pleased to see my first, confirmed Monarch butterfly as it flew ahead of me and landed in the dense vegetation. Further along, I saw a patch of Purple Loosestrife. Far to the east in a tall, dead tree I could barely recognize a pair of perching Cormorants. Looking down, I could make out a Leopard Frog resting on a log. As the trail turned south, I came upon the remains of a goose carcass. Up ahead, a Muskrat was busy eating the lush, green grass. At the turn-around point, I noticed a dead, 18-inch Bowfin (Dogfish) lying in the vegetation just off the trail. Starting to retrace my steps, I spotted what appeared to be a beaver lodge off to my left. Nearing the end of the hike, I paused to observed several Brown Hawker dragonflies fluttering about and landing. Finally, we made it back to the car for our trip home.

You had barely left

When maples turned gold

Started to miss you

When November blew cold

I began to wait

When nights were long

Waited some more

When ice was strong

Longed for your return

When deer were lean

Hoped you’d come soon

To spread your green

You finally arrived

It’s been a whole year

Welcome summer!

Glad you’re here

D. DeGraaf