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