August 30

Tuesday, while visiting Traverse City, my wife, Caroline and I hiked at the 9-acre, Fulton Park, located just north of downtown near the south shore of Grand Traverse Bay’s West Arm. The mid-afternoon weather was partly sunny, muggy with a temperature of 86 degrees and a light breeze from the west. Leaving the parking area, we followed the trail into a dense woodland where I spotted some fungi called Artist’s Bracket or Artist’s Conk growing at the base of a tree. A peculiarity of this fungus lies in its use as a drawing medium for artists. When the fresh white pore surface is rubbed or scratched with a sharp implement, dark brown tissue under the pores is revealed, resulting in visible lines and shading that become permanent once the fungus is dried. Next, I paused to watch a honeybee busy feeding on Goldenrod flowers. Nearby, I found a Goldenrod Soldier Beetle on other Goldenrod flowers. This insect produces droplets of an acid from openings in its abdomen that act as a deterrent to its predators. Continuing on the 1/3-mile trail, we took the short Aspen Loop where I spotted another fall bloomer called Sweet Autumn Clematis. Even though the flowers are lovely and fragrant, some consider this fast-growing vine invasive. Back to the main loop, I paused to look and listen to a male Goldfinch perched high in a dying Ash tree. Just a short distance ahead, I was alerted by an unusual sound that turned out to be a Gray Squirrel that I could barely see through the dense under growth. As the trail looped back, I saw some fresh, edible Pheasant Back fungi growing on a tree trunk. Near the trail’s end, I stopped to observe a butterfly called a Silver-spotted Skipper. Skippers resemble a combination of butterflies and moths. They are a dull, dark color yet fly during the day. They have knobbed antennae, but with a little point at the end. They are fast, intense fliers and look as if they skip from flower to flower. Finally, we got to the car and headed back to the motel.

Memories of summer

Fresh and new

Bergamots bloomed

Fledglings flew

Greenest forest

Longest day

Buzz of the bee

Call of the jay

Hints of autumn

Begin to appear

Farewell August

See you next year

D. DeGraaf