June 15

 

The early morning weather is breezy, clear and cool as I begin another encounter with the Pine River. Having discovered an access point tucked away in a residential area, just east of downtown Alma, I proceed north along a grassy trail into a wooded flood plain, taking in the sights and sounds of the riparian landscape. Along the way, I spot some Dame’s Rocket and Pin Cherry in bloom as well as pause to watch the river flow gently through a corridor of chlorophyll. Away from the river, I get a brief glimpse of a perching Eastern Kingbird followed by a deer scampering through the dense underbrush. Continuing north, I recognize some large leaves of a Catalpa tree and then watch a Crane Fly come to rest in a patch of lush grass nearby. Following a game trail near the river’s edge, I come upon some tall grass where my attention is drawn to a resting Blue-tipped Dancer damselfly as well as a ½ inch winged Termite. Further ahead, while moving from shade into sunlight, I notice a few Ebony Jewel-wing damselflies fluttering about and follow one as it comes to rest. Arriving at the bank once again, I watch the meandering river make a sharp turn and flow south. Also, I come upon a large Silver Maple tree blown over by yesterday’s powerful thunderstorm. Turning around to retrace my steps, I pass another dainty damselfly, this one being an Orange Bluet. Finding my way over to the edge of the flooded wetlands, I pause to watch a half dozen, ½ inch Whirligig beetles gliding effortlessly over the water surface. These amazing little insects (stock photo) possess several adaptations that help them thrive in an aquatic habitat. For example, to better find food and avoid predation, their eyes are divided into two parts, the top part to see above the water line and the bottom part to see below. Also, they carry a bubble of air that allows them to dive and swim for indefinite periods if necessary. In addition, they have a primitive echolocation system that allows them to locate prey from the slightest ripples in the water. Finally, besides being great swimmers, they have wings to fly to a new habitat if theirs dries up. Nearing the end of the hike, I glance across the channel to see some large. edible Pheasant Back fungi growing at the base of a decaying tree trunk. Within sight of the car, I see evidence of nearby Cottonwood trees including tufts of fluffy seeds and leaves scattered on the muddy ground. Finally, I reach the car and head for home, only a few miles to the west.

Early morning wakeup

An hour of river flow

Swallows dip and dive

Muskrats put on a show

Above cattail reeds

Dragonflies soar

Green fills the landscape

As it did before

Water in motion

Peace I find

Water in motion

Carries my mind

D. DeGraaf