This morning, I park the car along Sand Rd. next to the Pine River as it flows downstream toward Alma, seven miles to the northeast. The weather is sunny and warm as I climb down the 10 ft roadbed onto the wooded floodplain where swarms of mosquitoes make their presence known. Making my way to the river’s edge, I pass by some Skunk Cabbage and Wild Ginger. Pausing on the muddy bank, I notice the mirrored water flows slow and quiet through a lush landscape while a short distance downstream, rippling water flows fast and noisy past a dam of downed trees. Looking around, I first spot a perching Eastern Phoebe and then hear the call of a Tufted Titmouse high in the trees above the far shore. Hiking downstream along the bank, I pass by a large Beech tree before coming upon a floating mat of Clasping Leaf pondweed. Like my river hike last week, several Ebony Jewel-wing damselflies flutter and perch, including this one displaying its striking iridescence. Further exploration of the muddy flood plain reveals a patch of Morning Star Sedge and Poison Ivy leaves covered with bumps produced by a leaf gall mite. In the leafy undergrowth, several small whitish moths, called Three-spotted Fillips, flutter and perch, including this one resting on a Poison ivy leaf. In addition, a single, 1-inch moth, called a False Crocus Geometer is spotted nearby. The name “Geometer”, meaning earth-measurer, refers to the locomotion of the caterpillars which lack most of the prolegs of other Lepidopteran caterpillars. Equipped with appendages at both ends of the body, a caterpillar will clasp with its front legs and draw up the hind end, then clasp with the hind end and reach out for a new front attachment, creating a loop, and creating the impression that it is measuring its journey. The caterpillars are accordingly called inchworms (stock photo). Working my way through a patch of ferns, I can barely make out a perching damselfly. While approaching for a closer look, I realize why it doesn’t fly away. Much to my amazement, this fragile insect is completing its last stage of molting as it goes through a metamorphosis from an aquatic nymph to aerial adult. After its skin splits down the back, it emerges and inflates its wings and abdomen to gain its adult form. Making my way back, I find Caroline enjoying peace and quiet from the comfort of the car as I brief her on my 13th Pine River encounter.
An hour of traffic flow and
minutes of forest retreat, past.
Facing the gentle river flow that
slows my racing mind and
quiets the daily din.
Connecting to creatures that
thrive in this steady stream.
The Belted Kingfisher that gracefully
dives for its fingerling food.
The motherly Muskrat that
gathers greens for her hungry kits.
Memories of nature to cherish
Thoughts of nature to soothe
D. DeGraaf
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