September 7

Within a remote section of the Edmore State Game Area in Montcalm County as a bright morning sun and cool temperatures accompany me, I descend a steep, wooded bank toward another encounter with the Pine River. At the water’s edge, I pause to take in the quiet beauty of this riparian landscape as well as spot bird tracks on a small sandbar midstream. Based on the size, shape and location of the tracks, they appear to be those of a Bald Eagle. Away from the river, I come upon tiny blossoms of Virginia Knotweed, Blue-stem Goldenrod and the web funnel of a Wolf spider near the top of a Canadian Goldenrod plant. As the wind picks up, I gaze skyward at the dense, broadleaf canopy while in the lush understory I notice blossoms of Blue Lobelia and Cardinal flower. Next, I move into a soggy, peninsula-like floodplain, created by a sharp curve in the channel, where I observe a clump of Panicle Asters beginning to bloom and scattered blossoms of Nodding Bur Marigold. Nearby, on a small patch of mud, animal tracks catch my attention including raccoon and a meandering beetle. Another patch reveals a sitting, 1½-inch Wood frog, well-camouflaged against the muddy ground. Further along, a ½-inch Robber fly and a 1-inch Crane fly are seen basking on separate leaves. Despite rumors to the contrary, the Crane fly is neither a predator of mosquitoes nor a colossal mosquito. They spend most of their life as larvae (stock photo) living underwater in streams and rivers. These insects emerge as adults for a quick mating spree before dying. Since they have no mouthparts, they do not eat during their short, 2-week life. Turning around, I climb out of the floodplain and begin making my way back toward the car when I spot the red berry cluster of False Solomon Seals. Next, I witness a Crane fly flailing mightily to escape a spider web. This struggle to survive applies to all life forms and plays out constantly in the natural world. After watching it for about 20 seconds, the Crane fly gets away. Near the car, I notice some Ragweed, whose pollen is a major source of air borne allergies this time of year even though most people blame it on Goldenrod. Back in the car, I reflect on my river journey so far as I leave Montcalm County and soon move upstream into Isabella County.

They brought the river and me 

out of the doldrums of winter 

with their shrills of delight, 

and flights of flashing orange.

Perching, nesting in the cattails

brought beauty to our summer.

Today, a void, sadness of heart,

our blackbirds headed south,

heeding nature’s call.

I long for their return next year

so, we can share our lives again.

 

D. DeGraaf