May 22

Mid-morning temperatures are in the mid 50’s, under sunny skies as I stand on Isabella Rd. watching the water of Salt Creek flow gently eastward while listening to the familiar song of a Yellow Throat (stock photo). Along the bank, I notice a stand of Common Reed (Phragmites) that appears to be the native variety as opposed to the highly invasive variety. The non-native subspecies was introduced to the east coast in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s and has gradually spread westward. It forms dense monocultures that can overtake wetlands within a few years. It is a particular scourge in southern Michigan, where it dominates coastal marshes and wet prairie in Saginaw Bay and the St. Clair Delta. Nearby, I spot a colorful Red Admiral butterfly warming itself on a large boulder. While heading back to the car, I get a quick glimpse of a swimming Muskrat. From my next stop, which is the Summerton Rd. bridge, I look skyward to see my first Baltimore Oriole of the year. Moving along the bank, I’m greeted from overhead by the loud shrill of a male Redwing Blackbird, letting me know I’m too close to his nesting area. On my way back to the car, I come upon a Black Current shrub with its small white bell flowers. Come July, this bush will display edible fruit (stock photo) that can be used in jams, wine and juices. For my next creek encounter, I’m on Coe Rd. looking south at a channel that has likely been straightened to maximize farm acreage and facilitate tile drainage. Off in the distance, I see a Sandhill Crane that is most likely sitting on her nest. Sandhill Cranes mate for life, choosing their partners based on dancing displays. Although each female usually lays two eggs, only one nestling typically survives to fledge. Perched on an overhead powerline are three birds that are familiar sights along a watercourse like this. First, a Barn swallow that glides close to the water feeding on insects and nests under the road bridge. Second, a cooing Mourning Dove whose mate retreats to a nearby spruce tree. Third, a male Belted Kingfisher preparing to dive for small fish. This bird is one of the few species in which the female (stock photo) is more brightly colored than the male. Turning back toward the car, I spot a few blossoms of Swamp buttercup. The sap of this plant is an irritant to humans and most livestock including cows, sheep, horses and pigs.  Cows are very susceptible to buttercup poisoning while grazing, resulting in respiratory distress and convulsions.

 

One of nature’s finest

Look for you in spring

Wait for your arrival

Long to hear you sing

I search for you

In tree or the sky 

Still nothing yet

Often wonder why

Finally, you arrive

Your call is clear

Baltimore Oriole

Glad you’re here

 

D. DeGraaf