June 19

This morning, I’m on the bridge of Isabella County-line Rd., watching the water of Salt Creek flow slowly eastward into Midland County while listening to a cooing dove. Accompanied by cloudy skies, temperatures in the mid 50’s and a gentle NW breeze, I look around to notice white blossoms of Multi-flora rose and Meadow Rue. After a short drive, I’m standing on the Bradford Rd. bridge, watching the creek flow northward. On the bank nearby, I see a large patch of Canada Anemone blossoms as well as some American Elm leaves, displaying odd looking growths called, Finger galls, caused by a microscopic mite (stock photo). The female mite injects saliva into new leaves creating open pores for other mites to crawl into creating the “fingers”. Despite these unsightly leaves, the tree’s overall health is not affected. Driving about a mile due north, I begin a ¼-mile trek from the car to reach the creek, where soon I spot a partially hidden, 1-inch White Spring Moth resting on the ground. Along the way, blossoms that catch my eye include, Tufted Loosestrife and Wild Iris. Another moth that catches my attention is a ½-inch, female Longhorn, perched on a stem. Males have antennae ranging up to five times their body length (stock photo). Up ahead, on a leaf of Virginia Creeper, I spot a ¼-inch, Vegetable Weevil. Considered garden pests, both adults and larvae (stock photo) feed on buds, foliage, and roots of potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, and other vegetables. Damage by this insect is most severe on young plants. However, it is not considered as important of a pest species as it once was. Scanning the lush undergrowth, I come across a 1-inch Crane Fly and a ¼-inch Long-legged fly. These small flies are predators that feed on gnats, bark beetles and mites. They also feed on common pests, such as aphids, thrips and mosquitoes. Once prey is captured, they use their mouthparts to hold, pierce and extract internal fluids. Their larvae (stock photo) are commonly found near semi-aquatic landscapes, while others can be found under tree bark or mulch. Larvae are thought to be predaceous on small insects in the soil, as well as scavengers. Further along, I notice a patch of Tuckerman’s sedge and a decaying tree branch covered with White Jelly fungi. As they age, these fungi become yellowish, brownish, or pinkish to purplish. In dry weather they shrink, becoming hard, almost transparent and are easily overlooked. Finally, I come to the edge of Salt Creek just in time to scare up a female Wood duck and her brood of fleeing ducklings.

 

Sun of the earth

Star of the sky

Tis the season

Your place on high

Your light is life

Your heat is too

Heavenly orb

I welcome you

Today is the day

Glowing sphere

Summer solstice

Another year

 

D. DeGraaf