May 6

The early morning sky is sunny with temperatures in the low 50’s as I stand on the edge of Gratiot County’s Jefferson Rd. and watch the water of Honeyoye Creek begin its eight mile journey south and east. For the next several weeks, I plan to follow this tributary as it passes through Madison Lake and makes its way to the Pine River, just west of Alma. Gazing south, I notice its narrow channel is shielded from surrounding cropland by a mere 10 ft. buffer strip, Buffer strips are areas of permanent vegetation between agricultural fields and water courses that help slow runoff and improve water quality. They can also: provide habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects, reduce riverbank erosion, help hold soil in place, and reduce the amount of harmful phosphorus that reaches lakes. Down in the water, I spot a patch of blossoming Wild Mustard. Later on, the seeds of this plant can ground up and mixed with vinegar to make a white table mustard. Commercial varieties of this plant are grown as oilseed crops in North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota. The yellow color of the table mustard most of us prefer is achieved by adding lots of Turmeric. Proceeding southward, I notice the creek banks are steeper and the buffer strips are plenty wide at around 100 feet. At my feet, I spot a Bumblebee crawling slowly through the grass. One possibility is that this cold-blooded insect is waiting for the sun to warm it up before flying away. Another possibility is it is weak because of a shortage of its main food source, nectar producing blossoms. Continuing south along the creek edge, I pass a section in a more natural surrounding where I observe a perching Song Sparrow and try in vain to video record a few dipping and diving Tree Swallows (stock photo). On the far bank, I barely make out a few yellow blossoms of Buttercup and a few fuzzy seed heads of Pennsylvania Sedge. Further ahead, I come upon a Black Current bush with its yellow trumpet flowers, often pollinated by Honeybees and Bumble bees. Black currant fruit (stock photo) has been used by humans for centuries. Both Native Americans and newly-settled Europeans used the fruit to make jams and jellies. Turning around to make my way back to the car, I pause to notice both a perching male and female Redwing Blackbird. Nest building is happening now as the female gathers plant materials such as cattail stalks and weaves them into a basket-like nest just above the water level (stock photo). Meanwhile, the male will stand guard above the nesting area.

Gone, winter white

From the forest ground

Below a closing canopy

Floor of barren brown

Behold, vernal sun

Warms the litter scene

Mosses and sedges

Introduce the green

Finally, spring colors

Long overdue

Finally, Mother Nature

Sprinkles violets blue

 

D. DeGraaf