October 13

The midafternoon temperatures are in the low 60’s under cloudy skies and a variable breeze as I begin a 1/3-mile hike through a Midland County power-line easement toward another encounter with Bush Creek. Along the way, I notice this fairly new 200-ft wide DTE easement is lined with some trees whose leaves are changing colors. This place also reminds me how a similar easement through Conservation Park in Alma, Michigan was transformed into a beautiful native prairie (stock photo). Continuing west under the high-voltage wires, I spot patches of Hair-cap and Sphagnum moss as well as blossoms of Spotted Knapweed and Toadflax. Likewise, on the ground I come upon a 4-inch Puffball Mushroom that I open up to notice the interior is not pure white and edible but slightly yellow and inedible. Nearby, I see some odd looking scat containing tiny shell fragments, most likely from a diet of crayfish. With this in mind, I conclude it must be either from a Raccoon or Otter. Arriving at Bush Creek. I stand on the steep bank and watch some colorful Maple leaves float slowly downstream. Moving along the bank, I observe blossoms of Winter Cress near the water’s edge and the yellow leaves of an overhanging Basswood tree. Higher up the bank, I see blossoms of Black-eyed Susans as well as several patches of Deer Tongue Grass. This grass was likely planted here to mitigate erosion and provide vital shelter for ground-nesting birds and insects. Its resilience helps it grow in tough areas, often outcompeting invasive plants.. Exploring the flood plain, I come upon blossoms of Flattop Aster and Woodland Blue Aster. Descending the bank, I pause to look and listen to the creek water flow gently over some rocks. Leaving the watercourse, I notice a few red leaves of Virginia Creeper as well as a Bumble Bee feeding on Goldenrod blossoms. Continuing east, I can’t help but look at bright red fruit hanging from branches of a Winterberry tree. This fruit is not edible for humans, potentially causing stomach ailments and dizziness. On the other hand, the berries are a vital food source in the winter for many species of birds and some small mammals. Nearing the car, I follow an Autumn Meadow Hawk Dragonfly as it flutters above me and comes to rest on a dying fern frond. These dragonflies are some of the last ones to be seen, flying into late fall or even early winter in some areas. They can tolerate colder temperatures than many other species but will eventually die during sustained freezing temperatures.

I welcome these days

Fall season on view

Leaves glow red

Berries shine blue

I welcome the sun

On its slow descent

Geese are gathering

The meadow is spent

I welcome the morning

Cool and clear

Autumn time

Glad you’re here

 

D. DeGraaf