May 18

The early morning temperatures are in the low 40’s under mostly cloudy skies, as I begin my weekly nature hike on private land in Gratiot County, between Riverdale and Elm Hall.Right away, I spot several 1-inch Eastern Tent Caterpillars crawling over their silky nest in the crotch of a small Cherry tree. Soon they will begin feeding on the new leaves. Heavy feeding can defoliate trees, but healthy trees usually recover by mid-summer. These caterpillars are a food source for many birds, including Robins, Cardinals, Red-winged blackbirds and Baltimore orioles. Stink bugs and ground beetles also prey on theses larvae. In about 6 weeks mature caterpillars will leave the tree to pupate. After 2-3 weeks of pupation, moths (stock photo) emerge from the cocoons. They live only a few days to mate and lay eggs for the next year. After passing a Honeysuckle shrub beginning to blossom, I come upon a large patch of Mayapples as some plants are displaying tiny oval flower buds. While the name implies they will produce “apples” in May, it will be June before fruit appears. Looking around, I spot another Mayapple plant with orange stain on its leaves. Called Mayapple rust, this is a common fungal disease affecting this plant. While disfiguring its leaves , it rarely damages the plant significantly. High in the crotch of a tall Oak tree, I spot the head of a young curious Raccoon. Probably a kit or juvenile, it most likely was born earlier this year. When 20 weeks old it becomes independent but often stays with the mother until next spring. The glowing eyes are just light reflection from the camera, common with raccoons because of the reflective layer behind their retinas. Up ahead, I notice a patch of Downy Yellow Violets and a 3-leaf Trillium plant yet to flower. On the ground, I spot a single Morel mushroom with its unique honeycomb design. This highly prized, edible fungi is known for its earthy flavor, and rarity, typically foraged in North America and Europe this time of year. Nearing the car, my ears perk up to the loud distinct song call of a Wood Thrush (stock photo).  This medium-size songbird feeds on the forest floor consuming insects, snails and fruits. Wood Thrushes migrate to Michigan in spring, arriving from Central America between the third week of April and the third week of May to breed. The species is listed as a “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” in Michigan, with populations declining due to forest fragmentation and brood parasitism by Cowbirds. Arriving at the car, I feel fortunate to witness another Michigan spring slowly coming alive.

Lifeblood of earth

Is what you bring

Your current calls

Your waters sing

Spring treasures

A garter snake

A school of fish

A Mallard drake

Vistas of beauty

Your banks bestow

Moving mirror

Pine River, flow

 

D. DeGraaf