June 29

On this summer solstice morning, the skies are sunny with temperatures in the low 60’s, as a long-time friend, Jeff Reynolds, our dog Riley and I start hiking through a dense cedar swamp in the Little Sand Bay Nature Preserve on Beaver Island. Reaching the lakeshore, Jeff spots a 1-inch Monarch caterpillar feeding on a Milkweed leaf. About 2-3 weeks from now, it will grow, transform into a sexually active adult butterfly (stock photo) and live 2-6 weeks as part of the summer generation. Although this adult is unlikely to leave the island, its great-grand offspring probably will exit in late August or early September and fly 2000 miles to Mexico, completing one of the most extraordinary migrations in the insect world Continuing along the beach, I notice the shadows cast by Jeff and Riley are the shortest they will be for the next 12 months as the sun reaches its greatest elevation today. Up ahead, I notice some yellow blossoms of Lake Huron Tansy, a rare, fragrant perennial native to Beaver Island. Because of its sensitivity to harsh environments, invasive species, and heavy foot traffic, this species is highly protected. Nearby, I come upon a patch of orangish-colored plants called Indian Paintbrush. These plants cannot survive entirely on their own. They are hemi-parasitic, with their roots producing specialized tubes (stock photo) that tap into neighboring host plant to steal water and vital nutrients. Exploring the back dune, I look down in dense grass where I see a 1½ -inch Northern Crescent Butterfly. Those crescent caterpillars (stock photo) that hatch late in the season hibernate over winter and awaken in the spring to finish feeding. Nearby, I spot a 1½-inch Little Wood-Satyr butterfly resting on a Wild Sarsaparilla leaf.  The small circular eyespots on its wings are there for defensive purposes. They can startle birds or misdirect attacks toward the wing edges instead of the butterfly's head or body, increasing its chance of escaping. These butterflies are not frequent flower visitors. Instead, they feed on tree sap, overripe fruit, fungi, and animal droppings, where they obtain minerals and nutrients that nectar alone doesn't provide. Heading back to the car, I pause to watch a ¼-inch Sweat Bee feeding on a Goat’s Beard blossom. Reaching the trailhead, I realize this morning has given me far more than exercise. Each blossom, butterfly and landscape has become part of a story that could only be written on this particular day. That's the gift Beaver Island offers so generously—it reminds me that nature is never the same twice and that's exactly why I keep returning.

Orb of the heavens

Solstice of June

High in the sky

Long before noon

Shadows are short

Daylight is long

Up in a Maple

A Vireo’s song

Lushness of green

Covers the land

Nature’s crescendo

Summer’s at hand

 

D. DeGraaf