June 8

Under sunny skies and morning temperatures in the low 60’s, I’m at Forest Hill Nature Area walking out on a dock to observe Grebe Pond. Kneeling down, I notice a 1/2 inch, Six-spotted Fishing Spider standing on the water surface, supported by surface tension. These spiders are impressive hunters. They can: Run across the water surface. Detect vibrations from struggling insects and tadpoles. Dive underwater when threatened. Also in this photo there’s a small insect on the water just below the spider, the sort of prey a fishing spider would be watching for. Continuing to examine the weedy pond surface, I notice a mix of Duckweed, Watermeal and Common Bladderwort. While being familiar with Duckweed and Watermeal, I’m not so familiar with Bladderwort which is a native, free-floating, carnivorous aquatic plant. It is completely rootless and features finely divided, submerged leaves lined with tiny, vacuum-sealed bladders that snap open to trap and digest microscopic aquatic insects. Its namesake "bladders" are tiny, modified leaves (stock photo) that act as vacuum traps. When a tiny organism brushes against the hair triggers, the trap springs open—faster than a camera flash—sucking the prey inside to be digested. Back on land, I’m pleased to begin a hike alongside Erika Kemler, the current director and very successful leader of this 90-acre outdoor education center. Walking north on a groomed trail, we take in the sounds of a variety of birds as well as sights of yellow and orange blossoms of Hawkweed. Scanning the meadow nearby, we spot a Tree Swallow perched on a Bluebird box. Swallows arrive in spring about the same time Blue birds do. Unfortunately, they often claim an empty nest box before bluebirds do or chase them away from a chosen box. Entering North Woods we follow an earthen trail through dense stands of Beech, Maple and Oak. Exiting the woods and making our way along the west boundary, we notice a Cottontail Rabbit as well as some yellow blossoms of Barren Strawberry, a plant I’ve never seen before. Continuing through lush South Woods, our ears perk up to a variety of birdsongs, especially the trilly and rattly song of a House Wren. Making our way back to the parking area, Erika and I reflect on the variety of wildlife we found on our hike. The Nature Area offered no dramatic spectacles today, yet the birds, blossoms, pond plants, a spider and rabbit combined to create something equally rewarding—a quiet reminder that nature's greatest gifts are often found in ordinary moments.

Morning in June

Edge of spring

Sun shines bright

Yellow Throats sing

In the meadow

New green shows

Cooling breeze

Comes and goes

Beyond the marsh

An earthen trail

Rarely heard

A Sora Rail

 

D. DeGraaf