November 13

It’s a mostly sunny morning with temperatures in the low 40’s as I hike west on the paved Heartland bike trail near Montcalm County’s village of Vestaburg. On both sides of the trail, I see several Tag Alder shrubs, displaying their reddish male catkins and dark female cones. Nearby, I pause to examine a small, nearly dead, needle-less Red Pine tree with woody, tumor-like galls on some of its branches. Called Pine-pine gall rust, this disease is caused by a fungus that infects the vascular cambium and can kill young trees. Continuing west, I enter the northern section of the Vestaburg State Game Area, consisting of nearly 3000 acres of wetlands (stock photo). Amid the stark landscape, colors that catch my eye, include the pink, terminal twigs of Gray Dogwood and the red fruit of High Bush Cranberry. This fruit will soften and sweeten over winter to provide food for Cedar Waxwings and Robins. Up ahead, I come upon a dense patch of tall Phragmites with their feathery flowerheads, in the background mixed with a few cigar-shaped cattail flowerheads, in the foreground. Over the past few years, I’ve watched this patch of invasive reeds expand rapidly into the wetlands and overtake acres of native cattails. Along the way, I begin to see shrubbery having recently been cut down by Beavers. Up ahead, I come to the place where the water of a narrow Wolf Creek is supposed to flow freely under the bike trail, only to see that the beavers have built a dam of branches to block the flow and created an acre of flooded wetland. In addition, I notice they constructed a dome-shaped lodge just off the trail. Since the lodge can only be accessed by underwater entrances, it gives them protection from predators such as bobcats and coyotes. High above the flooded wetlands in a leafless tree, I spot a Mourning Dove (not Morning), named after its call that is often found to be sad or mournful. This call is generally referred to as the “perch coo”, sung by an unmated male on a perch. Surprising to me, this bird is hunted across much of the United States, 41 states in all. Thank goodness it’s protected in Michigan. It’s hard to imagine harvesting this bird for meat since an average adult weighs a mere 4.5 oz. Each breast fillet is about as long as a thumb and weighs one ounce or less before cooking. Turning around, I retrace my steps back toward the car, where I notice a decaying log displaying orate Turkey tail fungi and the paved path at my feet displaying a leaf litter of Maple, Oak, Aspen and Pine. 

Gone are the days when

Maples turned gold

Now is the time for

Winds to blow cold

Gone are the days when

White Asters bloom

Now is the time for

Gray clouds of gloom

Gone are the days when

Log turtles lie

Now is the time for

Juncos to fly

 

D. DeGraaf

November 6

With mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the low 20’s, I’m taking a morning hike on a section of the Meijer Heartland bike trail through a premature, sparkling winter landscape, after two inches of snow fell overnight. Gazing skyward, I notice a Gibbous moon. Recalling a lesson from junior high science class, this natural satellite of earth doesn't emit its own light, it reflects sunlight. As it orbits Earth each month, we see only part of the sunlit side, called a phase. Looking north, I observe a fresh game trail, while far ahead, I spot one of many Whitetail deer, on the move this time of day. Overhead, I observe some, thin foot-long bean pods of a Northern Catalpa tree. Also known as Cigar tree, the seeds and pods were used by pioneers in the 19th century to treat asthma, whooping cough, and various heart conditions. While the pods are edible, they do not taste very good-- some say it's like eating cotton mixed with sawdust. Also overhead, I spot a large, inactive nest of Paper Wasps. Except for queens, most colony members have died from cold temperatures. This nest will disintegrate and a new colony will rebuild next year. Continuing east, I pause on a bridge to watch the water of Honeyoey Creek flow toward its confluence with the Pine River, 1½ miles to the southeast. This watercourse is one of the worst contributors to the pollution of the river by transporting cropland runoff, contaminated with e-coli bacteria from excessive manure applications. Autumn leaves that catch my eye, include the multi-colored American Beech and crimson Staghorn Sumac. Also, the lovely red stems and fruit of Gray Dogwood on a snowy background is a sight to behold. Also, just off the trail, I notice the red berries of Viburnum and purplish black berries of Common Buckthorn. Buckthorn is a highly invasive shrub native to Eurasia that was introduced to North America in the 1880’s as an ornamental plant. There is some evidence that Buckthorn is allelopathic, producing chemicals that inhibit the growth of other species. Turning around to retrace my steps, I spot hanging fruit from both a Crabapple tree and American Bittersweet tree. Bittersweet fruit is poisonous to humans when ingested, but happily consumed by birds. The roots of this tree were used by Native Americans and colonizers to induce vomiting, treat venereal disease and symptoms of tuberculosis. Native Americans also used it in decorations, and even today it is commonly used in dry flower arrangements and for winter decor. Nearing the car, I’m not surprised to spot a fresh buck rub on a Honeysuckle branch. 

Dawn of November

Dawn of the day

Aisle of autumn

Nature’s display

Winterberries

Naked trees

Scampering squirrels

Grounded leaves

Crows afar

Chickadees near

Trail ahead

Whitetail deer

 

D. DeGraaf

October 30

The morning sky is partly sunny with temperatures in the low 50’s as I stand on a deck in Mt. Pleasant’s Chipp-A-Waters park to watch the Chippewa River flow past me. On the high bank, I notice the compound leaves and thorny branches of a Black Locust tree as well as leaves of a Gingko Tree. Ginkgo or Maidenhair is a tree native to China that has been grown for thousands of years for a variety of uses. Because it’s the only surviving member of an ancient order of plants, it’s sometimes referred to as a living fossil. While its leaves and seeds are often used in traditional Chinese medicine, modern research focuses on Ginkgo extract, which is made from the leaves. Ginkgo supplements are associated with several health claims, most of which focus on brain function and blood circulation. Gazing upstream, I arouse a flock of Mallards as they take to flight. Proceeding on a paved path, I can barely see a White-throated Sparrow resting in the lush grass and a Dark-eyed Junco perching on a dead branch. Junco sightings are a sign of the season as these “snow” birds migrate here for the winter, from their summer breeding grounds in Canada. Just off the trail, I spot some Fan-shaped Jelly Fungi growing on a downed tree. In China, they are sometimes included in a vegetarian dish called Buddha’s Delight. Ripe fruit that catch my eye, include deep blue clusters of Wild Grape and red clusters of High bush Cranberry. Nearing a bridge that spans the river, I notice the bright red fruit of Winterberry mixed with the beige, wispy seeds of Old Man’s Beard. Halfway across the bridge, I pause and look east as the river flows through a muted autumn landscape. Moving away from the bridge and the river, I hike through a dense woodland as the Sugar Maple leaves rain down. Soon, I spot the dried, spiny seedpods of Wild Cucumber. Each pod contains four large, flat black or brown seeds, two in each of the two cavities in the pod. Despite the common name, the fruit (stock photo) is not edible and can cause burning reactions in some people. Nearby, I observe a Golden Rain Tree displaying several air-filled seed capsules, resembling Japanese lanterns. This invasive tree is native to China, Japan, Korea, and Manchuria. It was first introduced to North America in 1763. It flowers at an early age with a display of summer yellow flowers that produce a fireworks show of bright color (stock photo). When the blooms are finished, the petals drop to the ground resembling a "Golden Rain" blanket, hence the common name. 

 

Nature’s cue

Bees to the hive

Muted meadow

Wooly Bears thrive

Finches turn pale

Chickadees stay

Geese leave 

Seeds blow away

Leaves rain down

Red and gold

Winds pick up

Green on hold

 

D. DeGraaf

October 23

Back on September 18, I began my quest to follow Corbin Creek upstream from its confluence with the Pine River to its source. This morning, under mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the high 40’s, I join three fellow outdoorsmen as they help me find the source of this watercourse. Hiking northwest from Deaner Road, we come upon the possible origin of Corbin Creek, with its water trickling slowly northeastward through a narrow channel where it merges with a small swamp that is part of a large wetlands. Exploring the flood plain, we spot a pair of Red-belted conks growing on a dead tree trunk. These are some of the most common and important wood decay fungi in North America. Named after the red belt of color between the base of the fungus and the layers of growth above, it is fairly easy to identify. It is definitely not a mushroom for cooking and eating as it has a very hard texture and bitter flavor. Nearby on another dead tree trunk, we notice a few orange-colored, edible fungi called Velvet Shank mushrooms. They have a pleasingly slippery yet firm texture and sweet, mealy flavor. Young, dry buttons are also exceptionally good raw with a very sweet and aromatic toffee-like taste. On the damp ground, we see a five-inch cap of a Amanita mushroom. This fungus is a hallucinogen and must be considered poisonous. Its common name, Fly Agaric, is a reference to the tradition of using this mushroom as an insecticide. In some European countries mushroom caps are crumbled up and placed in saucers of milk to attract house flies. As the flies drink the milk they become drowsy, collapse and die. Later on, I venture to the east side of the wetlands where Corbin Creek re-emerges, flows a short distance east and then turns sharply to the south as it carves a deep, meandering channel into the terrain. Along the high bank, more fungi catch my eye, including, a large cluster of very edible Chicken-of-the-Woods mushrooms and a collection of never-before-seen Black Bulgar mushrooms. A fairly common and widespread woodland species in Britain and Ireland, this black fungi is commonly referred to locally as Black Jelly Drops or Poor Man’s Licorice. Considered inedible and poisonous in western countries, in northeastern China it is elaborately prepared and treated as a culinary delicacy. Continuing south, I arrive, once again, at Deaner Rd. and finally bid farewell to Corbin Creek as it flows under the road and continues its southerly journey.

Forest floor of fall

Leaf litter is ready

Shapes and shades

Sun and shadows

Dew drop diamonds

Pigments aplenty

Heavenly hues

Canvas awaits

Easel’s erect

Palate’s prepared

Nature poised

Artwork begins

 

D. DeGraaf

October 16

Awaiting another encounter with Corbin Creek, I’m hiking in a section of the Maple River State Game Area, west of US 127 in Gratiot County. The early morning temperatures are in the mid 40’s, under mostly cloudy skies as I watch some Wood ducks take off from these expansive wetlands. Looking eastward, I’m awed by a murmuration of black birds (stock photo), an aerial ballet of hundreds of Red-wing Blackbirds, perhaps along with Starlings, Cowbirds and Grackles, flying in mass, but seemingly with one mind. These birds flock together because, primarily, there is safety in numbers. Predators, such as owls and hawks, are frequently befuddled and overwhelmed by such a whirling mass of birds. In the weeks ahead, these blackbirds will begin migrating south for the winter. Soon, I watch part of the flock land in a nearby leafless tree where I look and listen to a single bird. Continuing eastward, I spot blossoms of Water Smartweed and Hedge Mustard. Glancing afar, I notice the traffic on US 127, about ¾ of a mile away while just off the trail, I observe a Velvetleaf plant with its ornate, dried seed pods. Each pod of this highly invasive cropland plant contains 5-15 flattened seeds, a favorite food of the Deer Mouse. Turning around to retrace my steps, I scan the water surface to see the swarming of dozens tiny black insects, similar to the murmuration of black birds. Looking more closely, I see they are Whirligigs, 1/8 inch aquatic beetles that swim fast and are almost always in motion. These insects have eyes that are completely separated into two portions. The lower portion views the underwater environment, while the upper portion surveys the aerial environment. Adults are primarily scavengers, quickly pouncing on live or dead insects that land on the water surface. They may also detect prey using echolocation, waves produced by their swimming motion. Further along, I look skyward to hear the familiar calls of Killdeer birds and look at my feet to see a two-inch, edible Meadow Mushroom. Nearing the car, I stoop down and notice the stem of a Swamp Milkweed, covered by my dozens of 2-mm orange, Oleander Aphids, feeding on the sap. Sometimes called a Milkweed Aphid, this insect (stock photo) ingests sap from the phloem of its host plant. The damage caused by these colonies is mainly aesthetic due to the large amounts of sticky honeydew produced and the resulting black sooty mold that grows on the honeydew. Though native to the Mediterranean region, this aphid is an invasive pest species throughout much of the world.

Treading neath trees

Near to clinging leaves

Few to be found

Most blanket the ground

Quilt of many colors

Yellow, red and others

Bare branches debut

Sky of azure blue

Autumn surrounds 

Nature abounds

 

D. DeGraaf

 

October 9

The early morning sky is mostly sunny with temperatures in the high 50’s as I watch the water of Corbin Creek flow south under Church Rd. Proceeding downstream as the current increases, I come across the dainty white blossoms of Purple-leaf Willowherb and the cattail-like leaves of Sweet Flag. Trudging back to the road, I spot some white berries of Gray Dogwood and red berries of Maple-leaf Viburnum. Back on the road, I look north where the creek is partially choked with a leafy green plant, called Watercress. Cultivated from a wild plant in Europe, Watercress was introduced to America in the 18th century and became commercially popular in the late 20th century. This plant is a member of the mustard family which includes many well-known leafy and tuberous vegetables such as collard greens, kale, turnips, and radishes, as well as problematic weeds such as garlic mustard. It is widely cultivated and is the same Watercress commonly used as a salad green. It is also used as a garnish for meats and other dishes where a peppery or pungent flavor is desired. Ducks, muskrats, and deer eat the leaves of watercress while the plant also serves as shelter for small aquatic life. Along the bank, I notice both Swamp Milkweed and Joe-Pye-Weed are seeding out. Nearby, I spot some blossoms of invasive Crown Vetch and some leaves on a Red Oak tree beginning to turn colors. Walking west along the road toward the car, my ears perk up to the call of a Red-bellied Woodpecker.  Looking up, I see the bird pecking away on a Birch tree trunk. Oddly enough, this bird is named for its least distinctive feature, a light wash of red or pink on its belly that can only be seen if the bird is hanging upside-down. One of the most common mistakes when identifying this bird is calling it a Red-headed Woodpecker (stock photo).  While feeding, a Red-bellied Woodpecker can stick out its tongue nearly two inches past the end of its beak. The tip is barbed and the bird’s spit is sticky, making it easier to snatch prey from deep crevices. Near the car, I come upon a Maple tree trunk with unsightly seepage of sap, called Slime flux or Wet wood. This disease is caused by common surface-inhabiting bacteria or yeast fungi that enter the trunk through a wound. The bacteria and yeast may live on sap nutrients within injured trees for many years without any outward evidence. It is normally not a serious disease. However, a tree with a chronic case may decline in general vigor.

 

Watercourse of nature

Flow, creek, flow

Your journey ahead

I wish to know

Take me along

Your beauty to show

Riding your current

Fast or slow

Beams from the sun

Glisten and glow

Gifts from the clouds

Rain and snow

 

D. DeGraaf

October 2

With rain clouds overhead and temperatures in the high 50’s, I’m standing on Lake Montcalm Rd looking south at 10-acre, Twin Lake, an impoundment likely from Corbin Creek being dammed downstream from here. At my feet, I observe the underside (plastron) of a 6-inch long turtle of unknown species. Turtles are reptiles and like all reptiles, they have scales. The scales on their shell are specialized plates called scutes (pronounced “scoots”). When the turtle grows, the plates shed or peel way and the new ones that grow underneath are larger than the old ones (stock photo). This process is similar to a snake shedding its skin. Turning around and facing north, as a few drops of rain begin to fall, I notice a 2-acre pond, filled by water from eastward flowing Corbin Creek. Looking more closely, I see a gathering of Mallards along with a few Northern Pintails, swimming along the far shore. Walking west on Lake Montcalm Rd, in search of another creek access, I notice some of the, not-often-seen, large, deeply-lobed leaves of Summer Grape have turned yellow. The smaller, heart-shaped leaves of Wild Grape (stock photo) are much more commonly seen in this area while the fruit of both varieties are edible. Leaving the road with a map in hand, I trudge north through dense underbrush, searching for the creek channel. After a brief, arduous hike, I return to the road, continue west until I find suitable terrain to proceed toward the creek. Turning north again into dense vegetation, I spot the red fruit of Autumn Olive and the dark blue fruit of Nannyberry. After slogging through wetlands for 20 minutes, past cattails and ferns, I finally reach the edge of a narrow, gently flowing Corbin Creek, where I pause to look and listen. Making my way along the bank, I come upon the bead-like, spore stalk of a Sensitive fern. These fertile fronds turn brownish black at maturity and persist through winter, releasing spores the following year. This fern (stock photo) gets its common name from its intolerance for cold, the sterile fronds dying at the first frost. Nearby, I notice purple blossoms of Closed Bottle Gentian, among the colorful leaf litter. Only strong bees can force the pedals open in order to get at the nectar and deposit pollen. Roots and leaves of this plant are bitter tasting to mammals and other herbivores, so they usually are not a food source. White-tailed deer are one of the few animals that may eat the tender tops before they have a chance to flower. 

 

Current babbles

Wood ducks squeak

Cicadas whine

Edge of the creek

Autumn aromas

My senses seek

Alone with nature

Edge of the creek

No human ruckus

No words to speak

Mum in the marsh

Edge of the creek

 

D. DeGraaf