November 17

The early afternoon sky is mostly sunny with temperatures in the mid 50’s as I begin my hike in Mt. Pleasant’s Chipp-a-waters Park. While looking at and listening to the flowing water of the Chippewa River, my attention is drawn to a Muskrat swimming near shore. Proceeding along a paved pathway, I notice Goldenrod and Burdock are seeding out. Up ahead, I come upon the white seeds of a Clematis vine (Old Man’s Beard). This plant produces small, creamy-white flowers (stock photo) in late summer. After the flowers fade, each developing seed retains a long, feathery appendage that group together in clusters creating the distinctive "beard" appearance on the vine. This common name, along with another, "Traveler’s Joy" (because it lines hedgerows and brings joy to weary travelers), has been in use for centuries. Up ahead, I spot the dark berries of Buckthorn and the red hips of Wild Rose. Looking out at the river, I spot two pair of Mallards feeding and a log covered with what-appears-to-be Oyster mushrooms. Back on land, my attention is drawn to a fresh Beaver gnaw and an abandoned Robin’s nest in a Buckthorn tree. Following the path into a woodland, I stop and face the massive trunk of a huge Cottonwood tree. According to the description on a trail sign, the tree is one of the largest in the state, at 71 inches in diameter and 220 inches in circumference (3 adults, hand-in-hand). Still exploring the woodland, I note the canopy is open except for some lingering oak leaves while the dense leaf litter shows maple and oak. A shrub that still displays green leaves is Winterberry with its bright red fruit. Turning around, I leave the woodland where I observe the highly textured bark of a small River Birch tree. Crossing over the Brandell Bridge, I pause to watch the water of the Chippewa River flow under me. This river originates about 25 miles from here in the village of Barryton. It flows SE through Lake Isabella, as well as some county parks and CWC preserves before reaching this point. Hiking to the entrance of Veits Woods, I pause to notice the cone-shaped red berry clusters of Staghorn Sumac. Turning around and heading back toward the car, my ears perk up to the sound of a Red-bellied Woodpecker (stock photo). Looking up high on a tall, leafless Cottonwood tree, I spot a golf-ball size Twig Gall. Nearby, hanging from a tree are vines of Multiflora rose with their red hips and Virginia Creeper with their purple berries. These berries, that look a lot like edible, Wild Grapes, are toxic to humans and pets, but not birds.

Woods of November

Season of the gun

Whitetail of the wild

You’re on the run

Scent of humans

Flurries of snow

Whitetail of the wild

Time to lie low

Creature of nature

One of the best

Whitetail of the wild

No time to rest

 

D. DeGraaf

November 10

The mid-morning temperatures are in the low 50’s under mostly sunny skies and a stiff west wind as I begin hiking at Forest Hill Nature Area. Right away, I notice a few Dark-eyed Juncos flying low among some trees and spot one as it perches briefly on a branch. These “snowbirds” arrive in Michigan in late September to early October, often as one of the first signs of approaching winter. Migrating from their summer breeding grounds in Canada, Michigan serves as their "south" where they overwinter. Heading west through fields of amber-colored Switch Grass, I look up to notice a few green, Sweet Crab apples still hanging on the tree. This native species is found throughout the southern Lower Peninsula of Michigan.  Nearby, I begin exploring what once was the bottom of a marsh called Sora Swale, now dried up due to a long-term drought. First, I come upon a few 1/2 -inch Marsh Ramshorn snail shells as well as a 1-inch Wooly Bear Caterpillar. Folklore suggests that the width of the middle brown band of this caterpillar can predict the severity of the coming winter. However, scientific evidence has debunked this, as the band width is actually influenced by the caterpillar's age, diet, and moisture levels. Still, looking around this dried up marsh, I observe white, snow-like patches that are actually dried fruiting bodies of slime mold. Entering South Woods, I come American Witch Hazel trees in bloom. The flowers are small, fragrant, and bright yellow with four distinctive, crinkly, ribbon-shaped petals. This species is unique among many flowering plants because it blooms from October through December. Near the exit to South Woods, I notice an 8-inch diameter Puffball mushroom. At this early stage, the fungus is white, firm and quite edible. Up ahead, I spot some Thin-walled Maze Polypore fungi growing on a decaying tree trunk. This is a tough, inedible bracket fungus with a maze-like pore surface on its underside that turns pinkish or reddish when bruised. Walking along, I see a few dragonflies fluttering about. However, tracking one that landed on a Basswood leaf, I’m not surprised it’s an Autumn Meadowhawk. As its name suggests, this species is known for being cold-hardy and remains active into November and December. Heading back toward the car, I look up to see an 8-inch diameter Bald-faced hornet nest attached to tree branches. The nest is constructed from a paper-like material the hornets create by chewing wood fibers and mixing them with their saliva. By now the workers and drones have died off, the nest is vacant and will not be reused. 

November winds rise

Air temperatures fall

Leafless shrubs short

Naked Aspens tall

Aster flowers close

Canopy opens wide

Chickadees are seen

Frogs and toads hide

Maple leaves descend

Oak’s cling and hang

Mother Earth in balance

Nature’s Yin and Yang

 

D. DeGraaf

November 3

The early afternoon temperatures are in the mid 50’s under sunny skies and a stiff east breeze as I begin my hike east through the Runway Disc Golf course toward the Pine River. Walking down one of the fairways, I notice the leaf litter consists mostly of large heart-shaped leaves from a Catalpa tree. Looking up, I’m not surprised to see one of the trees displaying several of its foot-long seed pods dangling from its branches.  Up ahead, I come upon a loose flock of small birds, where I spot one of them perching- a Yellow-rumped Warbler displaying its muted fall plumage. These birds are often the first warblers to arrive in Michigan and one of the last to leave in the fall. Their name refers to a bright yellow rump patch that also refers to their nickname, "butterbutt" (stock photo). Nearby, I stoop, pick a Motherwort leaf and take in a pleasing aroma, though not particularly minty. While most sources suggest an unpleasant scent, a few descriptions do note a "peculiar, aromatic or pleasant fragrance”. Finally, I reach an extensive backwater section of the Pine River. While these wetlands are not part of the main river channel, they are an essential part of the riparian ecosystem. Hiking along the bank, I pause to watch the afternoon sunshine reflect off the water surface. Looking around, the bright red fruit of a Japanese Barberry shrub catch my eye. This plant, native to Japan was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s as an ornamental plant. The berries are edible but extremely tart and bitter. They are more palatable when cooked and used as a flavoring for jams, jellies and teas. Working my way back toward the car, I spot an unusual situation where a Prickly Wild rose shrub with its large red hips (on the left) is growing next to a Multiflora rose shrub with its small red hips (on the right). One difference is that the Prickly rose is native while the Multiflora rose is an invasive non-native.  Both types of hips are edible and rich in vitamin C, though they contain small, hairy seeds that can cause digestive irritation. Along the way, I spot a Pear-leaved Crab Apple tree loaded with fruit. This tree is native to East Asia and northern China. While the apples are edible for humans, they are too tart to eat raw, making them best for use in jams, jellies or cider.  They are also a valuable food source for deer and small mammals, especially in late fall and winter when other food is scarce. Near the car, I pause to watch a tiny Sweat Bee feeding on a Bull Thistle blossom, realizing this maybe my final time witnessing such an event this season as both blossoms and adult insects will soon die off.

Gone from the fields

Luster of gold

Warmth of summer

Turning cold

Gone are redwings

That ruled the marsh

Winds of November

Blow stiff and harsh

Gone is the green

Of leaves and vines

Nature in autumn

Seasonal signs

 

D. DeGraaf

After deciding back in September to track Bush Creek from beginning to end, I remember locating and exploring its source near Harrison Rd. in Gratiot County. From there, I remember following it with my car, watching its water zig-zag slowly north through one of several county drains. Also, I remember stopping and walking along the creek bank from Jackson Rd where I discovered two insects that I never saw before: Carolina Saddlebags Dragonfly and Chickweed Geometer Moth. For my second encounter, I remember hiking a ¼ mile east from Baldwin Rd on railroad tracks to reach the creek where I once again explored the bank and discovered a Banded Garden Spider and a 2-inch Virginia Tiger Moth Caterpillar. The following week, I remember walking along the creek bank, next to Olive Rd. where I spotted a beautiful Red Admiral Butterfly.  For my 4^th encounter, I remember hiking along its bank upstream from the Jefferson Rd bridge and being pleased, for the first time, to see its water flow through a natural landscape instead of a county drainage ditch. The next encounter took place a week later along Baldwin Rd on the northern edge of Gratiot County where I remember glimpsing at a wading Great Blue Heron. Also, from County Line Rd. bridge I remember looking down into the clear, shallow water to spot a school of 2-inch Bluntnose minnows swimming north into Midland County. For my 6^th creek encounter, I remember hiking a 3^rd of a mile through a powerline easement to the creek. Moving along the bank, I remember observing blossoms of Winter Cress near the water’s edge and the yellow leaves of an overhanging Basswood tree. The very next week, I found myself hiking a 2-track toward another creek encounter. Approaching the creek, I remember being startled by a dozen shrieking Wood Ducks. Close to the shore, I recall hearing a Robin chirp while watching the creek’s clear water flow downstream. So today was to be my 8^th and final encounter with Bush creek to watch it finally flow into the Pine River. However, approaching what I thought would be a good access point to witness this convergence, I was turned away by an employee working this land owned and operated by Union Oil. I was told this site has been in operation for at least 20-years to dismantle and clean up old oil wells and storage tanks. Even though the land is identified on maps, there is no public record of its existence or cleanup results. Despite this awkward conclusion to my journey, I’m grateful for my many encounters with nature I had exploring this unique watercourse.

Autumn onward
Forest rids her green
Reds and yellows show
Wafting leaves are seen
Barren is the meadow
Frost ices the ground
Swallows head south
Wooly bears around
Plants cease to grow
Mother Nature’s way
Comes the colder night
Comes the shorter day 

 

D. DeGraaf

October 20

The early morning sky is mostly sunny with temperatures in the mid 50’s as I find myself in Midland County, hiking a 2-track toward another encounter with Bush Creek. Approaching the creek from a high bank, I’m startled by a dozen shrieking Wood Ducks that take off and fly away before I can focus my camera. These ducks (stock photo) generally do not stay in Michigan for the winter, as they migrate south to warmer climates. They will occasionally overwinter during very mild winters and in areas where the water does not freeze. Close to the shore, I hear a Robin chirp while watching the creek’s clear water flow downstream through a very shallow channel. At my feet, I see a dog-like track of a Coyote in the wet sand. On the far bank, I spot clusters of Wild Grapes hanging from an Elm tree. For Cedar Waxwing birds this fruit can be a primary food source during their fall migration.Raccoons, opossums, and foxes like ripe grapes as a preferred food prior to winter because they are high in sugar and calories. Exploring the flood plain, I come upon a patch of Tree Climber Moss. This type of moss is beneficial to trees, providing habitat for small organisms and helping with nutrient cycling. Nearby, I notice leafy vines of Round-leaved Greenbrier. This plant is considered both semi-evergreen and deciduous, meaning the leaves stay green much of the winter before falling. Up ahead, I see the trunk of a small Sycamore tree with its army-camouflage like design and the trunk of a small American Elm with its deeply-furrowed design. Looking around at other Elm tree trunks, I spot one being strangled by an Oriental Bittersweet vine. Introduced from Eastern Asia, this invasive vine can smother and damage native trees and shrubs, leading to ecological harm.  Looking up, I notice some Red Oak leaves changing colors. Upon closer inspection, I see the upper surface of one leaf displaying BB-size, reddish bumps called Oak Leaf Galls, caused by wasp larvae that developed from eggs laid on the leaf. By the time the leaves fall, the wasp larvae inside have matured and exited through tiny holes. By next spring, new galls will form on fresh oak leaves as part of the next cycle. On a nearby tree, I observe clusters of yellowish-white berries on vines of Poison Ivy. These berries are often seen in the fall and persist into the winter, and while they are a food source for birds, they are toxic to humans and should not be touched. Before heading back to the car, I take one more look at Bush Creek as it flows north toward its convergence with the Pine River, a mere ¾ mile away.

Aura of autumn

Before snows come

From sunny glades

Colors and shades

Of scarlet and gold

Trees, young and old

Where frost of fall 

Glazes it all

In crystalline white

Through longer night

Nature’s glow

October show

 

D. DeGraaf

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

October 6

The mid-morning temperatures are in the upper 60’s under sunny skies and a refreshing east breeze, as I stand on County Line Rd, watching stalks of Giant Stinging Nettle sway in the breeze as water of Bush Creek flows north. Handling these stalks produces a serious sting due to hairs on the stems and leaves. From here, the creek still has 4 miles to go before merging with the Pine River. Still on the road, I look down into the clear, shallow water to spot a school of 2-inch minnows, likely Bluntnose. This species is one of the most common minnows in Michigan and much of eastern North America. They feed mostly on small insects, algae and plankton. They typically live 3–4 years and reach a maximum size of 4 inches. Hiking upstream, I catch a glimpse of a wading Great Blue Heron, standing still, fishing for minnows, frogs or snakes. Most herons migrate south by the end of October, returning in March. However, some individuals may stay in Michigan throughout the winter if there are areas of open, unfrozen water. Moving ahead, I spook the Heron and can barely see it as it takes off and flies a short distance up stream to another fishing spot. Beside the trail, I spot both white and purple blossoms of Aster. The name Aster means star in reference to the shape of the flower. The purple ‘flower’ of New England Aster is actually made up of an aggregate of about 100-150 individual flowers of two types that form a head. The ‘petals’ are each an individual flower called a ray flower. In the center of the head is the other kind of flower called a disk flower (stock photo). Walking through a dense patch of Goldenrod, my feet step on a dried crunchy layer of leaves that had previously fallen from a huge Cottonwood tree overhead. Along the bank, I’m not surprised to see one of many nut-like galls on a Goldenrod plant. This spherical swelling is caused by the tiny Goldenrod Gall Fly. The female fly lays eggs in the stem, and the larva's secretions trigger the plant to form the gall, creating a protective chamber and food source for the larva over winter. During winter birds such Woodpeckers and Chickadees as peck holes in the galls to reach the larvae inside. In some areas, people collect the galls in early spring to use the larvae as fish bait. In the spring, the larva pupates, transforming into an adult fly inside the gall. It then tunnels out and flies away to start the cycle again. Heading back to the car, I notice the leaves of Staghorn Sumac are turning red. Finally, as the season progresses, I pause as a gust of wind rattles the surrounding leaves that yet cling to the branches before they waft to the earth.

Landscape of autumn

Transformed again

Creature of summer

Retreats to its den

Milkweed pods

Dry up and shred

Silky white seeds

Escape and spread

Goodbye to the goose

Farewell to the crane

October commences

In nature’s domain

 

D. DeGraaf