Flooded Lowland Forest
With the copious amount of rainfall in the past ten days, the Mississippi River has risen several feet to the current level of 11.4 feet of of May 26th. These flooded woodlands adjacent to the river, create a wonderful opportunity to explore by canoe. There is very little current in these flooded areas which allows for safe, quiet paddling. This type of travel brings back vivid memories of an ELC Instructor Expedition to the Florida Everglades in 1977.
Northern Map Turtles
On my canoe excursion in the flooded backwaters surrounding Wacouta Bay on May 26th, I observed numerous northern map turtles taking advantage of floating logs to get up out of the water and sun themselves.
Sora Rail
While paddling through the marsh at the edge of the flooded forest, I came upon a small and very secretive bird of freshwater marshes. The Sora Rail is the most common and widely distributed rail in North America. I had to sit motionless in my canoe for 20 minutes before the rail moved into position allowing me to take a photo.
Abandoned Goose Nest
On my April 26th post, I described finding a Canada goose nest located on a floating log. In areas subject to fluctuating water levels, floating logs offer a good option for success. In areas of high bald eagle numbers, floating logs can drift away from cover and are easily detected by predators. This goose nest was abandoned because of eagle predation.
Beaver
On my April 14th post, I mentioned discovering a very large beaver lodge. When water levels rise to the current level of 11.5 feet, the living quarters in the lodge become flooded out. This forces the beaver to hang out on the top of the lodge until the water recedes. Knowing of this possibility, I quietly paddled my canoe up to the lodge and discovered a pair of very large adult beaver sleeping. Due to their very poor eyesight, I was able to maneuver my canoe within 30 feet of the lodge. Eventually, I was detected and they quickly dove into the water slapping their tails as they departed.
Dame's Rocket
One of the most common and notable wildflowers in bloom right now is Dame's Rocket. It is easily observed at the edge of the woods or in roadside ditches.
Dame's Rocket
Dame's Rocket can be found with lavender and sometimes white blossoms. It is frequently confused by another common wildflower- blue phlox. Phlox has 5 instead of 4 petals in the flower.
Oriole
For many years, I have fed our visiting orioles grape jelly. On my first interpretive hike of the summer at Frontenac State Park this morning, I was informed by one of the hikers that because of the high sugar content feeding jelly is not good for the birds. I would welcome any comments on this information.
Wood Duck Nest
On my May 14th post, I mentioned that I was looking forward to the opportunity to photograph 15 wood duck ducklings jumping out of the nesting box. Unfortunately they hatched three days earlier than expected. 14 out of 15 eggs hatched and safely jumped from the box unseen. Guess I will have to wait until next year.
Bull Snake
On Friday afternoon May 26th, I received a call from our neighbor Sue Milbright informing me she had a large 6 foot long snake sunning itself on her deck. It turned out to be a common bull (gopher) snake and departed a short time later. She mentioned that the experience provided enough excitement for one day!