White Pelicans
With the more normal summer river levels of the past couple weeks, I have received numerous local reports of large flocks of American white pelicans being observed at the head of Lake Pepin. If the water levels remain at this stage, these impressive birds should stick around through October. Low water levels make for easy fishing.
Sandhill Cranes
On my last post, I mentioned that Canada geese had arrived shortly after the winter rye field had been combined and we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of sandhill cranes. Early in the morning of Sunday July 30, we heard the distinct resonant rolling bugle of cranes flying low over our home.
Green Darner Dragonfly
On the last post, I mentioned the kestrel fall migration coincides with the migration of green darner dragonflies. I recently spotted this dragonfly in my raspberry patch early one morning following a heavy overnight downpour. These are one of our most common dragonflies and can grow to a length of over 3 inches.
Swimming Deer
On the morning of of July 27, I had the good fortune of going canoeing at the head of Lake Pepin with Gaby (Fosado) Wydooge, a former ELC participant of mine. Gaby currently lives in Switzerland with her family. One of the more interesting observations we were treated to was watching an adult deer swim across the river.
Twin Fawns
For the past two weeks, we are having daily visitors to our backyard.
Fawn munching on an apple
Fortunately they have transitioned from eating a variety of garden flowers to feasting on apples fallen from our lone apple tree.
Jerusalem Artichoke
You may have noticed some very tall (up to 7 feet) yellow flowered plants growing along our roadsides now. Jerusalem artichokes are perennial plants producing edible tubers. Back in the day, ELC participants used to dig these tubers as a potato substitute and would serve them at our wild edible food banquets.
Partridge Pea
A very colorful new prairie plant arrival along the Rattlesnake Bluff trail in the past ten days. Look for this early pioneer species commonly found on disturbed sandy soils.
Giant Swallowtail Butterfly
The past couple weeks, we have been encouraged by the increase in the number of monarch and swallowtail butterfly observations in our flower garden and along the trail. I am no expert at butterfly observation so would appreciate any assistance in identifying this featured photo.