Monarch and Blazing Star
During the past couple weeks, I have observed more monarchs butterflies than in quite sometime. On Sunday September 3rd, I observed five monarchs on one blazing star plant (Liatris) along the Rattlesnake Bluff trail. Just one more example of how important native prairie plants are for butterflies and bees.
Painted Lady Butterfly
Another species of butterfly that is showing up in large numbers as they are migrating south is the painted lady. The painted lady in the photo is taking advantage of available nectar from a Russian sage plant in our front garden. These butterflies are one of our most familiar and draw media attention during their spring and fall migrations.
Racing Pigeon
On my most recent post, I mentioned that Wacouta resident Pat Friedrich had a racing pigeon around her home for the month of August. She was hoping to trap the bird and notify the owner in Rochester. He would then drive up and retrieve his pigeon. On August 28, 29 and 30, the bird was AWOL. On August 31, Pat called the owner and apologized for being unable to capture his bird. He responded by saying " not to worry - the bird came home this morning."
Queen of the Mississippi
On the morning of Friday September 1st, I paddled my solo canoe up into Wacouta Bay at the Head of Lake Pepin. Ten minutes after I started paddling, I heard an unusual sound behind me. Turning around, I noticed the paddleboat "Queen of the Mississippi heading up river towards it's next destination- Levee Park in Red Wing.
Blue Heron
At this time of year, blue herons start congregating at the Head of Lake Pepin. As I paddled around the shoreline of the bay, I counted no less than a dozen of these long-legged solitary birds. Herons are very wary and present a big challenge to anyone attempting to get a photo.
Green Heron
Another smaller and less common member of the heron family in the green heron. When this bird is alarmed, it raises it's crest and flicks their tail. On this morning, I was fortunate to observe two of these birds near the large beaver lodge mentioned in earlier posts.
Prothonotary Warbler
While sitting in my canoe and trying to observe activity near the beaver lodge, a brilliant prothonotary warbler flew in and landed in some nearby willows. They are one of only two warblers that build their nests in cavities of dead trees. These birds are sometimes referred to as "swamp warblers".
Cardinal Flowers
The wet forested lowlands surrounding Wacouta Bay are ablaze with the red cardinal flowers right now. These colorful flowers are a favorite for hummingbirds.
New York Ironweed
In among the cardinal flowers are the purple blossoms of the New York Ironweed a herbaceous plant with greenish purple stems and thriving in wet conditions.