Resident Canada Geese
On the morning of July 29th, I observed our resident flock of Canada geese checking out the bike trail crossing on Wacouta Rd. They took their sweet time negotiating the crossing.
Deer in Soybeans
Early one morning, I discovered a young deer from our resident herd taking advantage of the tender green leaves in the soybean field.
Hen Wood Duck
During the past couple weeks, the level of the river has dropped significantly to a more normal summer flow. Early in the morning of August 8th, I decided to paddle my solo canoe up into Wacouta Bay to check out the current wildlife and bird activity. I prefer to paddle up into a narrow channel surrounded by willows and park. This allows the activity to come to me and is less disruptive to what might be there. While quietly waiting, a hen wood duck flew in and landed right next to my canoe. Throughout the morning paddle, I observed numerous small flocks of wood ducks.
Green Heron
One of the more unusual bird sightings I observed this morning was that of a juvenile green heron. Unlike the numerous great blue herons I observed, green herons are solitary and much smaller. They prefer woodland cover and typically perch in trees.
White Water Lily
Eventually I resumed paddling and exploring the immediate area. While travelling through a dense patch of willows in a protected area, I came across a beautiful white water lily in full bloom. It was one of only 6 plants in the entire bay. Because of the heavy sedimentation at the Head of Lake Pepin, emergent aquatic vegetation like water lilies are rarely observed.
Swamp Rose
As I continued paddling, I suddenly came upon a most unusual shrub hosting huge white flowers. This was a sight I least expected to observe considering the area has been under several feet of water from April through mid- July.
Rose Mallow
Rose Mallow (Hibiscus laevis) sometimes referred to as marsh mallow, is a plant that originated in Africa and has been used as a medicinal as well as an ornamental plant. A confection made from the sap since Egyptian time (2000 BC) has evolved into our marshmallow treat of the present time.
The 5 inch diameter blooms unfurl continuously during it's bloom time, but last only one day. This shrub like perennial thrives in moist conditions and is quite common in the marshes of Texas and Florida.
Least Sandpiper
Some of the earliest birds to migrate south through our area are a variety of shorebirds. On my morning paddle, I observed three different species of sandpipers including this least sandpiper. They were taking advantage of the available food found on the exposed mud flats resulting from the dropping water levels.
Monarch and Rattlesnake Master
As we enter mid-August, the annual fall migration of monarch butterflies has begun. This photo of a monarch on a blossom of the rattlesnake master plant was taken in a prairie area of Frontenac State Park. This unique prairie plant exhibits yucca like foliage.