A Rainbow of Colors in Wacouta

Rainbow

It is somewhat common to observe a rainbow in this "neck of the woods."  What is uncommon for me is to have a camera close by to document the event.  This photo was taken at 6:00 pm on Saturday May 23rd following a rain squall that had quickly moved through.

Red Fox

Early in the morning of May 31st as I was eating my breakfast, a scrawny looking red fox appeared at our bird bath for a quick drink of water.  Once again, I was fortunate to have my camera nearby.

Canada Geese and Goslings

I had mentioned in earlier posts this spring that because Wacouta Pond was much lower, it was unlikely we would be observing families of Canada geese along the edge of Wacouta Road.  Then on the night of May 16th, we experienced a rainfall of 3.6 inches.  This downfall raised the pond a good 8 inches bringing water right up to the road.  

It wasn't long before adult geese appeared.  Then on June 5th, adults and their offspring were observed.

White Wild Indigo

An interesting and fairly new wildflower showing up along the trail now is White Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba).  This member of the Pea family is easily recognized by it's spike of white flowers.  Some plants in this family have been used as a dye.  Hence the name Baptisia.

In the fall of the year, these dried plants break off and act as tumbleweeds rolling across the land with the wind.

Goat's Beard

A common and interesting wildflower observed along the trail now is an erect biennial known as Goat's Beard (Tragopogon dubis).  The flower heads usually face the sun.  Years ago, Kathy used to gather the rounded heads of parachute-winged fruits and spray them with hair spray for winter bouquets.

Male Bluebird

In my last post, I reported on May 15th a female bluebird was incubating 6 blue eggs.  On June 15th, 6 nestlings fledged from the nest.  This was the first successful bluebird nesting we have had in our yard.

Hawk's Beard

The Wacouta Prairie is now in the transition stage between soybeans and restored prairie.  Right now it is a beautiful yellow color with Hawk's Beard.  Unfortunately this is not a desired species and not on the list of plants sowed last fall.

In the next few days, the Minnesota Land Trust will mow the prairie to a height of 10 inches before it has a chance to re-seed.

Steve Gardiner and Mayflies

For some reason during the second week of June, we experienced a most unusual mayfly hatch.  For one reason it occurred about 10 days early.  Secondly, mayfly hatches usually end up in the trees and along the shoreline of the lake.

In this case few were along the shore, but inland they were thick.  In the late afternoon of June 11th, I took a friend, Steve Gardiner , on a hike out to the edge of Rattlesnake Bluff.  By the time we arrived at our destination, we were both covered with non-lethal mayflies.

Summer View From Rattlesnake Bluff

This photo is a view of Wacouta Pond and the prairie from Rattlesnake Bluff taken on June 11th.