It was noon under an overcast Wednesday and I was sitting beneath the scant shelter of a rapidly shedding Weeping Willow when the National Emergency alarms sounded (and was glad I didn’t turn into a zombie). There were plenty of college Co-ed joggers to feast on if I had. I was prepared for either outcome.
6 inches from my right foot was Lake Patsy (at the Oxford city park) and I was glad Hoof & Mouth (specifically Anthrax) was not my reaction to the ridiculous conspiracy theory. One dying reed poked out of the bank and the damselfly in the title photo held on to it. Below is the entire insect.
male Orange Bluet — Enallagma signatum
It took me a while to identify the species because when I think Bluet, a different color comes to mind. This tiny guy is 1 inch long and has the perfect complexion for October. After a moment, the Bluet disappeared like a ghost or wisp of smoke.
I had my equipment set to photograph the resident Belted Kingfisher that hunts the lake. Well, that didn’t happen (he’s a tease). But I found a fledgling Eastern Bluebird that shared my misgivings of the situation.
molting, fledgling Eastern Bluebird. Not the happiest camper at the park.
I turned my attention on the very active buzzing around a large patch of Ragweed blooms.
There were the typical pollinators and some surprises among the bright yellow flowers (despised by allergy sufferers). Below is the Fall festival collection that place offered.
I was happy to see so many Honey Bees.
Several Bumble Bees (Bombus impatiens) were active.
Northern Paper Wasp — Polistes fuscatus, were among the fliers.
Red paper Wasp — Polistes carolina
After greeting the ones I recognized, I focused on the interesting attendees.
Course-backed Paper Wasp — Polistes rubiginosus
Common Thread-waisted Wasp — Ammophila procera
Another October tinted insect entered my peripheral vision. A large patch of orange landed on the Willow and began crawling around. I only got this quick shot as it hunted caterpillars. I discovered (after I got home) that this big insect controls the damaging species to select hardwoods.
Trogus pennator an Ichneumon Wasp that feeds on Swallowtail larva.
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With no new worries of my possible metamorphosis, I headed toward the truck. Lamar Park was the former golf course of our town. Every large tree was planted by the staff. The short ornamental Maple near the parking lot held the last Autumn colors upon my departure.
Like hands waving Goodbye.
Show us what Fall findings you have encountered.
