I assembled this diary to offset the adverse news from around the country. I am presenting photos of items that should be getting our attention instead of unreasonable humans acting crazy.
Mullien — Verbascum thapsus is blooming presently. The plants I show below are taller (over three feet in height) than the corn stalks behind them. The flower top shows the lovely spiral of yellow. Mullein leaves were collected, dried, shredded and smoked to alleviate bronchial problems by America’s First People. The leaves also make good wound dressings when fresh.
Cliff Swallows are filling the skies near bridges while they collect mud and roughage for nest building.
Male and female Cliff Swallow taking a break after a busy morning
Northern Rough-winged Swallows may also be flying within a murmuration of an active flock.
Rough-winged Swallow waiting for the next flight
Wheat will line the fields if it was the previous crop. The animals love having the extra food source available.
beside a swollen creek bordering a field
Indigo Buntings are nesting and the male below was hunting food for his mate (she is sitting on eggs).
Chanterelle mushrooms can be found along the edges of seldom driven back roads where the forest floor is undisturbed. Use Caution in identifying this edible (look-a-likes are toxic).
The song of Prothonotary Warblers can be heard and sometimes you will see one singing. The one below was in mid yawn.
The turtle below is suffering from a bacterial infection to his eye.
Doting the roads are wildflowers. Every color of the rainbow is represented.
Butterfly weed Spiderwort
Sometimes perched (but mostly in flight) Dragonflies will gladly eat all the unwanted mosquitoes.
Blue Dasher male
A quick movement in thick brush may be a Marsh Wren foraging
Marsh Wren
or a female Summer Tanager gathering new nest material.
Summer Tanager female (non-breeding plumage) with twig for nest
Many native food producing plants are often overlooked. A lonely wild Chive rose above the thick vegetation to reach for the sunshine.
The recent storms in Mississippi have been hard on plants and animals alike. A 3 foot diameter ( breast height measurement) Red Oak tree was knocked over by high winds after the root system became saturated.
Mud puddles are full and occupied (for relieve of the heat) by bathers. Who is visiting your puddles?
a variety of species will gather for a needed bath
My Bug of the Day is a misunderstood creature. This is a Friendly Robber Fly — Promachus rufipes. This insectivore (eats other insects) benefits those of us that like walking around outside. Don’t let the menacing glare intimidate you. These are one of the good bugs.
front view
profile
I hope you have time to commune with nature in positive ways during these troubling times. Please add any words or photos that alleviate stress to those of us struggling with media angst overload.
