As we enter the last third of summer, our lakes in Minnesota and Wisconsin are starting to bloom with water lilies. Looking across the water surface you can see areas of white and yellow. We’ve seen muskrats enjoying a meal of water lilies, and deer will also wade into the water to graze on them. This water lily is not endanger of being eaten as I photographed it at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park. Like its “wild” relatives it was happy to open its petals to the bright sun and soak up the trailing end of summer.
nature
End of a spring day
It had been a windy and cloudy day, but as the evening wore on the wind began to die down. We were fishing as the air became still. Eagles were flying overhead and the crappies were biting. The dark clouds were still above but the sun moved below them lighting up the opposite shore. The leaves were full on some of the trees and yet others had only begun to leaf out, filtering the sunlight as it came through the trees. The low light and the calmness created a beautiful reflection of the end of a spring (finally!) day.
Baltimore oriole
It was a cold and wintry day last Sunday that even included a snowfall. We were inside looking out and not enjoying this winter weather in mid-May. But it seemed to invigorate all the birds in the area as they were coming in and out of the yard, looking for food on the ground and in the feeders. We put some orange slices in a hanging feeder and realized they were a magnet for the birds. This Baltimore oriole became very vigilant in guarding what he saw as “his” oranges. There were a number of Rose-breasted grosbeaks that challenged him, and only occasionally won the challenge. All these birds were a welcome colorful sight on the cold drab day, and a delight to watch.
Tree swallows
As we were exploring the Namekagon Wildlife Barrens in northwestern Wisconsin we saw many bluebird houses distributed throughout the area. Numerous agencies and individuals have worked hard to be sure the birds have access to good nesting areas. At one road junction we stopped and watched this tree swallow as it flitted in and out of the house, flying to the trees nearby, then coming back to the house. He was accompanied by a female which came and went many times too. What a delight to let time stand still and watch their activities and absorb this little bit of spring!
Last large snowfall of this winter…maybe
Last weekend brought yet another snowfall (which we are all hoping is the last large snow of this winter season). It was a beautiful snow – large flakes that drifted down and settled on everything. The tree branches were outlined in snow, showing their structure. The woods were quiet except for the sound of my snowshoes; with snow depths up to 20 inches snowshoes were required. I love being out in nature during a snowfall. Everything is magically softened and the world is enveloped in a special quiet.
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