This morning
Yesterday, no clouds, low humidity, yellowing Hackberry leaves against brilliant blue sky
Arrowwood viburnum leaf, Viburnum dentatum
Gray Goldenrod (maybe, there are more than 20 goldenrod species in Ohio), Solidago nemoralis
Gray Dogwood, Cornus racemosaI’ve noticed this year how much wild berries ripen in waves: first the Juneberries, then blue dogwoods, mulberries, viburnums, raspberries, baneberries, more dogwoods. How very convenient for the birds!
Pokeberry, Phytolacca americanaAlso relished by birds, potentially poisonous to humans. Poke salad is eaten in the south after a triple boiling of the young leaves, although doctors have campaigned against it. The dark juice of the berries has been used as ink. They’re prolific here and plants come up in various parts of the yard every year.
Common Elderberry, Sambucus nigraA wide variety of birds and mammals – including this mammal – enjoy the berries. They make good wine, too.
Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus glabraI looked this up to do a little write-up and the University of Connecticut Plant Database, under Propagation, read, “must race squirrels to collect seed." Ha ha. Well, a.) they’re poisonous to humans, and b.) the squirrels would be welcome to them anyway--- so a race will not be necessary.
A funnel web spider has overtaken a bird box with an elaborate web.
I hope no birds tried to get in here!
Speaking of spiders, this orb weaver, Araneus sp., guards the front door for us.O gets the “Find of the Week” prize for this one.
It’s a pair of Wheel Bugs, Arilus cristatus. One of the largest true bugs in North America, they’re huge, 1.5” (3.8 cm). They’re not uncommon but well-camouflaged so rarely seen. From what I read, this pair may have recently mated and the smaller male, on top, is sticking around to guard the female from other potential mates. The red bit on the hind end of the male is a scent sac and he’ll release a pungent odor if disturbed.If bitten, the bite is supposedly more painful than that of a bee, wasp, or hornet. It may take up to 6 months for the bite to heal.
Another nice find by O (who is far less tormented by blood-thirsty mosquitoes than your blogger),
it’s a warm and fluffy nest
of mice. There are about 7 species of mice in Ohio so I won’t try an ID based on a butt and tail. Too cute.A short walk to the Point
7 comments:
All those berries must make your land a heaven for birds. No wonder you get all the beautiful coloured ones :)
Finally a plant I recognized immediately: Goldenrod. Beautiful picture!
I can see the beauty of spiders and their webs, but they are not my favorite creatures. The mice are adorable!
Great photos and info!
Poisonous or not, I always try and collect a handful or two of buckeyes for fun to keep around the house. Used to be, buckeyes were the preferred "pocket pieces" of over country lad…of course that was in the days of one-room schools. But a lot of the old natural histories mention trying to beat the squirrels to the buckeyes for just this reason.
(Anyone from the South claims Ohioans are called "Buckeyes" because we're all smooth, worthless nuts.)
Jain- I am in agreement, these surely are beautiful days. I've not seen two wheel bugs with each other, quite fascinating.
Tom
Red Robin, we planted bird-friendly native plants on purpose and it all seems to be working. Learning to love spiders is a process, for sure. Glad you recognized and liked the goldenrod.
Scribe, thank you. Funny how the north-south thing works with Ohioans. I always thought of myself as a northerner - because, duh, only Canada is above us on the map... until I moved to the UP and Yoopers commented on my "southern accent." Quite a blow. So when you refer to people from "the South," forgive me for being momentarily confused.
Tom, it seemed like a cosmic bonus: that our first Wheel Bug sighting was of a pair. I can't help but wonder what other wonders I would see if only I could spend more time outside.
Loved your photo of the morning sun Jain...and really enjoyed the walk to the point!
I didn't know about a wheelbug's bite...I will be very careful next time I see one.
Wanda, I'm happy you could join me on my walk. Here, have a cup of tea. :o)
Do you see Wheel Bugs often? This was my first sighting. The bite sounds positively gruesome so be careful out there!
from www.entomology.ifas.ufl.edu:
In general, initial pain often is followed by numbness for several days. The afflicted area often becomes reddened and hot to the touch, but later may become white and hardened at the puncture area. Occasionally, a hard core may slough off, leaving a small hole at the puncture site. Healing time varies but usually takes two weeks and may take half a year.
Hi Jain...
Two years ago about this time was when I saw and heard of my first wheelbug...and have seen one only about 4 times since...learned of it at Nina's blog Nature Remains...she works with my daughter.
Post a Comment