My job has kept me tied to the computer a lot lately. Yesterday, I just had to get out, so I took a quick stroll out to the Big Pond Overlook.
Blue Vervain and Yarrow were both in bloom. Add some Bee Balm and you’d have a nice Independence Day bouquet!
Both Swamp and Common Milkweed were blooming, too.
I looked for Monarch eggs or caterpillars, but found none. (The picture above was taken during a different stroll. Can you see the egg? on the leaf of the Common Milkweed on the right?)
When I got out to the overlook, there was a mama Red-Winged Blackbird scolding, “Check! Check! Check!” She had a worm dangling from her beak. I refused to leave until I saw where she would take it. Dad called from a tree just behind me. Finally, she headed to the nest and I heard her babies peep, “Feed me! Feed me!”
A family came up behind me and I got to teach the difference between the male and female and show them the nest.
I returned to my desk amazed at how refreshed even a short walk can make me feel.
lovely!
I was sitting around thinking of all the reasons to avoid a hike today – bugs, heat, humidity, mud… Your post got me going, so thanks!
You’re welcome. Hope you also had a nice walk!
Nothing like a nice walk to make you feel better
For so many reasons, this is why you are where you are and why you do what you do.
Thank you!
My plans for today now include going to see if swamp milkweed is blooming yet. Thanks for the reminder!