A Glimpse of Nature - Not A Heron
Last week’s “What Is It!” did not occur at the Ames Free Library. This handsome trio needs more elbow room than Queset Garden offers.
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A Glimpse of Nature - What Is It! #3
Three mystery birds are the stars of this week’s “What Is It!” Think you know this bird? Submit your ID to A Glimpse of Nature. If you have ever seen this species, please share your experience as well. Next week’s post will tell the story behind this photo.
A Glimpse of Nature -- On the Edges
Beyond Queset Garden, past the reflecting pool and hedgerows, is a “neglected” area that provides safe haven for plants and animals. This densely-vegetated thicket offers shelter to the cottontail rabbits, the woodchuck, and the garter snake. Bird songs emanate from this spot, dragonflies cruise over it, and bees and wasps visit its many blossoms.
In late July, I noticed an exquisite flower beginning to bloom there.
Librarian's Lounge - August 2022
Things have been busy since my last post! We made it through two heat waves and the library has been in full swing with all of our summer events and the summer reading program. If you’re reading this before August 27, there’s still time to log your reading and earn points to spend on raffle tickets (for teens and adults) or beads to design your own necklace (for kids). In addition to all of the excitement at AFL, I’ve been doing lots of reading and a bit of exploring.
A Glimpse of Nature -- Regarding Dragonflies
For those of you who avoided our recent dragonfly quiz, and for those who played the game but felt uneasy, here is an observation primer. As with all new subjects, it takes time to get one’s bearings, but there are some easily observable aspects of appearance and behavior that can point you in the right direction.
Staff Stories - Hannah Paul
Welcome to AFL Staff Stories! Every month we'll introduce you (or REintroduce you!) to a different member of the AFL Staff and tell you a little about their favorites.
This month, meet AFL's Youth Services Librarian, Hannah Paul. Click here for Hannah's stories.
A Glimpse of Nature -- Progress Report
Here’s the latest news.
Part 1: The Robin.
If you recall, last Friday a dramatic thunderstorm passed through our region. It began to sprinkle as I headed to my car; soon there was a deluge. As I readied myself for the commute, I looked towards the robin’s nest and wondered how it would fare through heatwave and storm. That’s when an adult bird zipped around the library at breakneck speed. It needed to protect the nest.
Your Neighbors Recommend...August 2022
Ever been curious what your neighbors are reading or watching? Here are just some of their suggestions! As we receive more recommendations, we'll post them here on the AFL Blog.
If you would like to suggest something you've loved to your neighbors, fill out our Your Neighbors Recommend form!
A Glimpse of Nature -- What Is It! #2
As I was watering the library’s tomatoes and fall greens, I spotted a small object just outside the entrance. It was new, and its color stood out from the gray and pink masonry.
A Glimpse of Nature -- Dragonflies and Damselflies
Dragonflies have been among the library’s most conspicuous animals during July – if you’ve been outside long enough to notice them!
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