A Glimpse of Nature

Congratulations to Joyce F. for correctly identifying last week’s “What Is It!” on the Ames Free Library’s Facebook page.  This surrealistic creature is, indeed, a spicebush swallowtail caterpillar. 

This week’s mystery creature seems to ask, “Who are you looking at?”  If you think you know, email your identification to lrubinacci@amesfreelibrary.org.  Next Friday, we’ll reveal its name and behavior.

So, who saw a monocot this week?  I guarantee you all did, whether or not you were paying attention or taking my assignment seriously.  I chose the orange daylily, Hemerocallis fulva, to introduce the subject because it has large flowers, is familiar to most readers, and is conspicuous at the Ames Free Library’s entrance.

The Missouri Botanical Garden describes the daylily as “A tough plant that is tolerant of poor soil, summer heat and humidity.”  Our recent high temperatures and frequent showers may be challenging to humans, but the daylilies at the Ames Free Library have bloomed with exuberance.  Each July, they greet visitors entering the property.

Last week’s “What Is It!” apparently stumped A Glimpse of Nature’s readers.  Such peculiar objects –  bright-orange, gelatinous balls hanging from a conifer! Those in the photo were about 2 inches in diameter.

Halloween decorations?  Wrong season.  Sea anemones?  Wrong habitat.  What are these orange blobs?  Email your identification to lrubinacci@amesfreelibrary.org and check in next week for their story.  Your nature photos are always welcome.

Attention readers:  Bonnie Tate created this week’s post.  Our guest author describes herself as a scientist, birder, and nature photographer.  You may recall her amazing image of an Eastern Screech Owl which won the grand prize of our “Picturing Winter” contest.

When my coworker, Christie, stepped outside her front door on May 8, she saw a nest.  “When did that happen?”

                                                                       May 8, 2023

June is “Turtles-Crossing-the-Road” month.  Let’s celebrate by driving cautiously on roads near wetlands while being alert to female turtles heading to their upland nesting sites.  Notice which roads seem suitable before you encounter an “object” on the road.  Slow down.  If you see a turtle in the line of traffic, assist the animal to cross (in her chosen direction) only if it is safe and necessary.  Invite some friends to join you in vigilance.

Sunday’s walk was splendid, a fresh green feast of loveliness savored in perfect weather.  My eyes hopped from wild geraniums to jack-in-the-pulpits, from tender ferns to mature skunk cabbages, landing eventually on show-stopping lady’s slippers.