The other night we put on our walking shoes and headed to the nature center for a guided hike just before gloaming. They have them every Thursday during the summer and every week we have missed the opportunity. I know I was hoping for a little owl prowl. While the gloaming is coming earlier as we edge closer to the cusp of seasons, I knew it still wasn't dark enough for much owl activity. All Miss Bit wanted to do was go ponding. Coach yearned to see some deer. We got the prairie instead.
We weren't overly excited at first, but as soon as the guide started talking about the native species, we were all seeing these well traveled trails with fresh eyes. And isn't that what it's all about?
This is blue stemmed something or other also referred to as Turkey Foot. Of course it is. Isn't it perfect?
Below is Culver Root, which makes the prairie expanse appear to be adorned with many flickering candelabras. It's total whimsy and delight.
Blue Verbena is purple. What is in a name? Is one person's purple another person's blue? Does it matter?
The Compass Plant is smart enough to orient itself North and South so as not to get scorched by the sun. It's no wonder they can live for 100 years.
Bee Balm is a natural antiseptic, tastes like a mix of peppermint and spearmint as was used by Native Americans as seasoning for wild game.
Rattlesnake Master is a member of the carrot family, but smells sweet like honey in the sunlight. Pioneers thought the flowers could be used as an antidote to rattlesnake bites hence the name.
Yellow Coneflowers so pretty they don't need a scent.
Mountain mint releases a strong mint scent, of course. Did you know that all members of the mint family have square stems? Roll them around in your fingers. Feel them. Smell them.
And Miss Bit who only reluctantly grabbed a bug net, became a busy bugger before long.
Sweep, sweep, sweep.
She examined many bugs: spiders, leaf hoppers, katydids, Pennslyvannia leather wings, Japanese beetles, an inchworm and her favorite Ambush bugs which she prefers to call Assassin bugs. They love to hang out on Goldenrod where they stick their fangs into bumble bees, inject some digestive juices and then suck out their insides leaving just a shell. Cute, ha?
Miss Bit is listening to an angry bumble bee non-stop buzzing caught for the time being in a specimen jar. The whole jar was vibrating.
Miss Bit is listening to an angry bumble bee non-stop buzzing caught for the time being in a specimen jar. The whole jar was vibrating.
Before heading home we had to stop at the pond so she could try out her new frogging net. She caught this little friend and was then happier to call it a night.
A half moon night...
under a pink sky.
Perfect.
