Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Hope Rekindled...

The entrance to the surprising 'Meadowbrook Marsh.'

Maybe you noticed my last post, maybe not. Being a negative sort of individual, I had lost hope in the world's handling of the natural world...among other things that have pissed me off of late, moron politicians and war mongers, people that think health care is wrong(?!), big corporations and their greed, I could go on for a very long time, but why bother...

So anyway, Sunday we went to this small township park called "Meadowbrook Marsh." We learned of this park through our buddy Cheryl "The Weedpicker" Harner. She knows all of the little known hot spots in our fair state!

It seems that the trustees of Danbury Township aren't your run of the mill greedy politicians. These people actually are thinking about the future! My hat's off to these fine folks for the work that they have started. This is a great wetland and open meadow area to view all sorts of wildlife, birds, butterflies, dragonflies and more. I can't wait to visit again in the spring during warbly time!

If you're in the Marblehead area, make a visit, you'll be happy you did.

They have an outstanding viewing platform for you to go out and stand on.

August is definitely "Butterfly Season"
This is a Black Swallowtail.


A pair of Cabbage Whites.
They were accidentally introduced from Europe in the late 1800's.

Not this pair, the species...sheesh, I gotta explain everything...

Where's Waldo?
There's a nice woodland area as well as marsh and meadow.
This time of year the birds are a little harder to spot! Like this Cedar Waxwing.


Doodles got a better shot than me of this Clouded Sulphur.
So, I'll steal it...don't tell her...shhh....

This is my Clouded Sulphur shot. Oh well...

This Common Buckeye was giving me the crazy eye...I hate that...

Here's what he looks like from the side. Look quick, cause he'll fly away!

This is a Common Whitetail, lots of dragons flying in the marsh.
I need to get waders so I can chase them!


These Giant Swallowtails are not very common to see around here!
This was has had a very rough summer...


Did I mention that there were a few birds hiding in the woods?
These House Wrens were all playing hide and seek with us.

For now, I'll stick with the butterflies like this Monarch.
They're out in the open at least...


This is a Pearl Crescent on Clover.
Yes, this is a very small butterfly!

These Red-spotted Purples were all over the gravel drive through the woods.

Oops! This isn't a Monarch!
It's a Viceroy, a little lower on the royalty scale...


I'll leave you with a Monarch BUTTerfly!

I am on a search for good news in nature. If you have anything interesting and enlightening, please feel free to contact me!