Paula defended today and became the newly minted Dr. Paula in ornithology! We had enough signal to watch her presentation. And it was very good about her study on Long-billed Curlews. Great job!
So since Jeanne and I watched via zoom we had a late start heading out to the field today.
Today we were down on the Ladonia units. We checking to see if the Baptisia sphaerocarpa were blooming yet. I had hoped to hunt for bumblebees. Instead I found a very worn Frosted Elfin. This butterfly has been proposed to be on the Threatened/ Endangered Species list. Their host plants are Baptisia.
No Frosted Elfin cats yet, but there were these gray weevils on some of the plants.
The Early Buttercup (Ranunculus fascicularis) was in the area. They like a wetter areas. And Fannin County definitely has had the rain!
The semi-parasitic Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja indivisa) was a part of the prairie community!
Another member, the Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium pruinosum)!
Someone had enjoyed a meal!
Since going out with Dr. Russell Pfau, I have been on the look out for the Anemone. Today we found the Carolina Anemone!
Half way thru our day we found a chair to sit in. I got a turn too. 🙂
We found more exciting stuff but I need a rest now. More tomorrow!
Such an interesting article about the gopher tortoises! And sending my congratulations to Dr. Paula!
Of the Blue-eyed Grass photo, am I seeing an open flower, a rolled up unopened bud and a spent flower? Love how you composed the three.
Yep! Sharp observation. ☺️