Today was an absolutely beautiful day for the First Wednesday outing. As the “fishing guide”, I headed the group towards the Trout Lily (Erythronium mesochoreum) “fishing hole”.
However before we reached the “fishing hole” there many other interesting things to see.
For example another location (which was new to me) of the Engelmann’s Adder’s Tongue (Ophioglossum engelmannii). And believe it or not this is a fern!
Additionally there were hundreds!
My favorite small grotto!
Our first Trout Lily that was hooked for group! The plant had already finished flowering and the seed pod laid on the ground.
The Cymopterus (Vesper macrorhizus) had started to seed as well. The seeds were Shirley’s favorite part of this plant’s life cycle.
While Jeanne was admiring another plant she spotted the crab spider dining on a small moth (Crambidae). Everyone has to eat.
On the hillside it looked like nature had lined up a row of fossils. Some were accusing me of doing it. Ok yes, I do that sometimes but nature beat me to it. 🙂
We caught another Trout Lily! Actually we didn’t see many in bloom. There were many sterile plants which was indicated by having only one leaf.
Ground Plum (Astragalus crassicarpus)!
If we had kept the “fish” perhaps we would garnished with wild onion. LOL.
Cannot believe you found an adders tongue with a tongue out of all those hundreds in that area – was a great find.
Fun article about the harvestmen – interesting how they cling to surfaces and that they disperse to feed at night. Are really cool to watch.
And the next time I see a cluster of them I will think about the theories.
About the Adders Tongue. I bet it helped the grass was short due to the RX burn and grazing. 😊
This morning was so fun! Thanks for letting me be one of your “crew”!
Thank you for bringing your knowledge to us. Always look forward to you joining us!🤗
It was a perfect day for a hike. Loved the elephant article. I read a good book about African elephants. “The elephant whisperer.
Elephants are pretty incredible. And we, humans, have a lot to understand yet.
Cannot believe you found an adders tongue with a tongue out of all those hundreds in that area – was a great find.
Fun article about the harvestmen – interesting how they cling to surfaces and that they disperse to feed at night. Are really cool to watch.
And the next time I see a cluster of them I will think about the theories.
About the Adders Tongue. I bet it helped the grass was short due to the RX burn and grazing. 😊
What a great day! I love all the early spring stuff!!
For sure!