"Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality."
― Carl Sagan
The last complete month of summer draws to a close. Given late August and pleasant weather, it seemed inevitable that Splendid Tiger Beetles would be out on the rocky outcroppings at Spring Green Preserve. But they weren't. I won't check again until early September, and by then they're almost certain to be out. And where there are Splendids there are often Claybank Tiger Beetles, and I have yet to find one this year. If nothing else, it's a nice place to hike in the great outdoors. However, this is Spring Green ― there's always something interesting to see and photograph here.
Like wildflowers ...
Prairie Clover, Tick Tree-foil, and Blazing Star.
As summer's final embrace envelops the prairie, Liatris (Blazing Star) unveils its secret hues, a tapestry of purples and pinks that unfold from the Earth's canvas. Each individual bloom is a brushstroke, a stroke of artistry that contributes to the grand masterpiece of the meadow. The colors, soft yet bold, tell stories of Nature's harmonious palette, a reminder that even in the vastness of the wilderness, every detail is rendered meticulously.
Even the buds are astonishing ...
And butterflies ...
An American Copper Lycaena phlaeas was actually the first one I've seen all year. Perhaps on account of the drought, but I haven't been seeing as many butterflies as usual. That's Hoary Vervain it's on.
This was a very nice surprise! A few Variegated Fritillaries Euptoieta claudia were also visiting the vervain when one landed on my hand. A new pal? Nope ― merely using its long proboscis to suck up sodium and amino acid dense fluids in my sweat. It's sustenance of serine, histidine, ornithine, alanine, glycine, and lysine. Sounds delicious, doesn't it? It might not be a magical fairy expressing kinship with a human, but I still felt distinguished by having one on my hand for a couple of minutes.
I mean, wow ...
Six-lined Racerunners Aspidoscelis sexlineatus were active, but you've got to be quick even just to get a glimpse of one ― they dash across the sandy trail, heading into concealing vegetation at an impressive speed. But every once in a while I manage to find one that'll pause just long enough for a portrait. Then, in the blink of an eye, it was gone.
Naturally, there were plenty of Tiger Beetles ...
Here's Punctured.
And Big Sand.
But Festive Tiger Beetles were the most abundant species, which is typical for this time of year. I was hoping for a blue or green one, but most were kind of wine-colored with green accents.
Spending nearly the entire day here is always a cathartic experience. What one calls magical another might dispel with science. When hiking in Nature, our bodies release endorphins that interact with the opiate receptors of the brain ― this can reduce the perception of pain and increase a sense of well-being. "Geez, Mike ― you always have to ruin everything, don't you!?" On the contrary, whatever magic is present can be enhanced in the explanations. Scientific knowledge deepens our appreciation of the natural world by uncovering the underlying processes that create stunning phenomena. Understanding the physics of a rainbow doesn't diminish its beauty; it enriches our wonder by revealing the science behind its formation. Perhaps you come here just for the photographs, but I'll always be keen on throwing in a bit of science here and there.
All images © 2023 Mike McDowell