"I think certain types of processes don’t allow for any variation. If you have to be part of that process, all you can do is transform—or perhaps distort—yourself through that persistent repetition, and make that process a part of your own personality."
― Haruki Murakami
Alas, spring birding has taken a backseat to tiger beetling and general bug hunts. There's still plenty of avian migration to go and last night NEXRAD lit up again. But what's in those massive nocturnal flocks is anyone's guess — could be Spiza americana. Anyway, I feel it's a wrap for me. Every spring migration is a little different and not all can be as good as 2002, 2014, or 2020. There was a tremendous cold-snap in 2002 and 2014 that brought warblers to the ground by the thousands at Pheasant Branch. Though not caused by a memorable weather event, 2020 was an exceptional spring for getting great views of migratory birds. This year? Early strong south winds and an early leaf-out made 2024 very challenging, and I hope this isn't a new normal.
Anyway, onto insects!
I finally found a few Six-spotted Tiger Beetles along the rock fence at Pope Farm Conservancy over the weekend. For reasons I can only speculate, they almost always emerge a few weeks later in the season than they do at other locations where I encounter this species. Perhaps it has something to do with the fence being atop a hill where it might be a little windier and cooler compared to lower woodland trails that are exposed with patches of sunlight.
The adorable sun-facing/stilting pose!
It's much easier photographing them while sitting in the grass and using nearby boulders to lean against for better angles when it comes to portraiture. There's no poison ivy, and fewer ticks, too!
You might ask if I ever get tired of photographing tiger beetles, and the answer is that I do not — they're endlessly challenging, fun, and a great way to find other macro subjects. Besides tiger beetles, I enjoy photographing hopper insects and robber flies with similar interest and passion. Naturally, discoveries are often made while searching for my primary quarry.
Given the pleasant weather over my 10-day vacation, I returned to my tiger beetle spot at Sauk Prairie State Recreational Area to see about the dazzling Festives. This is a fairly common tiger beetle I find at a number of insect haunts, but at Sauk Rec., they're almost always uniformly ruby-red colored without much brown or green hints or iridescence — they're just gorgeous.
Perhaps sharing one or two images would suffice here, but I just can't stop!
Dotting the landscape, this is the first time I've spotted mushrooms protruding from sandy substrate at this location. Thus far this spring we've had ample rain which may render new flora and fauna growing or occupying this stretch of desert-like habitat.
And finally ...
Spring Green Preserve (West Unit) — a very cool place for naturalists to explore.
A few years ago, Lester Doyle and I discovered Northern Barrens Tiger Beetles along a partially exposed sandy trail near the woods at this location. When I returned to the spot last year, I didn't find any. However, on Sunday, I was pleased to spot a single individual, which gives me hope that our initial find wasn't a fluke. Other tiger beetle enthusiasts have also observed this species at Spring Green, a large tract of habitat where there could be many more in unexplored areas. Although I consider myself a keen observer, I can easily see how one might mistake this species for the similarly appearing Six-spotted Tiger Beetle.
The vibrant colors of the Six-spotted, Festive, and Northern Barrens Tiger Beetles make them particularly noticeable and memorable compared to the more subdued, earth-toned species that are more common in Wisconsin. These strikingly colored beetles not only highlight the diversity within the tiger beetle family but also contribute to the overall richness of Wisconsin's insect fauna. Personally, I find them all enchanting — truly remarkable little creatures of the sand that offer endless study and entertainment.
All images © 2024 Mike McDowell