"Fresh air is as good for the mind as for the body. Nature always seems trying to talk to us as if she had some great secret to tell. And so she has."
― John Lubbock
Actually, July was pretty good―better than average, I'd say. I won't get out again until August and Spring Green Preserve is a natural choice for weekend adventures during the summer months. Though a little early, I thought trying for Virginia Metallic Tiger Beetle Tetracha virginica, which are mostly nocturnal. The idea is to arrive at the preserve early mornings to find a few scurrying for cover under leaves and logs. With a late start to the day, my optimism for finding one was somewhat lowered.
At this point of summer, birdsong has diminished significantly at the preserve and elsewhere, but Ammodramus savannarum were still very vocal. Punctured Tiger Beetles were abundant, even at the parking lot and trail leading up to the kiosk. Curiously, there were no Festives or Big Sand.
The search for Virginia Metallic was quick―within a few overturned logs, one was founding sheltering itself from the hot and bright daylight.
They are not insects that react lightly to this type of disturbance and will almost immediately take off running for a new hiding spot, seeking refuge under nearby vegetation or within crevices to avoid potential threats. Naturally, my aim is to photograph the critter, but it doesn't know that.
They'll pause for a few seconds if you're lucky, but you must be quick with your camera! This beetle eventually settled for refuge under a different nearby burned oak limb. This makes 13 Wisconsin tiger beetles for the year, with Twelve-spotted, Long-lipped, and Cow Path remaining. As I've mentioned, I probably won't travel up north for Long-lipped, but there's still a good chance for the other two. As tiger beetling goes, this is been an above average year. I've been especially impressed by the number of Hairy-necked along the Wisconsin River.
Above, an American Snout Butterfly Libytheana carinenta on my hat. Below, a Common Sootywing Pholisora catullus in a dramatic pose.
Dotted Horsemint Monarda punctata was abundant throughout the prairie ...
An extreme close-up ...
More Clustered Poppy Mallow Callirhoe triangulata were open ...
Purple Coneflowers prevail just about everywhere: prairies, fields, roadways, and gardens ...
As a final stop before seeing the day to its conclusion was checking in on the tiger beetles on the sandbars at the Arena Boat Landing. There were a lot more beachgoers this time, but there were numerous Hairy-necked and just a few Sandy Stream.
Spring and summer pass swiftly, bringing a constant flurry of changes. Over the past week, Wisconsin's skies have seen a noticeable increase in atmospheric haze. Similar to last summer, numerous wildfires are raging in Canada and the northwest, sending smokey conditions our way. While the current conditions aren't severe, I know a few people who are unable to go outside when the smoke becomes dense. As bad as that might be, these fires are likely making things very challenging for boreal songbirds during the breeding season. Anecdotally, I think it's had a dramatic impact given how many fewer birds we observed this past spring.
All images © 2024 Mike McDowell