"I used to dream about escaping my ordinary life, but my life was never ordinary. I had simply failed to notice how extraordinary it was."
― Ransom Riggs
I occasionally ponder what might have happened if, after my 15-year career in Information Technology, I had returned to school to become a field biologist. Part of me thinks I probably wouldn’t have as much fun as I do now—I enjoy experiencing nature at my own pace, without the pressure of turning it into a job. On the other hand, perhaps I would have developed a deeper scientific appreciation for things. To some extent, I have that now, thanks to natural history and science books I’ve chosen to read and my outdoor excursions. It was certainly nice to avoid the burden of massive college debt. I have friends who are or were professional biologists, and their work isn't glamorous—no one is paying you to have fun, but it can still be rewarding.
I like the gear ...
Playing in the mud ...
Visiting my favorite natural areas ...
Finally, there was enough beach exposed along the Wisconsin River near Sauk City to see if any Sandy Stream Tiger Beetles Ellipsoptera macra. There was at least one, perhaps two.
This is not a common tiger beetle, from this iNaturalist map:
Naturally, those two pins aren't the only places they can be found. Consider my Google Earth map below showing 3 locations near Sauk City where I've found Sandy Stream:
And the rest of the portraits, all the same individual ...
Another first of the year insect ...
Gnat Ogres!
Holcocephala are tiny predatory robber flies in the Asilidae family. These small insects are characterized by their elongated bodies, large compound eyes, and bristle-like facial hairs, giving them an "ogre-like" appearance. Gnat ogres are skilled aerial hunters, catching gnats and other small flying insects in mid-air using their excellent vision and slender legs. They inhabit various environments, including woodlands, grasslands, and gardens, where they perch on vegetation waiting for prey. Holcocephala undergo complete metamorphosis, with predatory larvae feeding on small invertebrates in the soil or leaf litter. These flies play a crucial role in controlling smaller insect populations, making them beneficial predators in their ecosystems.
As July unfolds, we find ourselves immersed in the richness of the summer season—insects rule my naturalists' sensibilities. Frequent rains have painted the landscape with vibrant hues of green, making every walk through Nature a feast for the senses. The days are long and warm, inviting us to explore the outdoors and witness the symphony of life that thrives in this season.
All images © 2024 Mike McDowell