"Unfortunately, the clock is ticking, the hours are going by. The past increases, the future recedes. Possibilities decreasing, regrets mounting."
― Haruki Murakami
April is nearly behind us, and while spring has already brought many great experiences, I can't shake the sense that I'm missing out on something. I suppose I feel this every spring, but I wouldn't say it's FOMO (fear of missing out). With insects emerging, I often find myself torn between birding and insecting. Birding usually begins earlier in the day, so it's sometimes possible to fit in both—but when I do, the pace can feel rushed, like I’m cramming too much into my time outdoors. Therefore, if by slowing things down I do miss something, it's perfectly fine. I don't need to tally 300 bird species or see Wisconsin's 16 tiger beetles every year.
It was another 20K-step outing at Spring Green Preserve on Sunday, spent searching for tiger beetles, especially the presently elusive C. splendida. There were a few Festives and Oblique-lined on the trail just before the woods, but it still seems like there should be more of them out by now. While bird migration seems slightly ahead of phenological schedule, plants and insects might be a bit behind.
I wonder if this disconnect traces back to our meager snowfall this past winter. Snow cover insulates the ground, buffering overwintering seeds, roots, and insect larvae from harsh freeze-thaw cycles. Without that insulating layer, soil temperatures stay colder longer and may even dry out more quickly in spring. Still, even if I don't get Splendid Tiger Beetle this spring, there's always their late summer emergence—there's just so much more Poison Ivy then.
At the East Unit, the arduous hike to the top of the bluff is rewarding in a scenic way, but photographs don't render the panoramic view justice—it's far more awesome than it appears in these images.
This next shot is looking down from the top of the tallest outcropping—I fell off here several years back while photographing a Common Claybank Tiger Beetle. It hurt! Plus, I rolled into Poison Ivy, and lost my prescription sunglasses in the tumble. I was fortunate I didn't break any bones, but I got pretty banged up and bruised.
To be sure, it looks much steeper in person. Once again, no Splendid Tiger Beetles were out—just too windy. So far, it's either been too cold or too cloudy for them. Despite the sunlight warming the south-facing rocks, the strong gusts kept the beetles tucked away in their burrows. But Nature has a way of rendering unexpected rewards, like this Olympia Marble Euchloe olympia:
Sue and I saw a few of them zipping past, caught in the wind. Even on calm days, this species is notoriously difficult to photograph—flitting restlessly over the rocks in search of the perfect host flower, usually rock cress (Arabis spp.). They often bypass what looks, to my eye, like a perfect candidate. The wind certainly didn't help, but only they know what they're after. Seeing one settle on a flower is rare enough; getting a photo without spooking it off requires quick reflexes.
These are some of my best-ever shots of this elusive species—what fantastic luck!
New spring ephemerals since my last visit included Blue-eyed Grass, Violet Wood Sorrel, and Prairie False Dandelion. With Prairie Buttercup and Birdfoot Violets still going strong, the ground resembled a painting that no photograph can quite capture.
Meanwhile, Saturday at the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor ...
Birding was amazing—my group tallied a dozen warbler species, best being a fairly early Tennessee Warbler. Other warblers included Black-throated Green, Northern Parula, Black-and-white, American Redstart, Nashville, Pine, Northern Waterthrush, Yellow-rumped, and a gazillion Palm Warblers.
Here's a fresh Red Admiral ...
And a fresh beer!
After a day of birds, blooms, and beetles, there's nothing better than winding down with good friends, good food, and a cold beer.
All images © 2025 Mike McDowell