"My religion is nature. That’s what arouses those feelings of wonder and mysticism and gratitude in me."
― Oliver Sacks
Can you believe the end of June is nearly here? Anyway, I returned to Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area on Saturday to look for tiger beetles in the sweltering heat, but only lasted a few hours before it became intolerable. Again, hoping for Ghost, but found only Festive, Big Sand, and Oblique-lined once again. Still, I took time to observe and photograph them. I stayed home on Sunday ― it was just too hot.
Given the heat index, the sand may have reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit by lunchtime, and that was about as much as I could take before heading back home. I brought along three water bottles and went through two of them in about an hour. It's probably unwise to be out doing nature stuff under heat advisory warnings, but sometimes the lure of tiger beetles wins out ― at least for a while.
A nearby Indigo Bunting's song sounded more like laughter that I was foolish enough to be out there in the heat ― singing constantly the entire time I was there. These birds are known for singing vigorously even during the hottest parts of the day defending its territory despite the conditions. Dickcissel song was more chill, but even they seemed to be conserve energy, singing less frequently and with shorter phrases as the temperature climbed.
And then here are the tiger beetles ...
That's the single Oblique-lined I found.
This Big Sand was actually waiting for ants to venture out of their tunnel ― how cruel!
I've never observed that behavior before. It massacred probably a dozen ants while I was watching it. What a beast!
And another truly gorgeous maroon Festive Tiger Beetle ...
Robber Flies were getting it on ...
This Hackberry Emperor kept landing on my sweat-soaked shirt to suck up nutrients, but for a moment settled on the handle of my trekking pole. Sweat contains sodium, potassium, calcium, and other minerals that butterflies need but can't get from nectar alone. This behavior is common in males, who absorb these nutrients and later pass them to females during mating to help improve egg viability. So next time a butterfly lands on you, you're basically a walking salt lick!
On my way home I stopped by one of my best Dogbane Leaf Beetle spots to check in on them. The Indian Hemp was thriving, its narrow leaves dense and lush, and sure enough, the beetles were there — gleaming like drops of molten metal. Their iridescent shells flashed green, blue, and copper as they moved slowly across the foliage. One clung to a leaf tip, feeding methodically, while another flew away in a flash of color. There were lots of them. Even knowing exactly where to find them, they still feel like a small miracle every time I encounter them.
It must have been just over a week ago now, but the Wood Lilies were at their peak at Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie — a brilliant display of fiery orange blossoms rising boldly above the grasses. I make a point to see them every spring; they never fail to impress. Their vivid color and elegant form are a highlight of the season. Alongside them, Pale Spiked Lobelia added delicate lavender-blue spikes to the mix, while the understated but intriguing Death Camas quietly bloomed nearby. Together with a host of other native wildflowers, they create a tapestry of color and form that reminds me why I keep coming back year after year.
And naturally, there were lots of Dickcissels there, too!
All images © 2025 Mike McDowell