Tag Archives: autumn

This Morning Before the Rain…

Posted on September 7, 2019 by the roused bear

I went on a prairie walk at Tipton Prairie in Greene County, Iowa.  The prairie was quite spectacular today.  The vegetation that is found there is quite rare. This is a fiery skipper. I think this flower fly is Toxomerus … Continue reading →

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Late Season Critters

Posted on September 23, 2018 by the roused bear

Our weather has cooled down lately, particularly at night.  It is still warm enough for most of the insects though, so I went to a backwater area of Big Creek State Park and took some photos. This eastern tailed-blue was … Continue reading →

Posted in Biological diversity, butterflies, damselflies, pearl crescent | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Muddy knees, Wind Blown Seeds, and Butterflies

Posted on November 24, 2017 by the roused bear

Yesterday and today I got outside and did a little bit of photography, after a hiatus that has been caused by weather and life events. These are the seed pods of common milkweed. Here is a single seed that has … Continue reading →

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More Bug Watching

Posted on October 2, 2017 by the roused bear

Thistles are spectacular for their ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators.  When the thistles are at their peak, they attract not only the largest, most beautiful butterflies, but also the smaller skippers and bees, wasps, and flies of all … Continue reading →

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Common Milkweed

Posted on October 22, 2015 by the roused bear

Here is a common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, seed pod and a large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus. The days are shorter now, and I have not been able to get outside with my camera as much as I did earlier in … Continue reading →

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Butterflies in the Apple Tree

Posted on September 17, 2015 by the roused bear

I saw some butterflies in the apple tree tonight. These monarchs were trying to find a roost for the night.  As it was not yet dark, they were still quite easily spooked and flew off shortly after I photographed them. … Continue reading →

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Drying Up

Posted on October 21, 2013 by the roused bear

I saw this flower the other day–shriveled and dried up.  It took me a little while to figure out what it was. It is, of course, partridge pea–one of my favorite plants.  Here is what it looks like on a … Continue reading →

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Visiting Flowers

Posted on October 18, 2013 by the roused bear

Yesterday I saw a small fly visiting flowers near our prairie. This is probably a crane fly.  It had a delicate but halting and jerky flight.

Posted in diptera, insects | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Seeds

Posted on October 17, 2013 by the roused bear

Seeds of common milkweed rest inside of a dried, open seed pod, waiting for the wind to free them.  

Posted in Biological diversity, plants | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

What I Did on My (Involuntary, Unpaid) Vacation

Posted on October 8, 2013 by the roused bear

As an employee of the State of Iowa in a federally supported position, the government shutdown has affected me.  As of now, I am laid off for fifteen work days.  That may change, but I expect to be out money … Continue reading →

Posted in butterflies, dragonflies, Junonia coenia, widow skimmer | Tagged , , | 2 Comments