Dragonflies and Damselflies at Gorman Nature Center

Judy Semroc and Larry Rosche

Judy and Larry went through the big pond, some vernal pools, the stream, and the frog pond.  They netted the dragonflies and damselflies in nymph form to see what we have.  I just sat and watched, amazed at their knowledge.  

I tried to form a map in my head of where to look for the dragonflies and damselflies later in the season.  I learned that the nymphs live in water for from 6 months to 7 years before emerging to fly for a week or two.  Larry said, "Don't name them."  I think he meant that they don't live long enough to be a pet.  Some dragonflies, like the Common Green Darner, migrate.  I learned that they die on the migration but reproduce before doing so and that probably the young will migrate back to the location from where the original adults migrated.  What a marvelous thing!

Judy Semroc

Judy Semroc and Larry Rosche in Frog Pond

Larry Rosche, Jan Ferrell and Steve McKee

Jan is the one who arranged for Larry and Judy to come this year and I heard her arranging for another visit in the future.  

What's In The Pool?

Many of us just hung around and soaked up as much as we could.  How interesting!

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Mohigan Wildlife Weekend

Larry Rosche and Judy Semroc

The keynote for this year's weekend was on Dragonflies and Damselflies and was presented by Larry and Judy at Malabar Farm Barn.  They have written "the book" on dragonflies and damselflies of northeast Ohio.  "The book" is thus named  Dragonflies and Damselflies of Northeast Ohio.  The first thing that stuck me when I purchased my copy about a year ago was the wonderful photography.  The content is also a wonderful resource for me from which to learn.

Paul McClain and Larry Rosche

Paul McClain, the painter and wildlife enthusiast of Mansfield, took me to Malabar Farm to hear the keynote presentation.  It was a most enjoyable experience, not to mention informative.

It was a beautifully warm spring evening.  The barn doors were wide open and I could hear a sheep below and smell hay above.  I saw several of my friends while there.

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More Eastern Bluebirds

Eastern Bluebird

I can't tell the female from the male unless I see them together.  I think this is the male.  The mate did not show itself during this shoot.

Eastern Bluebird

It is not difficult to see what they have on their minds.  

Eastern Bluebird

Wikipedia shows a map illustrating to where they migrate.  They appear to live in southern Ohio year around but not Gorman Nature Center.  Our area would be in the "breeding seasons only" on the map.  They eat insects and fruit.

Blue Birds

Eastern Bluebird

The bluebirds are quite active now at Gorman.

Eastern Bluebird

They seem easier to approach.  I think they are beautiful!

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A New Bird For Me

Brown-headed Cowbird Male

I noticed this bird the other morning as one unknown to me.  It was about the size of a red-winged blackbird.  I made some shots hoping that I could identify it later at home.  It turned out to be the Brown-headed Cowbird.

Wikipedia shows a map illustrating the seasonal areas for this bird.  Gorman Nature Center is located in the "all year around" area for this bird.  They migrate south in the winter.  I don't know a lot of birds so I suppose that I have just not been lucky enough to notice it before.

The female lays her egg in the nest of another bird which raises the nestling after it hatches.  The cowbird is known to retaliate if the egg or nestling is rejected.  It does not sound like a nice bird.

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New Look at a Red-winged Blackbird

Red-winged Blackbird Male

I was surprised at how much I liked the "set" for this one.  The cattails really seem to complement the bird.  I tried to work this idea more on the succeeding day but the birds would not cooperate.  They just sat in the tree above and looked down at me.

Most, if not all the birds, have reproduction on their minds at this time of year.  They are less secretive.  The leaves are starting to come out on the trees and I am sorry to see it because the birds will go back to their secretive ways and hide behind them soon. 

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View Finder Report

Mallard Drake

I am making what I consider good progress on changing eyes for the viewfinder.  I have suspected that I needed to make this change for several years.  It just seemed so awkward.  I have long believed that learning is strongly related to readiness.  I suppose that I am just ready.

Mallard Drake

 It is much easier to get the subject into the view finder when I can use my left eye like a spotting scope.

Mallard Drake

I am far from being "there" but I feel good about my progress.

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