Kip’s Comments - June 22, 2024

One Less Tick - Thank A Warbler

Last night, just before the rain began, I enjoyed an insect feeding show. Prothonotary warblers and blue-gray gnatcatchers were flitting around the trees along the river grabbing snacks. The gnatcatchers were higher in the trees much of the time. The prothonotary warblers were closer to my position in my canoe.

I tried hard to see what the birds were feeding on, but only confirmed with this picture. It sure appears to me that this prothonotary warbler was feeding on a blood-filled tick, maybe filled from a deer or some other mammal. I am glad the insect has been digested!

Prothonotary Warbler (with tick) - Image 891193

In addition to the “warbler with tick” picture, I will share a few others from last night.

Prothonotary Warbler - Image 891205

Prothonotary Warbler - Image 891255

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Chasing Something - Image 891172

Northern Water Snake - Image 891268

This morning I found a number of plant species. Most were native, but not all. It seems the non-native wildflowers were the most showy, at least for today. Non-native or not, they are pretty and popular.

Black Raspberries - Image 891281 (native)

Fringed Loosestrife - Image 891336 (native)

White Avens Blossom - Image 891384 (native)

Creeping Bellflower - Image 891308 (non-native)

Tiger Daylily - Image 891452 (non-native)

I suppose I should include a clear view of a different wasp too.

Bramble Mason Wasp on White Avens - Image 891414