Elk Rapids Almanac - September 2023
September 3
While mowing at Maple Bay Farm, this Redtail Hawk landed about 10 feet in front of me. It’s been keeping an eye on the voles in our volunteer garden! _Gary Stauffer.
Note: For a fascinating read about Redtail Hawks, see Redtails in Love, a true wildlife drama based in New York City’s Central Park. The book follows a pair of hawks that struggle to raise their family, and the humans who fall under their spell. _Redtails in Love: Marie Winn, 1998.
While mowing at Maple Bay Farm, this Redtail Hawk landed about 10 feet in front of me. It’s been keeping an eye on the voles in our volunteer garden! _Gary Stauffer.
Note: For a fascinating read about Redtail Hawks, see Redtails in Love, a true wildlife drama based in New York City’s Central Park. The book follows a pair of hawks that struggle to raise their family, and the humans who fall under their spell. _Redtails in Love: Marie Winn, 1998.
September 7
This bobcat was spotted on Bay Breeze common, about 9:30 a.m., just walking slowly south. _ Christine Petersen.
Note: There are three native wildcats in Michigan including bobcats, cougars, and lynx. Bobcats are the most common and have been confirmed in every county in Michigan. They are medium sized, nocturnal felines closely related to Canada Lynx. They primarily eat rabbits and rodents, are known to be elusive, and tend to maintain multiple dens. _Sherri McWhirter, https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2022/02/lower-michigan-may-get-expanded-bobcat-hunting-trapping.html
This bobcat was spotted on Bay Breeze common, about 9:30 a.m., just walking slowly south. _ Christine Petersen.
Note: There are three native wildcats in Michigan including bobcats, cougars, and lynx. Bobcats are the most common and have been confirmed in every county in Michigan. They are medium sized, nocturnal felines closely related to Canada Lynx. They primarily eat rabbits and rodents, are known to be elusive, and tend to maintain multiple dens. _Sherri McWhirter, https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2022/02/lower-michigan-may-get-expanded-bobcat-hunting-trapping.html
September 27
This tentatively identified Great Blue Heron was seen flying over Elk River near the library bridge about 9 a.m. headed toward the bay. _Christine Petersen.
Note: The Great Blue Heron is the largest North American heron, standing 2 feet tall and 3-4 feet long. It has a 6-foot wingspan and while in flight tucks its neck in a characteristic S-shape, with its long legs trailing. It occurs throughout Michigan, frequents wetlands, lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, swamps, is largely migratory, and wintering mostly on the Gulf Coast. Although it is declining statewide, Great Blue Herons are doing well in our region. _ https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/abstracts/zoology/Great_Blue_Heron_Rookery.pdf
This tentatively identified Great Blue Heron was seen flying over Elk River near the library bridge about 9 a.m. headed toward the bay. _Christine Petersen.
Note: The Great Blue Heron is the largest North American heron, standing 2 feet tall and 3-4 feet long. It has a 6-foot wingspan and while in flight tucks its neck in a characteristic S-shape, with its long legs trailing. It occurs throughout Michigan, frequents wetlands, lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, swamps, is largely migratory, and wintering mostly on the Gulf Coast. Although it is declining statewide, Great Blue Herons are doing well in our region. _ https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/abstracts/zoology/Great_Blue_Heron_Rookery.pdf
September 28
Goldenrod season is here. There are more than 100 species of the perennial herb goldenrod, and most of them are native to North America. Canada Goldenrod, (Solidago Canadensis), is now in full glory around our area. Although the much-maligned goldenrod is often blamed for seasonal allergies, it is another plant, ragweed, (Ambrosia species) which blooms at the same time, that is usually responsible. Goldenrod flowers contain nectar to attract pollinating insects, and the large, heavy pollen grains attach to the insect bodies. It is an important nectar source for pollinators. Ragweed flowers do not contain nectar, and the plants are dependent on the wind to transfer the small, lightweight pollen. This pollen has the ability to blow for miles. A single ragweed plant is capable of producing over a billion pollen grains.
One final thought-goldenrods are beautiful in September and October, but consider pulling some of them after blooming season, especially those that might take over your garden beds.
Goldenrod season is here. There are more than 100 species of the perennial herb goldenrod, and most of them are native to North America. Canada Goldenrod, (Solidago Canadensis), is now in full glory around our area. Although the much-maligned goldenrod is often blamed for seasonal allergies, it is another plant, ragweed, (Ambrosia species) which blooms at the same time, that is usually responsible. Goldenrod flowers contain nectar to attract pollinating insects, and the large, heavy pollen grains attach to the insect bodies. It is an important nectar source for pollinators. Ragweed flowers do not contain nectar, and the plants are dependent on the wind to transfer the small, lightweight pollen. This pollen has the ability to blow for miles. A single ragweed plant is capable of producing over a billion pollen grains.
One final thought-goldenrods are beautiful in September and October, but consider pulling some of them after blooming season, especially those that might take over your garden beds.
Homegrown National Park (HNP)
Following the recent Doug Tallamy presentation in Elk Rapids, some community members are getting on the MAP. Goggle Homegrown National Park and follow the steps to enroll with your state, county, and zip code. Tallamy tells us if Americans replanted half of their lawns with native species we would have more acres in habitat than all the national parks combined.
Following the recent Doug Tallamy presentation in Elk Rapids, some community members are getting on the MAP. Goggle Homegrown National Park and follow the steps to enroll with your state, county, and zip code. Tallamy tells us if Americans replanted half of their lawns with native species we would have more acres in habitat than all the national parks combined.