1 September 2024
Welcome to September! Here are a few things seen last week when it was still August.
At top, a tiny ant explores for curling pistils on blooming wingstem in Schenley Park. Below, a funnel spider web awaits an unwary flying insect. I could not see the spider in the hole but I’m sure he’s there.
In case you haven’t noticed, the Upper Ohio valley is in a drought. (Click here for the drought map of 27 Aug 2024.) Plants in Schenley Park were drooping last week. Did last night’s rain perk them up? See the latest map from US Drought Monitor at UNL.
On Friday evening there was a double rainbow though I did not notice the faint second rainbow (upper left corner) until I looked at my photo.
In late August and early September, hundreds of migrating chimney swifts pour into this chimney at dusk. Our local crows find it fascinating so on Tuesday 27 August they perched around the top of the chimney and waited for the swifts to pour in. (They look like pegs on top of the chimney.) The swifts refused to go through that gauntlet. The crows had to leave before the show began.
There are certainly fewer spotted lanternflies this year than last in my city neighborhood. These two photos give a look at the many in 2023 versus few in 2024 on a South Craig Street sidewalk. Some of you missed this excitement last year and are experiencing it now. 😮
Spotted lanternflies at RAND Bldg, 11 Sep 2023
And finally, on the night of August 27-28 an unusual wind gust toppled the potted plants on our roof. No harm done. They were just sleeping.
