I knew a kitten for two days
Ecology and nature nerd. Plant and insect lover. Professional horticulturist. Michigander. Adventurer. Collector of experiences, not things. BA in Biology and Geology. Dated photos here are © my own.
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I knew a kitten for two days
I am now I have a kitten
Had an explosive argument with my geriatric father, but at least the sunset was pretty. Blissfield Michigan, 27 Aug 2025.
For all the summers that have turned to autumn.
Treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae) are often easy to recognize thanks to their large pronota. In this family the upper surface of the first thoracic segment is expanded, covering much of the body. In many species the pronota can take on a variety of ornate shapes. Clayton Michigan, 14 Jul 2010.
With their long legs and humpbacked, wedge-shaped bodies, tumbling flower beetles (Coleoptera: Mordellidae) look somewhat like large fleas. These natural acrobats use their powerful hind legs to escape predators. When threatened they jump and roll to safety. Palmyra Michigan, 03 Jul 2013.
Hackberry emperor (Asterocampa celtis)
Driftwood, seastacks, and waves along the Pacific coast. Olympic National Park, Washington, 19 Apr 2015. #NationalParks
Harlequin blueflag (Iridaceae: Iris versicolor) is a large showy wildflower native to wetlands in northeastern North America. Although beautiful, the leaves and roots are poisonous. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, 18 Jun 2020.
The common branded skipper (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Hesperia comma) is widespread in Eurasia and has one subspecies in North America. In Europe it's called the silver-spotted skipper, but in North America that name is used for Epargyreus clarus, a different species. Torla Spain, 14 Sep 2015.
Black-tailed jackrabbits (Lagomorpha: Leporidae: Lepus californicus) are common in scrublands in the western US and Mexico. These large hares feed on shrubs, grasses, and other short plants, and are often prey for raptors and large carnivores. Joshua Tree National Park, California, 09 Apr 2018.
I had a couple of classes that handed out powerpoints and I said "no" and rewrote them. It's the act of writing it that starts to burn it in my brain. I had profs that did a lot of diagrams and I meticulously copied them and rewrote them until I knew them by heart.
A mining bee (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae: Andrena miserabilis) feeding on the pollen of a Virginia spring beauty (Montiaceae: Claytonia virginica). Spring ephemeral wildflowers are an important source of food for a variety of insects that appear early in the year. Blissfield Michigan, 25 Apr 2011.
I think there are studies that demonstrate increased retention when studying from hand-written notes.
Texas madrone (Ericaceae: Arbutus xalapensis) is a native tree of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. Their broadleaf evergreen foliage is contrasted by their reddish bark and makes them stand out in the Chihuahuan Desert. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, 12 Feb 2014.
Yuccas (Asparagaceae: Yucca sp.) along the three mile Mastodon Peak loop. Most of the trail is easy to moderate, but reaching the peak involves some rock scrambling. Joshua Tree National Park, California, 09 Apr 2018. #NationalParks #Hiking
House mice (Rodentia: Muridae: Mus musculus) originated in India but spread throughout most of the world on trade routes. They're typically found near human habitations, unless you're like me and have had several cats at a time your entire life. Palmyra Michigan, 16 May 2020.
An orbweaver (Araneae: Araneidae) male that appeared to be courting a much larger female. He kept touching and stroking her front legs with his legs. It was 2am so I didn't stick around to watch how this unfolded. Blissfield Michigan, 21 Aug 2025.
Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Channel Islands National Park, California, 26 Oct 2013. #NationalParks
A pair of bordered plant bugs (Hemiptera: Largidae: Largus sp.) making babies. Insects in this family are found worldwide. When they aren't copulating they spend their time feeding on plant juices, typically near the ground. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, 15 Apr 2017.
Chainfruit cholla (Cactaceae: Cylindropuntia fulgida) inhabits most of the Sonoran Desert. The common name refers to the long chains of fruit that form after flowering. This fruit is an important food source for bighorn sheep and some deer. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona, 08 Apr 2018.
Common side-blotched lizards (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae: Uta stansburiana) can be found through much of the western United States and Mexico. They're common in desert shrublands and pinyon-juniper woodlands where they feed on small arthropods. Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico, 08 Feb 2014.
Kachina Bridge is one of several among canyons worn into the Cedar Mesa Sandstone. It was deposited in coastal dune environments during the Permian Period (270-280 mya). The younger red Organ Rock Shale can be seen overlying it in the distance. Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, 11 May 2018.
Thanks, I was glad I happened upon it. 🙂
Setting sunbeams over an approaching line of storms. Blissfield Michigan, 23 Aug 2025.
Giant kelp (Laminariaceae: Macrocystis pyrifera) inhabits coastlines in some parts of the world. Although it looks like a plant, it's actually multicellular brown algae. It can grow up to 200 feet in length and has air sacs to keep it upright. Channel Islands National Park, California, 26 Oct 2013.
If you have any deficiencies, I can't tell. 🙂
Emeralds (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Geometrinae) are small moths that occur worldwide and are most common in the tropics. Most have a green coloration but some can appear yellow or brown in the spring. Like other Geometrids their larvae are typical "inchworms." Blissfield Michigan, 23 Aug 2025.
Dunlins (Charadriiformes: Scolopacidae: Calidris alpina) spend winters along mild shorelines around the world, then migrate to the arctic in the summer to breed. In either locale they feed on invertebrates and the occasional small fish. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland, 14 May 2014.
Nice one, I've never seen one before.
Willow leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Plagiodera versicolora) were introduced to North America from Europe in the early twentieth century. They feed on willow and poplar trees, but predators control their population so they aren't considered serious pests. Blissfield Michigan, 24 Apr 2025.
Cliff fendlerbush (Hydrangeaceae: Fendlera rupicola) is a small shrub native to the southwest US and northern Mexico. It typically grows on rocky slopes in mountainous areas, often among pinyon-juniper woodlands. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, 15 Apr 2017.
The Rio Grande River and a distant Santa Elena Canyon. Mexico is on the left, Texas is on the right. Big Bend National Park, Texas, 10 Feb 2014. #NationalParks
Patience is a virtue
Eight-spotted forester moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Alypia octomaculata) inhabit much of eastern North America. They're usually found near host plants for their larvae like wild grape and Virginia creeper. Unlike most moths, adults are diurnal. Side Cut Metropark near Maumee Ohio, 08 Jul 2012.
bugguide.net/node/view/19...
Possibly Scaphytopius sp.
It looks like a hopper nymph
The Sideling Hill roadcut in western Maryland is a textbook example of a syncline. Here the sedimentary rock bedding has been folded into a U-shape by compressive tectonic forces. The corresponding A-shaped anticlines on either side have been eroded away. I-68 west of Hancock Maryland, 02 Nov 2010.
This video of a cat and lamb chilling together, popped up in my YouTube recommendations and it was just what the doctor ordered. I will be saving it for therapeutic purposes. Thank you Lee Walters. youtu.be/FiR6vlowbd0?...
Elk (Artiodactyla: Cervidae: Cervus canadensis) are the second largest deer in the world. They thrive in and around open woodlands in large parts of North America and east Asia. They mainly graze on grass but also forage on other plants. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, 24 Sep 2020.
Salmonberry (Rosaceae: Rubus spectabilis) can be found in damp forests along the Pacific coast from Alaska to California. Similar to the raspberry, this woody perennial forms dense prickly thickets. Redwood National Park, California, 26 Apr 2013.
Halloween pennants (Odonata: Libellulidae: Celithemis eponina) likely get their name from their jack o'lantern colors, but adults are active in the summer. They patiently wait on foliage for prey insects to fly past, then catch them mid-air. Metzger Marsh near Bono Ohio, 28 Jun 2014.
Windy Point Vista in Coronado National Forest. Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson Arizona, 19 Mar 2024.
Thanks I missed that!
Not that I doubt you, but can you enlighten me on what drew you to that conclusion?
Tequila?
13W here. They fit like a glove and have been very reliable for hiking and backpacking. I've gone through at least half a dozen pairs of both waterproof and breathable versions, depending on application.
Ah Merrell Moabs. I've worn nothing else for fifteen years. This cat has good taste. 😄
Weathered Cedar Mesa Sandstone in the Valley of the Gods at sunset. It was deposited in coastal dune environments during the Permian Period (270-280 mya). Near Mexican Hat Utah, 10 May 2018.
Santa Fe phlox (Polemoniaceae: Phlox nana) can be found from the southwest US into Mexico. It prefers sand and gravel soils from desert scrublands to pinyon-juniper woodlands. The fuzzy stems and thin leaves give rise to showy pink flowers. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, 15 Apr 2017.
When I joined here late last year I had no plan and just started following the silliest people I could find.
It's clearly the toenail of a West Indian manatee at 100x magnification.
A view of the rocky Atlantic coast looking south from Cadillac Mountain. Acadia National Park, Maine, 27 Oct 2015. #NationalParks
Jagged ambush bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Phymata sp.) spend much of their time pouncing on unsuspecting prey. Sometimes they also make time to pounce on each other. Blissfield Michigan, 28 Jul 2011.
Northern green frogs (Anura: Ranidae: Lithobates clamitans melanota) can be found in wetlands throughout northeastern North America. They're often sold as pets, sometimes incorrectly labeled as bullfrogs. Waterloo State Recreation Area near Chelsea Michigan, 02 Sep 2012.
Shining flower beetles (Coleoptera: Phalacridae) are dark and only about 1-3 mm in length. They would be hard to see if not for their tendency to congregate on brightly-colored asters like this smooth oxeye (Asteraceae: Heliopsis helianthoides). Oak Openings Metropark near Swanton Ohio, 15 Jul 2012.
Desert marigold (Asteraceae: Baileya multiradiata) can be found throughout much of the southwest US. Although it can survive drought conditions, this perennial is capable of growing quickly in the presence of some water. North of Las Vegas, Nevada, 07 Apr 2013.
A mature male meadowhawk (Odonata: Libellulidae: Sympetrum sp.) resting on a peach at a farmer's market. As with other dragonflies they're predators of other insects and this one probably had little interest in eating the peach. Cambridge Junction Michigan, 17 Aug 2025.
Definitely a stunner!
Gorgeous
Abundant throughout much of North America, Canada Geese (Anseriformes: Anatidae: Branta canadensis) are often encountered near water. In the spring they’re commonly seen in family groups, with vulnerable goslings sticking close to their protective parents. Zaleski State Forest, Ohio, 02 May 2014.
Upper Yellowstone Falls in a dense conifer forest. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 05 Sep 2014. #NationalParks
Desert stink beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Eleodes spp.) inhabit much of western North America. They get their common name because they live in arid regions and can spray a foul-smelling defensive fluid. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, 15 Apr 2017.
A purple sailor (Anthoathecata: Porpitidae: Vellela vellela), one of thousands washed up on a Pacific beach. Similar to man o' wars, they use a "sail" to move across the water with the wind. Sometimes, however, the wind can strand them on beaches. Olympic National Park, Washington, 19 Apr 2015.
A sagebrush checkerspot (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Chlosyne acastus) taking nectar from a desert prince's plume (Brassicaceae: Stanleya pinnata). These plants are toxic to most animals because they take up a large amount of selenium from the soil. Joshua Tree National Park, California, 09 Apr 2018.
A Bald Eagle on a foggy morning near the mouth of the Quillayute River. Olympic National Park, Washington, 19 Apr 2015.
Aww I love eldritch horror plants. 😄
Like other slipper orchids, pink lady's slipper (Orchidaceae: Cypripedium acaule) has a lower flower petal that is modified into a slipper shape. It temporarily traps insects who are forced to escape through a narrow passage where they transfer pollen. Manistee River Trail, Michigan, 02 Jun 2019.
Navigation is causing erosion? Boat wakes? It looks like there's periodic flooding adding sediment load.
Ashy gray lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Olla v-nigrum) are widespread throughout the Americas. Their populations are negatively affected by introduced Asian lady beetles, who compete with them for the same pest insect prey. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, 15 Apr 2017.
It's not that they care, only to alert you that it's something bots do.
I could fall face first into that right now
That's disgusting. I love it.
Same genus (Salvia). A lot of plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae) are culinary herbs.
Thanks!
A dragon cloud eating the sun. Madison Township Michigan, 16 Aug 2025.
Cascade Range peaks shrouded in clouds above Ross Lake. North Cascades National Park, Washington, 16 Aug 2014. #NationalParks
Great sage (Lamiaceae: Salvia summa) can only be found on limestone cliffs in small, scattered parts of the Chihuahuan Desert. This perennial flowers early in the spring. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, 15 Apr 2017.
Imperial moths (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Eacles imperialis) inhabit woodlands throughout much of North America. Their larvae feed on a wide variety of host trees, but adults don't feed at all. These large moths live just long enough to breed. Palmyra Michigan, 21 Jun 2012.
Golden-mantled ground squirrels (Rodentia: Sciuridae: Callospermophilus lateralis) can be found in a variety of habitats in the western US and Canada. They hibernate in the winter and spend summers fattening up on wide variety of food. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, 22 Sep 2020.
The North Fork of the Virgin River cutting through Zion Canyon. Zion National Park, Utah, March 2010. #NationalParks
That made me laugh out loud, but I wish it didn't.
Well whatever hastens the downfall of civilization. 🤷😅
I have this recorded and I'm pretty excited about getting to it!
Porcelain grays (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Protoboarmia porcelaria) are medium-sized moths found in the eastern US and Canada. Larvae are called dash-lined loopers and are typical "inchworm" caterpillars. They feed on a variety of evergreen and deciduous trees. Blissfield Michigan, 13 Aug 2025.
Whenever I'm out in Michiana Amish country it seems like most people are cautious and respectful of buggies. In some places there are more of them than cars.
Although black bears (Carnivora: Ursidae: Ursus americanus) have been extirpated from half their original range, they're still fairly common in parts of North America. In spite of this they typically avoid humans and can be hard to see clearly. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 04 Sep 2014.
Prairie verbena (Verbenaceae: Verbena bipinnatifida) is native to open grassy areas from the Great Plains to Central America. Since it's drought-tolerant and attractive to pollinators, it's sometimes grown as an ornamental. Big Bend National Park, Texas, 10 Feb 2014.
Painted lichen moths (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Hypoprepia fucosa) inhabit wooded areas in much of eastern North America. Adults are nocturnal and are attracted to lights, and their caterpillars feed on moss, lichens, and algae. Palmyra Michigan, 09 Jul 2012.
A bridge along the Manistee River Trail southwest of Mesick Michigan, 02 Jun 2019.
Standing at the bottom of Grizzly Falls just before dark. Sequoia National Forest just outside Kings Canyon National Park, California, 12 Aug 2011.
Lake Nokoni, a small alpine lake along the North Inlet Trail at an elevation of 10,773 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, 23 Sep 2020. #NationalParks
If you tear open one of these galls it reveals the tiny size of the nymph. After they eat and grow enough they develop into adults that look somewhat like little leafhoppers. Although the galls are unattractive, these bugs aren't serious pests. Palmyra Michigan, 27 Jul 2010.
Hackberry nipplegall makers (Hemiptera: Carsidaridae: Pachypsylla celtidismamma) do exactly what their name suggests. They lay eggs on the undersides of emerging hackberry leaves. When the nymphs hatch and begin to feed, the leaves grow galls around them. Palmyra Michigan, 27 Jul 2010.
Wild hollyhock (Malvaceae: Iliamna rivularis) can be found in mountain meadows, woodland openings and along stream banks in the northwest United States and southwest Canada. After the flowers are pollinated they develop into ringed, hairy, dry fruits. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 05 Sep 2014.
Wet. 🙂 Do you mean is it rich in minerals or whatnot?
Spotted Towhees (Passeriformes: Passerellidae: Pipilo maculatus) are a common sight in much of western North America. These songbirds spend much of their time in scrublands where they forage for a variety of insects, seeds, and fruit. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, 15 Apr 2017.
Ash Cave is the largest recess cave in Ohio. Like many other features in the area it's formed from differential weathering of Black Hand sandstone. These sediments were deposited in the early Carboniferous period, about 350 million years ago. Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio, 13 Mar 2011.
