Nature's Subtle Changes
Over the summer of 2012, I have noticed some subtle changes with the birds and
insects that I enjoy watching in my yard that is located in the Great Basin Desert of
Northern Nevada.
It was a cold spring this year with the temperatures not warming until June. However, the cooler temperatures and strong winds were not deterrents to the hummingbird migration. I noticed some early arrivals in mid-March. Fortunately I had the feeders ready with plenty of sugar in my pantry.
It was a cold spring this year with the temperatures not warming until June. However, the cooler temperatures and strong winds were not deterrents to the hummingbird migration. I noticed some early arrivals in mid-March. Fortunately I had the feeders ready with plenty of sugar in my pantry.
The Bullock's Orioles began to show up much later than the typical April 15th. calendar date. I was starting to worry that something had happened during their migration from South America when finally I noticed a male desperately trying to drink from the hummingbird feeder. Quickly, I prepared the larger feeder that is designed to accommodate the orioles so that they can drink nectar water.
Once the air began to warm up, it got very hot. The summer was also dry and even the seasonal monsoons did not produce any measurable moisture.
The hot, dry summer did not deter the damselflies from being so prolific; I have never seen such large numbers and a few stragglers were still around in late August.
For the first time over the summer, I did not see any of the usual garden spiders that spin such intricate webs around the pond plants.
I only saw one Western Spotted Orb
Weaver on the Russian Sage.
However, the lake spider orb weavers were out in mass with larger numbers than I have ever witnessed. It was not a good time to go hiking through the brush, they are not poisonous but will bite.
The bees have been very plentiful and are still buzzing at every flower that is still in bloom this late in October.
After such an abundance of Painted Lady Butterflies from the summer of 2011, I only saw a few and they did not hang around for long.
Much to my surprise, the number of preying mantis was very low. There were so many last summer and I found egg sacs on almost every wooden surface.
The summer of 2012 has been an unusual one and it seems to be getting hotter each year. The Great Basin Desert is noted for its cooler temperatures and if the climate continues to warm, it will be very interesting to see what changes to nature this will bring.
What
an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love
it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get
treated to new experiences.
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"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"
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