Tonight’s hike was fast-paced. It had to be, because if I paused for just a moment, I would be engulfed in a swarm of mosquitoes and deer flies. The slight breeze combined with a quick pace was enough to keep them just behind me as long as I kept moving.
Still, I couldn’t *just* walk without taking in the nature around me. I challenged myself to bird by ear; listening for what I could without stopping. I managed to hear 36 species of birds, which isn’t too bad for mid-June and an 85+ degree evening! Some of the most interesting birds I heard were pair of Sandhill Cranes, Indigo Buntings, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Cedar Waxwings, and a Brown Thrasher.
Other critters were active tonight too. I saw close to a dozen Eastern Cottontail rabbits, a few chipmunks, and several White-tailed Deer. I also heard several species of frogs, including Gray Treefrog, Western Chorus Frogs, and Green Frogs!
Despite my pace and unwillingness to get bit by bugs, I managed to see and get a photo of a new moth species I’d never seen before! The long wings caught my attention and as I approached, I noticed the iridescence and color on the head and body!
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| Virginia Ctenucha Moth on Common Milkweed |
Tonight’s path:
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