The definition of Nature is: The world with all its plants, animals and other living things. A \u201cNature Nerd\u201d is a person that loves each of these.\u2026.I admit that I fit this description!<\/p>\n
Each season offers many lovely sights for us to observe and enjoy.\u00a0\u00a0 Summer is here and daily we are presented with opportunities to open our eyes and \u201csee\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0 I often have my camera ready and try to capture an image so that I can share it with others or try to find out more about what I saw. This butterfly was winging its way through some annuals, and it kept returning to the purple flowers to sip nectar. I snapped a couple photos because I didn\u2019t know what it was. I also used an APP called \u201ciNaturalist\u201d and uploaded the photos to the site. The site suggests what it might be. It suggested a \u201cSilver Spotted Skipper.\u201d The next day I got an update from two observers that it was indeed this species. The photos I uploaded as a casual observer were now upgraded to \u201cresearch\u201d quality. This means that my photos can be used by researchers and by other websites. What a cool thing to have something you saw and photographed, be shared with hundreds of other folks that are also curious.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Silver Spotted Skipper<\/p><\/div>\n
Now that I knew what it was, I wanted to find out a little more about this butterfly. The scientific name is Epargyreus clarus<\/em><\/strong>. They are part of the \u201cskipper\u201d family and one of the largest skippers. Their flight pattern is jerky and that is what caught my attention. One of their host plants is false indigo as well as other members of the pea family. They are pollinators of many nectar plants besides being quite beautiful!<\/p>\n For more information here is a link: https:\/\/animaldiversity.org\/accounts\/Epargyreus_clarus\/<\/p>\n I am always excited to see nature\u2019s creatures but, on this day, I discovered one that I hadn\u2019t encountered before. Isn\u2019t nature wonderful!<\/p>\n A kid and a Kayak<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n For the last couple years my twelve-year-old grandson Mason and his sister Teagan, have each set up a booth at their local farmer\u2019s market. The market invites youth vendors to sign up for a weekend slot to market their products, earn a little cash and gain valuable skills. Both enjoyed the experience and learned much. Their work includes creating products, greeting customers, answering questions, cashiering and wrapping purchases to complete each sale. The money they earn is theirs to spend or save.<\/p>\n Summer is finally here, and the lakes are beckoning! Water is a magnet for most of us and for kids it\u2019s an irresistible pull. Ever the outdoorsman, Mason decided to use some of his savings to make his first big purchase. After researching and thinking about options, he decided to buy a kayak with his earnings. He said he wanted his own \u201cfishing vessel\u201d. He knew he wanted a \u201csit on top\u201d verses a \u201ccrawl in\u201d model and the brand he chose was a \u201cPelican.\u201d It’s bright green on top and white on the bottom. Since it\u2019s only 10 feet long, it doesn\u2019t have to be licensed with the DNR, which is a nice plus. He brought it up north and launched it on a small lake near our cabin for its maiden voyage. He was excited to try it out and he caught a nice rock bass too! He and Teagan also tried it out on our own Cross Lake and enjoyed being able to paddle around near shore, where there is less boat traffic. I asked him if he had named his boat yet and he is still \u201cthinking about it.\u201d I know how much this young man is looking forward to fishing and having fun with his very own watercraft.<\/p>\n There will be many adventures to come. I look forward to hearing about them and maybe sharing some too!<\/p>\n Rock Bass<\/p><\/div>\n Note from the author, Val McGruder <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Naturalist Val McGruder shares two stories. The first is her musings about “seeing”. Her second story shows how a young child can set goals and accomplish them when he\/she has a passion for nature. All text and photos by Val … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>
\nI am a certified \u201cNature Nerd.\u201d I love all things in nature\u2026.Flora and Fauna. When I was growing up, I was always curious about the living things that surrounded me. When I retired in 2014, I became a master gardener and in 2015 I became a master naturalist. I especially enjoy sharing what I have learned with others, I believe nature has so much to offer and allows an endless supply of fascinating topics to stir the passions of anyone that wants to open their eyes to its wonder!
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