We just recently visited Caerlaverock nature reserve which is known as a dragonfly hotspot and we saw a good number of dragonflies. One year when we were there, our visit coincided with a mass emergence of dragonflies, which was an amazing sight, they were literally everywhere in great numbers.
Here on the Olympic Peninsula we are also seeing the first changing of colors in our vine maples and other trees and shrubs. Today could very well be our last hot day of a very dry summer. Whenever they speak of rain, it has turned out to be some sit of moisture for a short while, leaving the sidewalks dry almost as soon as it passes. sigh We used to have oodles of several types of dragon flies seen sitting on any tall bean pole, or dried grass stalk and floating out across the field after some insect or other. But since the near by forest was logged a few years ago and then sprayed with defoliant, dragonflies, along with many other insects and creatures are rarely seen. Gone also are the frogs, the many migrating birds. I can only hope they are finding other places more hospitable. Everyday a few hundred logging trucks go by. It seems like such madness.
Yes, while clearing land that will for the most part never be forests again. Most of my surrounding humans are oblivious to what forests are, besides trees. Little if any understanding about the hundreds of native flora and fauna that are also losing their homes. Very little understanding of migrating animals and birds. Big money sees our political moment as a time to feast on our forests and make way for housing developments and mini malls, etc. After years of trying to protect estuaries, we now have little state money or people left to do such things. All of this, while our local wild fire is allowed to 'burn itself out' and fill our air with smoky skies. I am so disappointed in my fellow human beings.
We just recently visited Caerlaverock nature reserve which is known as a dragonfly hotspot and we saw a good number of dragonflies. One year when we were there, our visit coincided with a mass emergence of dragonflies, which was an amazing sight, they were literally everywhere in great numbers.
That sounds something to see.
Here on the Olympic Peninsula we are also seeing the first changing of colors in our vine maples and other trees and shrubs. Today could very well be our last hot day of a very dry summer. Whenever they speak of rain, it has turned out to be some sit of moisture for a short while, leaving the sidewalks dry almost as soon as it passes. sigh We used to have oodles of several types of dragon flies seen sitting on any tall bean pole, or dried grass stalk and floating out across the field after some insect or other. But since the near by forest was logged a few years ago and then sprayed with defoliant, dragonflies, along with many other insects and creatures are rarely seen. Gone also are the frogs, the many migrating birds. I can only hope they are finding other places more hospitable. Everyday a few hundred logging trucks go by. It seems like such madness.
Logging is, indeed, madness ... but sadly its continuance brings votes and money.
Yes, while clearing land that will for the most part never be forests again. Most of my surrounding humans are oblivious to what forests are, besides trees. Little if any understanding about the hundreds of native flora and fauna that are also losing their homes. Very little understanding of migrating animals and birds. Big money sees our political moment as a time to feast on our forests and make way for housing developments and mini malls, etc. After years of trying to protect estuaries, we now have little state money or people left to do such things. All of this, while our local wild fire is allowed to 'burn itself out' and fill our air with smoky skies. I am so disappointed in my fellow human beings.
I often see dragon flies as I paddle around Dowker Island. They come and land on my kayak and bask in the sunshine.