Dew Laden Webs

A foggy morning highlighted the spider webs.

Community table

A few diners at the birdseed buffet this morning.

Trash Pandas!

This momma raccoon is teaching her kids how to raid the birdfeeder!

Thieving in broad daylight!

The nerve...

Snapper

While walking along the creek, I almost stepped on this snapping turtle.

She had dug a crater behind her and appeared to be laying eggs.

I left her alone and checked out the spot the next day.

She had covered her nest and tamped it down.

Now to watch for hatchlings.

Prairie Roses

I have an app on my phone called iNaturalist.

It helps me identify lots of natural things I find on the ranch.

For instance, these pretty wild roses are called Prairie Rose.

Rose Breasted Grosbeak

This striking fellow visited the feeder today.

An Indiana Day trip

We've been staying home to avoid the pandemic, 

but since the stay at home orders are being lifted, we decided to get out for a change.

We figured a nature preserve would be lightly visited and opted to visit two preserves in west central Indiana.

 First, we stopped a Portland Arch Nature Preserve.

It features the only natural arch in Indiana.

 Its not a huge or magnificent arch, but it'll do!

 There are two parking areas, each with a trail nearby.

Both trails were scenic and short, probably around a mile.

The preserve features sandstone cliffs and the pretty Bear Creek.

About 12 miles away, is another preserve, Fall Creek Gorge, so off we went.

 This preserve has a natural feature called the Potholes.

I think we are in the right place!

Owned by the Nature Conservancy, the Potholes are a local favorite.

As soon as we reached the creek, we spotted the potholes under the crystal clear water.

We were unable to wade upstream through the ravine,

 but here's a picture of the potholes from above.

 Continued on up this inviting staircase...

 To find a pretty waterfall!

Both nature preserves were well worth visiting!