The Toledo Naturalist Association (www.toledonaturalist.org) ran a very nice walk with Elliot Tramer at the Sand Pit area of Oak Openings. Elliot is a retired biology professor from UT and was a delight to listen to. The weather was cold and damp, so only one butterfly (an Eastern Tailed Blue) was spotted. But we saw lots of other interesting things. The wildflowers identified included: Flowering Spurge, Blazing Star, Sunflower (not sure what type), Deptford Pink, Boneset and Hoary Mountain Mint.
We also spotted tadpoles and frogs in the pond. One of the almost frogs looked ready to have its tail fall off. On the surface of the pond were several swarms of Whirligig Beetles. I have a video of the Whirligig beetles in the Photo Gallery section at this link.
We also saw interesting fungus including some Earth Stars and some Lichen that I think is in the Cladonia Family (the same family as the Red Soldier Lichen that Rachel did a video on). Robin had a good eye to catch the lichen. See that video here see more pictures of Cladonia lichen here.
We also spotted tadpoles and frogs in the pond. One of the almost frogs looked ready to have its tail fall off. On the surface of the pond were several swarms of Whirligig Beetles. I have a video of the Whirligig beetles in the Photo Gallery section at this link.
We also saw interesting fungus including some Earth Stars and some Lichen that I think is in the Cladonia Family (the same family as the Red Soldier Lichen that Rachel did a video on). Robin had a good eye to catch the lichen. See that video here see more pictures of Cladonia lichen here.
Click on photos below to enlarge
Earth Star - Nice to see open and closed ones on the same trip
Earth Star - Nice to see open and closed ones on the same trip
Lichen (Cladonia ??)