Crex Meadows in Burnett County Wisconsin has always been a favorite birding destination of mine, and it just so happens to be conveniently located right on the route I take to visit my mother. This past weekend I was able to head down there in the hopes of finding large swaths of mud flats on the waterfowl impoundments - unfortunately our wet summer dashed those hopes. Crex however never disappoints and I went away with two great memories!
First was this pair of turtles.
The turtle in front is a Blanding's Turtle - note its bright yellow throat and "boxy" shell. The turtle in back is a rather small Painted Turtle - I assume the painted turtle is only improving his basking angle by crawling up the back of the other turtle but still the pose is both suggestive and to those of us that are easily amused - somewhat humorous. (I believe the projection on the underside of the painted turtle is a snail)
On my way out of the Crex Area I stumbled across this large group of butterflies...
In this picture you can see White Admirals, Viceroys, and an Azure. If you are aren't aware of what these beautiful creatures are doing - please see the next picture - some of us meet at water coolers others...
...meet at the dung heap. Whenever I see these swarms on pooh it makes me wonder how terrible my odor must have been on the occasions when butterflies have landed on my person to lap up some sweat : )
Away from Crex and in Polk County at my mom's place I added a new butterfly to my Continental 48 list.
This Giant Swallowtail and at least two others were feeding on thistle flowers in the ditch in front of my Mom's house. These butterflies can have wingspans almost reaching 6"! Very cool and very distinctive (even in flight).
First was this pair of turtles.
The turtle in front is a Blanding's Turtle - note its bright yellow throat and "boxy" shell. The turtle in back is a rather small Painted Turtle - I assume the painted turtle is only improving his basking angle by crawling up the back of the other turtle but still the pose is both suggestive and to those of us that are easily amused - somewhat humorous. (I believe the projection on the underside of the painted turtle is a snail)
On my way out of the Crex Area I stumbled across this large group of butterflies...
In this picture you can see White Admirals, Viceroys, and an Azure. If you are aren't aware of what these beautiful creatures are doing - please see the next picture - some of us meet at water coolers others...
...meet at the dung heap. Whenever I see these swarms on pooh it makes me wonder how terrible my odor must have been on the occasions when butterflies have landed on my person to lap up some sweat : )
Away from Crex and in Polk County at my mom's place I added a new butterfly to my Continental 48 list.
This Giant Swallowtail and at least two others were feeding on thistle flowers in the ditch in front of my Mom's house. These butterflies can have wingspans almost reaching 6"! Very cool and very distinctive (even in flight).
Andreww, what fabulous photos! I would like your permission to share these photos at https://www.facebook.com/MyButterflyLady. I will give you credit as well as put a link back to your page. Thank you.
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