Drought continues, praying mantid, thistle, Eastern tiger swallowtail

This week has seen no rain, again, at Government Island.  The vernal pool is not even mud anymore.  Just plain dry.  No wonder a true vernal pool does not have a viable fish population.  I am posting a photo of the pond near the parking lot.  The photo has changed a lot from last week's observation.  A few more dry days and there will no water connecting the upper portion of the pond to the lower portion.

However, even with the dry weather, there is always lots to see at Government Island.  On the milkweed in the field by the parking lot I found a lovely praying mantid.  Using my observation skills as I scanned the field I noticed something that just didn't profile correctly.  When you go out to enjoy nature, look for things that don't fit into what you should be observing.  Most likely it will be some interesting find.  The insect made the shape of the plant tops not curve correctly, and "tada!"  There was a wonderful sighting of a praying mantid.

I was excited to observe the first of this summer's thistles in bloom.  Apart from great photo opportunities when the Eastern tiger swallowtail butterflies land on them, thistle reminds me that goldfinch breeding time is approaching.  Goldfinches line their nests with the fibers of the thistle seed head.  Then they feed their young with the fresh thistle seed.  Watch for the birds getting busy as August leads into September and the goldfinches get really busy there in the fields by the parking lot. 

Hope to see some of you at the next nature walk on Saturday, August 18, at 4:00.  Meet in the parking lot.

Maria C., Naturalist, Central Rappahannock Chapter, Virginia Master Naturalists