Friday, June 11, 2010

Willow Creek Natural Area


June 2010- Wetland Wander
Photo Credits: Carrie Karl
This month the Wetland Wander explored the Willow Creek Natural Area. Rick Ahrens, WREN volunteer and area naturalist, lead our group through a world of flowers, pollinators and pools. Mules Ear, pictured above, added sunshine to the overcast June day.

A male Lazuli Bunting, a striking bird with a deep blue head, reddish upper chest and white belly was first identified by sound then spotted high atop a tree along the trail. For some in our group it was the first they'd seen!

As we warmed to the beauty of the wet prairie that surrounded us, the butterflies began to warm to activity. This Field Crescent, pictured above, was still slow enough for me to snap this picture. The abundance of flowers, Camas, Nootka Roses, Popcorn Flower and Mules Ear, made it a lovely day to explore this amazing wetland habitat.