Another hike at LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area

Emma and I haven’t done much hiking lately because of the miserably hot and muggy weather.  So, when today dawned beautifully, we headed back over to LaSalle F&W.  It’s only about six miles or so from the campground, and since we usually visit in the afternoon, I thought we’d give it a go in the morning for a change.

Today I was able to figure out that some of the fields in the area before getting to the wetlands are planted with wildlife friendly crops.

These are not those giant sunflower plants.  They’re only about two feet tall.  Seems pretty obvious that they also don’t use herbicides in between rows.  Although, it was a little puzzling to me what the ground cover is since there were no tall plants (weeds) out in that field.

As we got to the first parking area, a male indigo bunting took flight.  Nuts!  He could have given me another second before he left.

As we drove along the dike to the lake area, the milkweed pods were forming and these other plants were blooming all along it.  Such an interesting bud that flower has.

We got out at the second parking area to walk around.  Two Eastern kingbirds were perched over one of the wetland areas.  The one on the left is the adult, and the one on the right is a youngster.  The reason I know this is because I asked them.    I’m the bird whisperer, don’t ya know… 

Actually, if you look very closely, notice how the tail feathers of the bird on the left are frayed and it’s beak is solid black.  The bird on the right has unfrayed tail feathers and you can just detect some pink at the base of its bill.  Young birds have new feathers and when born their gapes are rather swollen and pinkish.  Very soon the adult bird will begin its yearly molt of its feathers, and sport a whole new set for fall migration.  Just like buying a new wardrobe for school in the fall.  (end of ornithology lesson)

There is another long dike at the end of the parking area to hike with the swirling Kankakee River on the left…

and the water lily wetlands on the right.

I wish this wildlife area labeled the plants and bushes that grow along the way so I’d know what I was seeing.  Most people come here to hunt or fish so I guess I’m in the minority.  The butterflies were all over the place today taking advantage of the numerous blooms.

There were also examples to be found of the coming change in seasons.  I do enjoy fall in the north, but I’m afraid I’ll be heading south before it’s into full swing.  As I walk along with my ‘wild child’, Emma, I’m amazed that she has at least learned to stop dead in her tracks if I tell her, “I’m taking a picture”.  Crazy, but it’s true!

                                                                   THE END!

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy