This week, our buddies at Roots and Wings Forest School (who I got to meet this week!) found a meadow jumping mouse and an orb weaver spider. Meanwhile, the Long Lake campers were inundated with baby frogs. (One student saw over 100 on a single hike!)

Hear their voices!

This week, we're focusing on mid- and late-summer wildflowers! (Hint: a lot of them are tall and yellow.) John also talks about his pride in the reproductive success of his waterfowl neighbors and gives us a 'sneak peak' for what changes he's looking for in August.

Listen to John's report!

While driving this week, I happened upon this Barred Owl sitting in the middle of the road. It's a long story, so I'll skip to the end: it was a young bird just learning to fly, and had accidentally landed in a super-hot spot on upper 90-degree day. It just needed some water and a cool shady spot to recover, and it flew away!

This marvelous meeting reminded me of how grateful I am to the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. They've treated a number of injured raptors I've found, and they do great education work! They have a phone hotline, so call if you find yourself in a similar situation. If you're able to support them by volunteering or donating, please do!

Enjoy!

Season Watch Photo Feature: LeAnn Plinske

A young North American river otter (Lontra canadensis). Ojibwe: Nigig (diminutive: Nigigoons)

Bonus fact: This one's for you, science nerds! Because they are at the top of the food web, apex predators such as river otters are important indicators for pollutants that are stored in living tissue. This process is called biomagnification.