June 6, 2007 An Uncommon Day.

The day is cool clear and dry. Everyone in the neighborhood, me included, have our lawn machines out. It is noisy as a result. Soon after starting the lawn, I spot a large dragonfly working low over the grass on the shady side of the house. I net it. I am surprised I was able to catch it on my first try. Probably the cool weather and the shade. After taking pictures, with the dragonfly safely on a plant, I finish the lawn.

With my pictures I manage to get to the right page in Dragonflies and Damselflies of Northeast Ohio. When it comes to dragonflies I am a neophyte. I barely can separate the families and 90% of my experience is the darners and skimmers. The dragonfly in question is my first spiketail, a Dual-spotted Spiketail. Female because she has an obvious ovipositor. The book says this is an uncommon species in the region.

My curiosity satisfied, I take a hike. Sans weights today. At first all I can hear are the lawn machines. On the summit of Gildersleeve mountain it is a bit more peaceful. Visibility is uncommon. More than 50 miles. I can see detail on the Avon Power plant 40 miles away. A little bit north of the old quarry I hear a Black-throated Blue Warbler. This is very late and unusual for this species in the region. Also a Hermit Thrush. This is along a ledge system with Hemlock Hardwood forest. Very interesting. I had Black-throated Blue near hear last June. When I get home I look up the date. June 6. Interesting symmetry. It is really cool in the woods and I wish I had a jacket as I make my way home. Only 61 degrees. The forecast is for much warmer weather tomorrow. We will see.