September 17, 2023: Nature's Hovercraft

Most of nature's flying creatures have evolved with a bias towards fast, efficient flight, but there are a few animals which in addition to being very quick and maneuverable, have the ability to hover in place like a helicopter.  Hummingbirds achieve this feat through unusual shoulders that give their wings a large range of rotation rather than a simple up and down motion with limited rotation.  

A hummingbird rotates its wings in a figure-eight pattern, which provides lift on both the forward and backward wing stroke, a most valuable ability when drinking nectar from a flower who's stalk won't support even the one-tenth of an ounce weight of a ruby-throated hummingbird.  

The dragonfly is even more advanced in its flight surfaces.  Dragonflies have four wings, each of which can move independently of the others.  This gives it the ability to fly forward, backward, up and down, even sideways - important features when hunting down other agile flying insects on the wing.  Though dragonflies have the ability to hover, and use it regularly, they don't hover in one place for long.  I watched a group of them hunting over a marsh this week, devouring insects, and though they would hover for a moment, by the time I pointed the camera, they had zoomed away.  And it's not easy focusing on a small, fast moving object.  I took dozens of pictures to get one decent shot that shows all four wings.

On this same paddle I saw a bird that uses a different technique to remain stationary while hunting for food.

This osprey was perched in a tree often used by an eagle, which is what I thought it was from a distance.  Osprey migrate south starting in September, so maybe they'll head off with the strong northwest winds from hurricane Lee, but they've been very visible and audible the past few weeks.  I've heard them crash into the lake when they've targeted a fish from their high perch, then fly up and away with dinner in its talons.  If you want to see a fantastic video of an osprey diving for a fish, watch this video from Mark Smith Photography.  (I think it's better with the sound turned off.)  Osprey are the only birds I'm aware of that dive well under water to catch their prey.

In June (June 11, "Fern Weather") I noted a Jack-in-the-Pulpit growing along the side of the road.  Now, three months later, the Jack-in-the-Pulpit are showing the world their snappy red berries.  

Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

Birds consume these berries, including turkey and wood thrush.  

Another plant sporting red berries now is the False Soloman's Seal, which was also mentioned in the same June post - they must have the same game plan.

False Soloman's Seal (Maianthemum racemosum)

These not quite as showy berries are food for mice as well as many birds, including grouse.

LuLu and Checkers are really getting independent.  We sometimes see them with no adults anywhere in sight.  It makes me wonder if the parents occasionally head off to force the juveniles to learn to fend for themselves, as well as to get some peace and quiet - the kids constantly whine at them for food when they're together.  One afternoon I took a picture of a parent and a kid, only to find out later I was photobombed once again.

The heron posed a few days later for a private sitting, for which which Linda did the honors.

Great Blue Heron.  Photo by Linda Powell

The fall wildflowers continue to shine.  Asters now call our attention in walks through fields and along roadsides.

Purple-stemmed aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum)

Hurricane Lee was kind to New Hampshire, staying well offshore and sending us only a moderate northwest wind with a bit of rain.  The night before it went by, Lee even gave us a brilliant sunset.  

Pre-Lee Sunset

Fall officially arrives next Saturday.