Fall Update - What's the Buzz About on the Prairie?

Thanks to Liesl for the nice close-up of the bee below from the Conservancy!  Here's an update on what's been going on this summer:
1.  The second blind we hoped to have installed facing east is not done.  Conditions were too wet the entire summer for us to create a raised path to the installation site.  Hopefully this winter.
2.  Thanks to neighbor Rich for blazing a connector trail for the Inner Peace loop that goes from the original blind to the parking lot, making it possible to do the full loop without having to walk along Findlay Road.
3.  Dr. Compas and his student Ashley from UW-Whitewater have used drones to map some Phrag patches on the conservancy. I've hired Chris Mann to handle invasives (after I fell off my roof Memorial Day weekend and was laid up a bit), so the place looked a little more civilized this summer and Chris's team will work on the phrags this fall.
4.  Thanks to The Prairie Enthusiasts, we hope to partner with UW-Whitewater's Ecology program to educate students on the history and benefits of prairie burns, using the Conservancy as a training ground next spring.
5.  I didn't get many interesting pictures this summer.  Lost or had nicked two trail cams. Bummer.   Did see bald eagles nearly every visit in the north end of the woods hanging out high in the hickory and white oaks.

While the colors of fall with a preponderance of browns and greens intermingled with purple asters make the prairie seem subdued, there's a peace to promenading around. Butterflies and bees are easier to spot with less flowers in their prime and fall migrants, in particular some diverse species of sparrows, can be a draw for birders.  Enjoy!

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