The sky yesterday was mostly overcast and dark, but I looked out my window mid morning and noticed the clouds thinning a little. I grabbed my camera and drove down to our family prairie for a walk. It was a beautiful day, with temperatures in the 50’s (F) and light winds.
Sun coming through a dotted gayfeather seedhead in late autumn prairie. Helzer family prairie, near Stockham, Nebraska.
I rarely start these photo walks with a particular subject in mind, and yesterday was no exception. I enjoyed looking at the bright red leaves on wild rose plants, and perused the tracks of various animals along the edge of the wetland. However, I ended up spending most of my time photographing the seeds of dotted gayfeather (Liatris punctata) plants.
Dotted gayfeather seeds still hanging on.
While many plants with wind-blown seeds released the last of those seeds weeks or months ago, most gayfeather plants are still hanging on to most of theirs. It’s hard to know if there is an evolutionary adaptation involved in that delay, but it sure is appreciated by photographers like me. …Especially in late November, when wildflowers and insects have disappeared for the winter.
Dotted gayfeather in autumn prairie..
More seeds.
A big ‘ol jumble of seeds.
On this official day of Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for many things – including my job, which allows me to work in, study, photograph, and write about grasslands and prairie ecology. More than that, I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to write this blog over the last five (!!) years. Writing these posts forces me to explore more ideas and think more deeply than I otherwise would, and I learn a tremendous amount as a result. Thank you for reading, following, and sharing your feedback.
Have a safe and enjoyable holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!
The Prairie Ecologist 
I am thankful for bloggers like you, who never fail to inform and amuse. I never miss one of your posts. Thanks for writing!
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving! I’m thankful for your blog….keeps me connected to the heartland and the awesome prairie grasses, wildflowers, etc. I so enjoy learning from your posts! Keep up the good work!
I am always thankful for your wonderful photos and prose. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Thank you Chris for another year of wonderful information and photos. And please thank all of your co-workers and the Fellows that are working there as well – a visit to meet you is on my agenda for 2016!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Paul
I am another of the many people who enjoy and look forward to your blog…and are always happy to see another posting in the inbox. Happy Thanksgiving.
I also am thankful for your blog. I learn so much reading it and I find joy in your beautiful photos.
Thank you!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too. I’ve learned so much from your blogs. Thanks!
I’m thankful to you, too, Chris! I was just getting interested in prairies (they’re much more scarce here in Michigan), and finding your blog was a God-send — you opened the door to a new and exciting learning experience for me. May you and yours be blessed a thousand times over for each moment you spend caring for our Earth and encouraging the rest of us to love it as you do. Happy Thanksgiving Day!
I too am very thankful for you and your great blog! Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you for another great post Chris. As folks have already said, I too am thankful for bloggers like you. I love your posts and they inspire me to get outside and enjoy all the life around us. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Thanks Chris- you made my day!
Wonders of nature are indeed something to be thankful for and for you taking the pictures to pass along to thankful followers.
Thank you too! And I also read every post. So nice too share your close observations with us.