Photo of the Week – August 1, 2014

A couple weeks ago, I was walking around in my family’s prairie and spotted this tiny silhouette.  The morning sun was shining through the leaves of a stiff goldenrod plant and a fly was (apparently) warming itself in those rays.  Since I was on the opposite side of the leaf from the fly, I was able to sneak up, get my tripod set up, and take a couple photographs before it flew off.

The silhouette of a fly on a stiff goldenrod leaf.  Helzer Family Prairie, Stockham, Nebraska.

The silhouette of a fly on a stiff goldenrod leaf. Helzer Family Prairie, Stockham, Nebraska.

Have a great weekend!

Photo of the Week – November 21, 2013

Can you identify this prominent tallgrass prairie plant?

Can you identify what plant this leaf is from?

Can you identify what plant this leaf is from?

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Here’s another photo of the same species.  More of you should be able to identify it now.

One of the more distinctive leaves in tallgrass prairie.

One of the more distinctive leaves in tallgrass prairie.

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Stumped?

It’s compass plant (Silphium laciniatum).  Here’s a summer photo from Missouri.

Compass plant.  Prairie Fork Conservation Area.  Missouri.

Compass plant. Prairie Fork Conservation Area. Missouri.