Harvest Time

Took these pictures earlier this week as they started harvesting (combining) corn across the road. It appears a lot of corn was picked this week until the rain settled in yesterday.

Even though the farmers were happy with perfect harvest conditions (dry and not too hot), most plants were in need of a good drenching. I've certainly been spoiled this year by not having to water much of anything.

One of my favorite newspaper writers, Jeff Lampe of the Peoria Journal Star, has resigned. He was my source for many nature facts. He was considered a "sports" writer for all the hunting and fishing articles but I enjoyed the nature bits the best. He has integrity of subject, was inquisitive and a great writer. He and his wife have purchased the magazine, "Heartland Outdoors Home". I wish them well and will certainly miss his Sunday column.

From Jeff's Nature Tidbits for September:

Ducks, songbirds, Monarch butterflies and bats migrate south.
Muskrats build lodges.
Rabbit breeding finally stops.
Snakes enter winter dormancy.
Tree and barn swallows stage in large flocks.
Persimmons and hazelnuts ripen.
Acorns start to fall (white oak).
Puffball and other fall mushrooms start to appear.
Aster and goldenrod blooms.
Green-winged teal, widgeon, pintail and gad wall migrate.
Doves feed actively - form flocks and start migration.
Pheasant broods disperse.

And that folks is some of the great information I will miss but fortunately have recorded over the last few years.