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Water was like jewels on this plant. The grasses are putting out seeds. I can't believe it's been eleven days since I last walked the sanctuary.  Between taking kids to and from camps, being out of town for four days, and the rain we have had, I was glad to get back to do a walk there.  I was pleased to see that some of the pathways had recently been mowed.  Volunteers do this work, and if you like mowing, contact the sanctuary management, and I'm sure your help will be welcomed!  

Beads of water edged every blade of grass this morning. Ladybug on grass This morning I knew the walk would be wet, so I took my long walking stick to wave in front of me on some of the wooded paths, so that I would not end up draped in web filaments.  Grasses were beaded up with dew and soon both my boots and pants were soaked.  I invested in an expensive pair of waterproof shoes that are not waterproof at all, so I am very disappointed in them.  I will purchase a spray for them to see if it helps.

Fall webworms More webworms Fall webworms are quite visible in the trees now, along roadsides as well as in the sanctuary.  Often confused with tent caterpillars, fall webworms form their webs in late summer on the ends of branches.  The webs are full of small brown, hairy caterpillars.  Tent caterpillars are seen in the spring and they are black with a white or gold stripe.

Delicate grasses with tiny water beads The goldenrod is getting ready to burst into bloom, and in a couple of weeks, masses of yellow will fill the sanctuary.  Monarchs will be plentiful, feeding on the nectar to fill up their energy stores before heading to Mexico.  I'll let you know when it's time to see the monarchs.  We can walk there together!  Maybe my shoes will truly be waterproof by then.

<Thanks for reading my blog entry, which is part of a personal photography project to bring attention to and to benefit the Fred Archibald Sanctuary in New Market, MD.  The sanctuary is owned and managed by the Audubon Society of Central Maryland.  Copyright 2017 Cam Miller.  All photographs are for sale upon request.>