Spring is widely held to be prime time for lovers, but that is because most people who ponder these things are awash in nostalgia. For those of us who love autumn, the next three months will be absolutely stuffed with romantic possibility. And it’s not just us.
The other day as Miss Sadie, the Cowboy and I descended from the top of Copper Ridge, we came upon early signs of autumn: goldenrod and reddening sumac.
Close examination revealed Goldenrod Soldier Beetles (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus) cavorting in the goldenrod. They played Hide ‘n’ Seek. Then they played Pounce.
The goldenrod rustled and trembled. There was no breeze, but the entire patch seemed to quiver.
Oh my! I covered the Cowboy’s eyes and hustled him back to the car. Miss Sadie guffawed all the way down the hill.
Torch Lake Views 
flandrumhill
August 20, 2009
This is hilarious 🙂
But not to be distracted… those are the loveliest Golden Rod blooms I’ve seen. Your close ups are wonderful.
Gerry
August 20, 2009
Why thank you. I find that the only way I can get acceptable photos of bright yellow flowers is to wait for an overcast day (I usually don’t have to wait very long around here) or to find them blooming in shade. I really have to take lessons.
dmarks
August 20, 2009
Don’t say I never get to Antrim County. I just now did a post on it.
Ever had the drink you can make from sumac?
Gerry
August 20, 2009
OK, I just ran over to your blog to see the Antrim County post and it is a lot of fun. I love the Wienermobile. The Cowboy loves the Wienermobile. Miss Sadie is thrilled at the prospect of such a thing. Readers, you should go take a peek at Beyond bun-length in Antrim County.
So far as I know, I have never had any sumac beverage, but I will explore the blogosphere to see if I want to try one.
Chris Allen-Wickler
August 21, 2009
Sumac makes a nice natural dye color … but wear gloves!
p.j. grath
August 21, 2009
The goldenrod is lovely, and I thank you for the tip on waiting for overcast skies, but it was the soldier beetles that really made me smile. All these little lives going on all around us! Love it!
Gerry
August 21, 2009
Thank you. I was enchanted by the beetles myself. They made me wonder what else I’ve been overlooking. Such an interesting world.