We met our Roots & Shoots group this morning for our monthly outing. First, I should clarify, that since we have moved we are now involved with a new group and the nature walks are led by someone other than myself. Our leader, Karen, is very knowledgeable (particularly about birds) and it is such a delight for me to be a participant rather than the the facilitator. Being new to the area, it is also a blessing because she knows the area much more so than I. She has been able to take us to places with secrets known to very few.
Today was one of those days whereby secrets were revealed. She shared with us a location in the area of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (that is as much as I’m willing to divulge for she stated that some collectors, if they knew the location, would come and scoop them up to sell).
Most coccinellids overwinter as adults, aggregating on the south sides of large objects such as trees or houses during the winter months, dispersing in response to increasing day length in the spring. We observed them all around the pine tree pictured above, not just on the south side. On the forest floor, there were literally millions of ladybugs aggregating under the leaf litter. One had to be careful when taking a step.
Our next step is to journal our discovery in our nature journals. I’ll be sure to share our entries soon. Undoubtedly, however, this is one outing we will never forget. 🙂
2 comments
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
January 18, 2012 at 4:24 pm
I do so wish I could come and see this before they leave. What a great way to get to learn about a new area and to have someone who is leading your group that is willing to share.
Thanks for sharing the images with the OHC.
Zonnah
January 31, 2012 at 4:53 pm
Wow, that was sooo cool; loved the pictures.
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