A large flock of migratory Ring-necked Ducks at the Hurdle Waterfowl Park in Ashland County.



An Exploration of Nature
We heard rumors of a “secret” waterfall that was only accessible to those with a strong sense of adventure and a willingness to get wet. As it turns out, the rumors are true.
This small grasshopper was found on the leaf of a daylily in our landscaping. I know very little about grasshoppers, but I believe it to be a Clear-winged Grasshopper, which are widespread in North America but only found in the most northern areas of Ohio.
Dolichopodidae, or the long-legged flies, are a large family of “true flies” with more than 7,000 described species. Or so says wikipedia. They also tend to have beautiful metallic colors. These two were spotted on the pepper plants in my garden. I believe they were involved in a mating ritual or territorial dispute. The one in flight was performing a hovering/flyby act while the other watched.
Long-legged flies are not garden pests, and may even be helpful. These were very small at around 5mm, and it was quite a challenge to get a picture with both of them, and in focus! However, there something else in the garden with them. It was an even smaller fly that I would estimate at 2-3mm, (possibly also Dolichopodidae), which I lost track of and was unable to photograph. Sad!