Thank you very much for pointing out that the golden oyster mushroom is yet another invasive exotic species. I am not at all happy to see it on my land, and eating it isn't even an option when it is growing way up on big dead trees. An expert mycologist has pointed out that the supplies of dead wood in natural areas are not unlimited, and that the golden oyster is undoubtedly displacing native mushrooms. And to top it off, I'd bet very few people are even asking whether the explosion of outdoor mushroom farming and drafty-building mushroom farming means that other invasive exotic mushrooms will escape and will start to spread and further reduce the ecological integrity of our already-compromised woodlands.
It turns out that golden oysters can genetically cross with native oyster mushrooms, which could mean novel hybrids and possibly the future loss of certain native oyster species. There is also "anecdotal evidence that golden oyster mushrooms can decompose trees at record speed," which has potential implications for "the entire pantheon of wood-dwellers," including birds, insects, mosses, small mammals, etc. At least there is now some golden-oyster invasion research going on, and I just found concern about other exotic mushrooms potentially getting loose and advice to not grow non-native mushrooms outdoors. I really hope that advice will reach all the people who are ordering mushroom kits.
We voted for an increased sales tax to enhance Iowa parks and waterways years ago. But the Republican legislature has declined to fund the proposal. This year they had a bill to eliminate the fund altogether as though it had never happened. They also don't want any more public grounds added as the ground must be kept for farming purposes. Both Big Ag backed, which means the majority of both parties fall in line. Thanks for the great photos Dr. Bob, reminds me of a time when I would take such nature hikes, a habit I need to start again, while there is still nature to enjoy.
Diane Porter would know for sure, but I thought that killdeer didn't build nests, but rather laid their eggs on the ground. She followed one nest a couple of years ago and the eggs looked a bit different:
Very exciting images Bob Leonard. Regarding the distance from Iowa to any one of our National Parks, my concern is the lack of value we give to our own State Parks right here at home. So many of our Parks are run down and in dire need of maintenance and repair. Minimal staff and Republican led Legislature are starving our State Parks the same way they are neglecting our Public School System.
Bob, I’ll take a wild stab at the egg ID. The nice thing about being wrong so often is that it never surprises me when I’m wrong again:>) I’d say red-winged blackbird. Their cup nests are typically found low and lashed to standing vegetation. Keep up the work sublime.
The intensity of beauty illuminated in your photographs, painfully enhances the truths defined in your last few paragraphs. Neglect and burglary disguised as ignorance, are too soft a terms for scourging the heart of our country. Anyone incapable of recognizing the bejeweled and breathtaking handiworks of creation across our countrysides, are blinded by avarice and depravity so loathsome no light shines upon them. Nor should it.
Thanks Bob. Your photographs are wonderful. I am grateful that I live a life that keeps me outside from morning until evening. The beauty that I see and the bird songs that I hear help keep my life centered in this chaos we are living.
The wing is from a Polyphemus moth, similar to but not a Cecropia.
Thank you very much for pointing out that the golden oyster mushroom is yet another invasive exotic species. I am not at all happy to see it on my land, and eating it isn't even an option when it is growing way up on big dead trees. An expert mycologist has pointed out that the supplies of dead wood in natural areas are not unlimited, and that the golden oyster is undoubtedly displacing native mushrooms. And to top it off, I'd bet very few people are even asking whether the explosion of outdoor mushroom farming and drafty-building mushroom farming means that other invasive exotic mushrooms will escape and will start to spread and further reduce the ecological integrity of our already-compromised woodlands.
Never thought about the displacement. ugh…
It turns out that golden oysters can genetically cross with native oyster mushrooms, which could mean novel hybrids and possibly the future loss of certain native oyster species. There is also "anecdotal evidence that golden oyster mushrooms can decompose trees at record speed," which has potential implications for "the entire pantheon of wood-dwellers," including birds, insects, mosses, small mammals, etc. At least there is now some golden-oyster invasion research going on, and I just found concern about other exotic mushrooms potentially getting loose and advice to not grow non-native mushrooms outdoors. I really hope that advice will reach all the people who are ordering mushroom kits.
On a happier note, your photos are lovely!
We voted for an increased sales tax to enhance Iowa parks and waterways years ago. But the Republican legislature has declined to fund the proposal. This year they had a bill to eliminate the fund altogether as though it had never happened. They also don't want any more public grounds added as the ground must be kept for farming purposes. Both Big Ag backed, which means the majority of both parties fall in line. Thanks for the great photos Dr. Bob, reminds me of a time when I would take such nature hikes, a habit I need to start again, while there is still nature to enjoy.
Polyphemus Moth, i think, not Cecropia.... as Gordon mentioned below.
Thank you, Bob, for this peaceful start to my day.
Diane Porter would know for sure, but I thought that killdeer didn't build nests, but rather laid their eggs on the ground. She followed one nest a couple of years ago and the eggs looked a bit different:
https://mygaia.substack.com/p/killdeer-road?utm_source=publication-search
Very exciting images Bob Leonard. Regarding the distance from Iowa to any one of our National Parks, my concern is the lack of value we give to our own State Parks right here at home. So many of our Parks are run down and in dire need of maintenance and repair. Minimal staff and Republican led Legislature are starving our State Parks the same way they are neglecting our Public School System.
Bob, I’ll take a wild stab at the egg ID. The nice thing about being wrong so often is that it never surprises me when I’m wrong again:>) I’d say red-winged blackbird. Their cup nests are typically found low and lashed to standing vegetation. Keep up the work sublime.
You might enjoy this group: https://www.iowa-natives.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKj8OtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3NGhYZHZEQnIxa0M0RnlYAR6rzPwciEDbeETLY5cdBPwOYOf006-aJ_96C0ZwvsYjwJ6X1LHAcom1KPCi1g_aem_OnwQulc2xg7_YBghntoqaA
Beautiful!
But, all hail the great and mighty budget surplus! Reading matter for the blind without braille.
The intensity of beauty illuminated in your photographs, painfully enhances the truths defined in your last few paragraphs. Neglect and burglary disguised as ignorance, are too soft a terms for scourging the heart of our country. Anyone incapable of recognizing the bejeweled and breathtaking handiworks of creation across our countrysides, are blinded by avarice and depravity so loathsome no light shines upon them. Nor should it.
Thanks Bob. Your photographs are wonderful. I am grateful that I live a life that keeps me outside from morning until evening. The beauty that I see and the bird songs that I hear help keep my life centered in this chaos we are living.