The Splendor of Purple Thistles

a kettle of vultures, and more...

Fall is nigh. The underbrush is thinning, and the birds are quieter. Except for the Blue Jays. They are as raucous as ever. Thistles are blooming throughout the open areas, Positive connotations are attached to the thistle flower in Celtic nations, and it is seen as a sign of resiliency, strength, resolve, protection, and pride. The flower's hues of purple and pink are symbolic of regal splendor.

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Above is a video of Turkey Vultures riding thermal air currents. Turkey vultures can be seen in Iowa from March through October, although occasionally some will overwinter. This is a kettle of vultures—the name used when a group of vultures are flying. A group that is roosting is called a committee, and a group that is feeding is called a wake. There are five or six in this kettle, and after I shut off the video they took off to join another group about the same size in the distance.

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As you can see on the left from the overlook of the juncture of Cedar Creek and the Des Moines River, the corn is ready to harvest. Harvest began last week on the field to the right near the bluffs.

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I love this photo. I need to get a plant ID app, for sure.

Here it is again, with a white-flowered companion.

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For a few days I heard barred owls at this spot. Here is a chorus from earlier this summer:

The Goldenrod is in full bloom.

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I love this grass swaying in the breeze.

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Hello in there! Who are you?

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Yet, one more plant where I value it’s beauty, yet am wholly ignorant of what it is and its role in the ecosystem. So many plants, so little time…

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I picked up a rock to rearrange the rock path where we cross the creek, and I noticed this lower case h. Or lower case y. Or 4. Who carved you? When? Why? Oh, the mysteries of the world around us!

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I had to stop along the side of the road on my way home the other day to take this shot.

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Violet the Dog and I are now “officially” volunteer Park Stewards, thanks to the invitation of Chris Clingan, Director of Mahaska County Conservation. On Tuesday Violet and I found a tree had gone down, and we were able to get the trail cleared except for part that was too heavy for me to lift, or too strong for me to break off. If you are an early riser and email reader, you may be reading this as I’m sawing off this branch to clear the trail Wednesday morning!

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If you are a subscriber and would like to share a photo of something beautiful or wondrous near you, please email me at rdwleonard@gmail.com, and I’ll share it. Thanks!

If you enjoy Cedar Creek Nature Notes, I encourage you to subscribe to my friend Larry Stone’s “Listening to the Land.” It’s fantastic. Larry has forgotten more than I will ever know about our outdoor world. For another glimpse of the wonders of the Iowa outdoors, Diane Porter’s My Gaia is another Substack I enjoy. It’s full of observations on nature and is ripe with wisdom.

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I’m a member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative. Please sample the talents of my fellow collaborative members. If you can afford to be a paid subscriber, that would be great. If not, the vast majority of content is free. And here is a link to the Iowa Podcasters’ Collaborative, should you be interested. Check out my Substack Deep Midwest: Politics and Culture if you aren’t already a subscriber. My Iowa Revolution podcast with award-winning broadcaster Spencer Dirks can be found here.

After retiring from radio, I know a little about public relations and started a small consulting group and associated Substack called Better PR. You might be interested in what I have to share there. Thanks!