Full Moon 5/21 at ROLF TreeTop Loft

Moonrise pictures from the deck facing the river. 8:50 PM, 9:25 PM, and 10:00 PM. No doubt, the trout were feeding !!

American Redstart - a ROLF resident

A boldly-patterned warbler of second growth woods, the American Redstart frequently flashes its orange and black wings and tail to flush insect prey from foliage. This is one of the most beautiful warblers I have ever seen. There are at least 2 pairs nesting in 2008 at ROLF. They are very curious and will respond by coming closer and still closer when you make a "pssst" sound.

Watch for Pale Purple Coneflower in June

Purple coneflower is a Missouri native plant which occurs in rocky open woods and prairies throughout the State. Large, daisy-like flowers with slightly drooping, rose purple petals (ray flowers) and large, coppery-orange central cones. Long summer bloom period. Best flower display is late June to late July, with sporadic continued bloom into autumn. Flowers grow on rigid stems typically to 3' tall (less frequently to 5'). Dark green leaves (4-8" long) are lance-shaped and coarsely-toothed. Good fresh cut or dried flower. The dead flower stems will remain erect well into the winter and, if flower heads are not removed, are often visited by goldfinches who perch on or just below the blackened cones to feed on the seeds. Echinacea comes from the Greek word "echinos" meaning hedgehog in reference to the spiny center cone.

The Carolina Wren - there are many at ROLF

Singing one of the loudest songs per volume of bird, the Carolina Wren's "tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle" is familiar across the Southeast. It is a common bird in urban areas, and is more likely to nest in a hanging plant than in a birdhouse. Again, listen for "Tea Kettle, Tea Kettle, Tea Kettle", then repeated many times.

Look for Yellow Warblers

Although many warblers are yellow, the Yellow Warbler is the most extensively yellow of any species. This widespread species of willows and sycamores, is the only warbler with yellow tail spots. Much different than the Goldfinch which has a black head spot and tail feathers. You will find the Yellow warbler near the North Fork River banks.

Watch for Worm Eating Warbler

Common at ROLF. He is fast and inhabits thickets near the river. If you are looking for him you will see him. He's small; only 4" but very active. Should be easily seen in river tree houses.

Things to do -- Caney Mountain Refuge

Just a pretty 1/2 hour drive from ROLF. A great place to spend a half day. There is a 16 mile driving loop through the Ozarks backwoods and many Trailheads for real hikes along creeks and springs. These pictures are from June 2007. Bottom fields, mountains, and glades to explore. Watch for wild Larkspur, Purple Coneflowers, Butterfly Milkweed, and Ox-eye Daisies.