UP Nature Notes (Blog)
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Dogbane and it’s Beetle - UP Nature Notes, No. 6
December 9, 2023
While checking for blueberries and sugarplums on the Sands Plains, I couldn’t help noticing the spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium) in full flower. Dogbanes are toxic to many mammals, but the dogbane beetle (Chrysochus auratus) thrives on them.
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Spreading Dogbane
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Spreading Dogbane
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Dogbane Beetle
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Birds Eating Pests - UP Nature Notes, No. 5
December 9, 2023
All over the world, birds provide valuable ecosystem services by defending crops, such as grapes and coffee, from insects. In the Upper Peninsula, migratory songbirds help protect the forest from pests such as tent caterpillars. American goldfinches feed mostly on seeds, but in our homestead’s orchard they also forage for…
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Fawning Time - UP Nature Notes, No. 4
December 9, 2023
Early June is fawning time for white-tailed deer in the UP. As soon as fawns are born, the doe licks them to remove blood and birthing fluids. By doing so she reduces odors that might attract predators. This doe looked like she might still be carrying a twin.
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