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Marie y su chaqueta amarilla.

Western yellowjacket (Vespula pensylvanica) on a fennel flower (Foeniculum vulgare), Courtesy Wikimedia, Por Davefoc - Trabajo propio, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Chaqueta amarilla occidental a.k.a. Western yellowjacket (Vespula pensylvanica)
on a fennel flower (Foeniculum vulgare)
Courtesy Wikimedia, Por Davefoc – Trabajo propio, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Marie and Her Yellow Jacket.
Today’s story is in both Spanish and English. To hear an English version listen on Monday Morning after 7:41 am and again in the 8 o’clock hour, or online here and at UPR.org

Hemos pasado dias de calor, en los cuales hemos podido disfrutar de rios, lagos, piscinas, pero lo que mas disfruto durante este tiempo es el poder pasearme por los senderos de este hermoso valle donde vivo.

Cache Valley tiene una forma geografica unica en el mundo, podemos salir a poca distancia de nuestras casas y encontramos belleza natural que nos atrapa y nos hace perdernos en el tiempo dentro de paisajes hermosos tales como the First Dam, the Second Dam, The Wind Caves, Stokes nature center trial, Tony grove, Bear lake entre algunos ya que me llevaria un libro completo enumerar cada sitio.

Entre cada belleza que este verano dejo es el poder vivir experiencias unicas como el avistamiento de luciernagas, la experiencia de alimentar colibries, y que las personas pueda aprender acerca de especies nativas por expertos en el tema.

Todo esto me hace recordar que vivo en un lugar magico, donde hay vida y donde todos quisieramos vivir para siempre y que el tiempo se detenga aquí.

Comienzan a caer algunas hojas, los paisajes comiezan a pintarse de colores naranja, café, dorado eso me hace recordar que viene el otoño y pronto llegara el invierno. Es tiempo de ir alistando mi pequeña casa, he trabajado recogiendo fango de las orillas del Logan river, pero no dejo de ver a todos aquellos que toman fotografias, que cantan y dicen palabras de amor, felicidad y esperanza a sus seres queridos, incluyendo a sus mascotas.

Mi familia y yo estamos casi listos para descansar y esperar que este invierno sea tan agradable como todos los anteriores y que las personas puedan disfrutarlo con sus caminatas y abrigos, con sus tablas y zapatos raros, que los niños puedan correr y deslizarce con sus caritas rojas por el frio.

Talvez te preguntes quien soy porque ya te di un par de pistas de donde vivo, mi familia y yo hemos pasado muchos años aquí cerca de ti, viendote pasar de cerca, en muchas ocasiones te he asustado y me has dado aplausos por mi buen papel.

Somos muchas las que vivimos aquí ademas tengo muy buenos vecinos como las serpientes que siempre descansan cerca de las rocas o a orillas del rio, los pajaros que vuelan cada dia para buscar sus semillas, las ardillas que atrapan su comida y corren hacia los arboles, ya sabes quien soy?

Gracias por comprender que somos importante, gracias por estudiar y aprender de mi, gracias por regalarme hoteles fansy para poder vivir y pasar tiempo.

Aunque siempre me gusta construir mi casa de barro, la que nos protege de lluvia y nieve.
Soy yo esa pequeña amiga tuya, esa que ayuda a polinizar, siempre tengo una chaqueta amarilla por si me agarra el mal clima fuera de casa. Si esa soy Marie the yellow jacket wasp.

Recuerda que nuestro lugar magico esta aquí, vivimos en comunion unos con otros y que esto exista para siempre depende de nosotros, ayudame a que nuestro lugar de paz y tranquilidad sea para muchas de nuestras generaciones.

Soy Carlos Ramos y estoy loco por Utah.

Créditos:

Versión en español: Carlos Ramos, Facilities, Stokes Nature Center https://logannature.org/staff/
Imágenes: cortesía del Wikimedia Commons, Davefoc, – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Audio destacado: Cortesía y derechos de autor Anderson, Howe y Wakeman
Texto: Kate Hunter y Carlos Ramos, https://logannature.org/staff
Lectura adicional: Kate Hunter y Carlos Ramos, https://logannature.org/staff y Lyle Bingham, https://bridgerlandaudubon.org/

Lectura adicional

Artículos “Wild About Utah” por Kate Hunter https://wildaboututah.org/author/kate-hunter/
Artículos “Wild About Utah” por Carlos Ramos https://wildaboututah.org/author/carlos-ramos/

Western Yellowjacket drinking water, Wikimedia Commons, Katja Schulz, Author/Contributor, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Western_Yellowjacket_drinking_water_-_Flickr_-_treegrow.jpg
Originally posted to Flickr by treegrow at https://flickr.com/photos/86548370@N00/8137488317

Western Yellowjacket Wasp: Western Paper Wasp, Mischocyttarus flavitarsus–https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mischocyttarus_flavitarsis

Yellow-legged Mud Dauber: Sceliphron caementarium, Wikimedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sceliphron_caementarium

Bald-faced hornet: Dolichovespula maculata, Plant Health, Extension, Utah State University, https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/ipm/notes_nuisance/baldfaced-hornet

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Marie and Her Yellow Jacket

Western yellowjacket (Vespula pensylvanica) on a fennel flower (Foeniculum vulgare), Courtesy Wikimedia, By Davefoc - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Western yellowjacket (Vespula pensylvanica)
on a fennel flower (Foeniculum vulgare)
Courtesy Wikimedia, By Davefoc – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Marie y su chaqueta Amarilla.
Today’s story is in both Spanish and English. To hear a Spanish version listen on Wednesday evening at 9pm, or online here and at UPR.org
La historia de hoy está en español e inglés. Para escuchar una versión en español, escuche el miércoles por la noche a las 9 p. m., o en línea aquí y en UPR.org

We’ve had some hot days, during which we’ve been able to enjoy rivers, lakes, and pools—but what I enjoy most during this time is walking along the trails of this beautiful valley where I live.

Cache Valley has a unique geographic shape unlike anywhere else in the world. Just a short distance from our homes, we can find natural beauty that captivates us and makes us lose track of time within stunning landscapes such as the First Dam, the Second Dam, the Wind Caves, the Stokes Nature Center Trail, Tony Grove, and Bear Lake, among others. It would take me an entire book to list every single one.
Among the many beautiful things this summer has brought are the chance to live unique experiences—like watching fireflies, feeding hummingbirds, and seeing people learn about native species from experts.

All of this reminds me that I live in a magical place, full of life—a place where everyone would want to stay forever and where time feels like it stands still.

A few leaves have started to fall, and the landscapes are turning orange, brown, and golden. That reminds me that autumn is coming and winter will soon arrive. It’s time to start preparing my little home. I’ve been working, gathering mud from the banks of the Logan River, but I still take notice of all those who take photos, who sing, and who speak words of love, joy, and hope to their loved ones—including their pets.

My family and I are almost ready to rest and hope that this winter will be as pleasant as all the previous ones, and that people will enjoy it with their walks and warm clothes—with their boards and funny shoes—and that children will be able to run and slide with their little faces red from the cold.

You might be wondering who I am, since I’ve already given you a few hints about where I live. My family and I have spent many years here, close to you, watching you pass by. Many times, I’ve startled you—and you’ve applauded me for my good performance.

There are many of us who live here. I have wonderful neighbors—like the snakes that rest near the rocks or by the riverbanks, the birds that fly each day in search of seeds, and the squirrels that gather food and run toward the trees. Do you know who I am now?

Thank you for understanding that we are important. Thank you for studying and learning about me. Thank you for giving me fancy hotels where I can live and spend time.

Although I always prefer to build my own mud house—the one that protects us from rain and snow.

It’s me, your little friend, the one who helps with pollination and eats caterpillars in your garden. I always wear a yellow jacket in case bad weather catches me away from home. Yes, that’s me—Marie, the yellow jacket wasp.

Remember that our magical place is here. We live in harmony with one another, and keeping it that way forever depends on us. Help me ensure that our place of peace and tranquility remains for generations to come.

This is Kate Hunter with Stokes Nature Center, and I’m Wild about Utah.

Credits:
English Version: Kate Hunter, Education, Stokes Nature Center https://logannature.org/staff/
Spanish Version: Carlos Ramos, Facilities, Stokes Nature Center https://logannature.org/staff/
Images: Courtesy Wikimedia Commons, Davefoc, – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Featured Audio: Courtesy & Copyright Anderson, Howe, & Wakeman
Text: Kate Hunter & Carlos Ramos, https://logannature.org/staff
Additional Reading: Kate Hunter, Carlos Ramos, https://logannature.org/staff & Lyle Bingham, https://bridgerlandaudubon.org/

Additional Reading

Wild About Utah Pieces by Kate Hunter https://wildaboututah.org/author/kate-hunter/
Wild About Utah Pieces by Carlos Ramos https://wildaboututah.org/author/carlos-ramos/

Western Yellowjacket drinking water, Wikimedia Commons, Katja Schulz, Author/Contributor, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Western_Yellowjacket_drinking_water_-_Flickr_-_treegrow.jpg
Originally posted to Flickr by treegrow at https://flickr.com/photos/86548370@N00/8137488317

Western Yellowjacket Wasp: Western Paper Wasp, Mischocyttarus flavitarsus–https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mischocyttarus_flavitarsis

Yellow-legged Mud Dauber: Sceliphron caementarium, Wikimedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sceliphron_caementarium

Bald-faced hornet: Dolichovespula maculata, Plant Health, Extension, Utah State University, https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/ipm/notes_nuisance/baldfaced-hornet

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When Pumpkins Become Boats

Pumpkin on Center Street - Daybreak UT Courtesy & Copyright Mary Heers, Photographer
Pumpkin on Center Street – Daybreak UT
Courtesy & Copyright Mary Heers, Photographer
The Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta began in Daybreak, Utah on Oct 18 with eight 600 lb pumpkins lined up on the edge of the community’s lake. The action began at 8:30 am when a forklift driver picked up Pumpkin #1 and eased it into the water. The pumpkin slid off its pallet and floated away from the shore.

Lying in wait was a small motorboat. The woman in the front of the boat leaned way out over the bow and put her hands on the pumpkin.

“Got it!” she called. This was the cue for the man in the back of the boat to fire up the outboard motor. Together they pushed the giant pumpkin around the nearby pier and into a shallow holding area.

Here, three people in hip waders were waiting in the water. Two steadied the pumpkin while the third cut a big square hole out of the top of the pumpkin. The cut-out square was tossed aside and all three reached down into the pumpkin to pull out handfuls of seeds and stringy pulp.

This is how they turned the giant pumpkin into a boat.

By now Pumpkin #2 had been delivered, and the work continued.

It wasn’t long before the announcer called the youth racers to come forward. Three brave competitors under the age of seventeen stepped up. They each chose a pumpkin and climbed in. Someone handed each of them a kayak paddle and pointed to the start line. Just how unwieldy these boats were was immediately obvious as two veered off in opposite directions while the third turned round in circles. But with a little practice, the teens were able to get the “boats” going in a straight line –more or less.

By then some serious new competitors were beginning to gather on the pier in elaborate costumes – a long haired mermaid, an Indian with a feathered headdress, King Neptune with his trident.

The day’s Grand Finale would include all eight giant pumpkins in a hundred yard all out sprint for the golden pumpkin trophy and the title of Gourd’s Man of the Year. I didn’t get to see this race. I had to get back to Logan.

But I had gotten to see Logan’s Giant Pumpkin festival a few weeks earlier. Here, giant pumpkins lined both sides of Center Street. One by one they were brought to the stage and weighed on a giant scale. The last six all weighed over 1,000 pounds. The big winner that day weighed in at 1,917 pounds.

I went home that day with a packet of giant pumpkin seeds in my pocket. I was warned that they were hard to grow.

But why not give it a try?

This is Mary Heers and I’m Wild about all things bright and beautiful in Utah.

Pumpkin Regatta - Daybreak UT Courtesy & Copyright Mary Heers, Photographer
Pumpkin Regatta – Daybreak UT
Courtesy & Copyright Mary Heers, Photographer

Credits:

Images Courtesy & Copyright Mary Heers, Photographer
Featured Audio: Vince Guaraldi’s Great Pumpkin Waltz, Courtesy & Copyright Concord/Craft Recordings https://craftrecordings.com/
Text: Mary Heers, https://cca.usu.edu/files/awards/art-and-mary-heers-citation.pdf
Additional Reading: Lyle Bingham, https://bridgerlandaudubon.org/

Additional Reading

Wild About Utah, Mary Heers’ Postings

Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta, LiveDAYBREAK, Daybreak Master Planned Community, https://www.mydaybreak.com/live_news_detail_T16_R550

Upcoming Events, Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers, https://www.utahpumpkingrowers.com/events.html

How Giant Pumpkins Grow so Big, The Associated Press, https://youtu.be/gRUNB3YA2FI Duration: 2:19 minutes

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Winter Birds

Red Crossbill, Courtesy US FWS, David Menke, Photographer
Red Crossbill
Courtesy US FWS
David Menke, Photographer
Fall bird migration is well underway! Our winter residents and migrating dropins are now beginning to populate our feeders and lower landscapes. So what sweet treats will decorate our feeder this year? We’re always hoping for a few surprises like eastern blue jays,
perhaps a gray crowned rosy finch, or green tail towhee. The old standbys never disappoint- juncos, various finch species, red breasted nuthatch, black capped & mountain chickadees.

A Black-capped Chickadee, Courtesy & Copyright Stephen Peterson, Photographer
A Black-capped Chickadee
Courtesy & Copyright
Stephen Peterson, Photographer

A Mountain Chickadee, Courtesy & Copyright Stephen Peterson, Photographer A Mountain Chickadee
Courtesy & Copyright
Stephen Peterson, Photographer

Swainsons Hawk, Buteo swainsoni, Courtesy Patrick Meyers, US NPS, Photographer Swainsons Hawk
Buteo swainsoni
Courtesy Patrick Meyers, US NPS, Photographer

Rough-Legged Hawk, Buteo lagopus, Courtesy US FWS Rough-Legged Hawk
Buteo lagopus
Courtesy US FWS

Snowy Owl, Bubo-scandiacus, Courtesy US FWS, Alex Galt, Photographer Snowy Owl
Bubo-scandiacus
Courtesy US FWS
Alex Galt, Photographer

Our winter birds are primarily seed eaters and berry eaters. Some exceptions are the woodpecker clan that attack our suet block, as do many of the seed eaters, and of course the raptors, who love to eat my feeder birds.

One non-feeder song bird that always brightens our day is the American dipper on our backyard creek. These little bundles of joy, or Rocky Mountain miniture pinguins if you prefer, do fine without our winter treats. They are full of joy swimming in freezing waters to pursue their prey- insect larva, small fish, and crustaceans. I’ve known them to sing their beautiful river song in the height of whiteout blizzards.

Many raptors have headed south, especially the Swainson hawks for which virtually the entire N. American flock winters in Argentina. Others move into our valley from further north- rough legged hawks, occassional snowy owls, snow buntings, and rarely a great gray owl, all raising spirits and engendering excitement by our birding community.

We’ve had but one green-tailed towhee in the 38 years we’ve resided in Smithfield Canyon. This delight acted unsure of where it was supposed to be. Skulcing, timid, it would steal in hesitant of its next move, where its spottoed towhee cousin was at ease, sure of its footing as it gobbled seed from the deck.

Being from the midwest, eastern bluejays elicite a flush of Michigan memories. Haughty and eye popping beauty, they too are less sure of their place and act quite timid and flighty at the feeder, quite opposite from their racous behavior back home.

We were blessed by immature Harris sparrows during our first three winters here. These elegant sparrows wear a striking black necklace, whick disppears with maturity. Will they ever return?

A tiny raptor brought great excitement. We noticed a Northern pygmy owl sitting comfortably 5 feet from our window, hoping to surprise a finch or junco. Fortunately for the songsters, it was discovered and the alarm sounded. Following 15 minutes of waiting, its patience subsided and it disappeared, never to be seen again!

Last winter we saw our first wild turkeys on the deck. Curious and comical, they would gaze in our living room window, wishing they had access to its contents. We learned even turkeys can be quite elegant, as they paraded on our deck railing.

Occasionally, great flocks of evening grosbeaks bless us with their startling beauty and abundance. We have yet to see gray crowned rosy finch or red crossbills. Perhaps this will be the winter!!

This is Jack Greene, for Bridgerland Audubon Society, and wild for Utah’s winter arrivals!

Credits:

Pictures: Courtesy US FWS,Photographers noted below each image
Contains Sound: Courtesy Kevin Colver, https://wildstore.wildsanctuary.com/collections/special-collections
Text: Jack Greene, Bridgerland Audubon Society/Utah State University Sustainability

Additional Reading:

Jack Greene’s Postings on Wild About Utah, https://wildaboututah.org/author/jack/

Black-capped Chickadee, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-capped_Chickadee/id/

Mountain Chickadee, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mountain_Chickadee/id

Red-breasted Nuthatch, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-breasted_Nuthatch/id

Northern Pygmy Owl, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pygmy-Owl/id

Swainson’s Hawk, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Swainsons_Hawk/id

Rough-legged Hawk, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rough-legged_Hawk/id

Gray-crowned Rosy Finch, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gray-crowned_Rosy-Finch/id

Snowy Owl, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snowy_Owl/id