cicadas – Michael's Place

Cicadas and figs

Dog-day cicadas are in prime sound right now. We have been finding cicada exuviae all over Ann Arbor. This cicada shed is on a fig leaf in our garden. The two figs in the garden showing some of the figs. So why didn’t my figs produce fruit before this year? I have three ideas –Continue reading “Cicadas and figs”

Dog days of summer

Typically at this point of July the summer hear is becoming intolerable and it will last well into August. The saying dog days of summer originates with the rising of Canis major, a bright star in the constellation Orion. The actual star has no impact on the heat from the sun, but rather signals theContinue reading “Dog days of summer”

Lichens instead of birds

Today started still and foggy, but at least it’s not raining. The past week has been less than optimal for migrants. Odds and ends have been showing up, but not much. This morning I turned my attention to the great array of lichens here at Whitefish Point. The trees are literally dripping with moisture ladenContinue reading “Lichens instead of birds”