Sharing sites from my walks and rides along the American River. I found two labyrinths on the American River Parkway bike trail. A huge one near Rossmoor Bar picnic and beach area. The labyrinth below is located a few minutes walk east of Fair Oaks Bridge. Butterflies are busy pollinating flowers. Spring flowers “pop out” all over! Wildlife also continue to engage in traditional daily and seasonal rituals. Is it possible that people are the only ones whose lives have been interrupted, paused or lost this year?
Beautiful spring day! Far too late for an early morning write.
I walk down to the boat ramp where two men prepare to go kayaking. One kayaker was the expert and the other a novice taking a lot of instruction.
A lone Canada goose watches and waits
Two mallards swim in. One Canada Goose joins the swim. They all stay near the riverbank.One Canada Goose stands alone at the end of the boat ramp. The water is near still, gentle motion and a clear brilliant green. Pigeons visit the river. No Egret. No Great Blue Heron. No seagulls. Lots of cyclists and walkers are out on the river. Yesterday morning it was pouring rain. Friday we had a flash flood. Today it is a beautiful spring day with puffy white clouds.
Two months ago, this ramp was under five feet of water and invisible. A stretch of pavement that abruptly ended in water was the only indication that a ramp was there.
The butterfly’s tiny legs grip the plant
I found a butterfly on the ground as I walked to the bridge. I picked it up and threw it into the air, thinking it needed a boost to get it going. The butterfly fell back to the ground. It lay flat with barely any movement except a little leg kicking. I carefully placed it on the stalk of a plant and it grabbed hold. I thought it may be in its final hours of life. I stood and watched it clinging to the plant. The wind blew gently against its wing. I gently moved the plant. The butterfly adjusts its legs to hold on. Still sits motionless. People pass by and no one wonders what I am looking at. I wonder if butterflies sleep?
Underside of the butterfly reveals its yellow spot color pattern
The American River Parkway is filled with butterflies, flying from one plant to another. This one is no longer flying. A butterfly’s life is very short. Sometimes only a few weeks. By placing the butterfly among the plants, I hope it can rest peacefully here instead of being crushed by footsteps.
