Field Guide

Also called bird’s nests, these fungi grow on mulch and other decaying wood. The “eggs” contain spores and spring out of the “nest” when raindrops hit them.

Also called rose gentian, this showy native wildflower blooms in clusters in glades, woodland openings, prairies, and other open habitats.

People usually pay little attention to longlegged flies, but many species shine like jewels. As predators of many pestiferous insects, they are considered beneficial to people.

On sultry August days, these tiny aquatic predators are mesmerizing as they skim pond surfaces in endless circles. They can see above and below the water.