Summer 2001

"Little did I know that the dew provided the perfect opportunity to observe and photograph creatures such as butterflies and dragonflies."

Little Bugs on the Prairie

By Donna Krischan

My first visit to Goose Lake Prairie southwest of Joliet was to attend a photography workshop. Not being a morning person, I was quite dismayed when the workshop itinerary had us in the field photographing before sunrise.

It was the end of August. The days were hot and the nights were getting cool. With these conditions, the result is frequently a morning very wet with dew. And no one told me to bring rain pants!

Little did I know that the dew provided the perfect opportunity to observe and photograph creatures such as butterflies and dragonflies. They roost in the grasses at night and cannot fly in the morning until their wings have dried. As we started taking pictures, their wings were closed and very heavy with dew. With the warmth of the rising sun, they slowly spread their wings and eventually, after a few test flaps, took off to start their day.

I came away from my experience at Goose Lake Prairie a bit tired and very wet but with some photographs to remember this adventure by. I hope you enjoy them too!

For more information about Goose Lake Prairie, and other natural areas managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, call (815) 942-2899 or visit http://dnr.state.il.us/.

Donna Krischan, age 40-something, is married and has two Hungarian Vizsla dogs and a one-acre flower garden. A professional freelance photographer, she focuses on garden, wildflower, and nature landscape images. You’ll find more of her work online at http://www.krischanphoto.com.