With the big consignment auction behind us it was time to get back to mowing the phragmites. A fix of my mower is not imminent so I borrowed my brother's tractor and mower and completed the project. Mowing disturbed clouds of insects which took to flight. The insects were soon discovered by a large flock of barn swallows. The swallows swooped and dived feasting on the flying insects. It was an aerial ballet that was fun to watch.
Controlling the phragmites will be an exercise in partial success. I have no illusions that they will be eradicated. Limiting their spread is the best that can be hoped for and that will be the measure of success. Without some effort they will eventually take over. They have little wildlife value and displace the native cattails that are critical winter habitat for deer and pheasants. With the current drought the ground is is dry enough to allow tractor operation for first time in many years. "Strike while the iron is hot"...or in this case while the ground is dry.
Takk for alt,
Al
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