Riveroflife

Click to enlarge

Common along the North Fork River and at ROLF. A colonial nesting swallow. Blair bridge, especially, the downstream side had a huge population of these swallows (maybe 100-200) nesting in 2005. They also nest under overhangs in rocks or in holes in rock on bluffs along the river.

Click to enlarge

Rounding out the swallows in southern Missouri is the Purple Martin. A colony could easily be started a ROLF but you rarely see them unless a “Purple Martin House” is nearby. They are colonial nesters and are also our largest swallow.

Click to enlarge
This cheerful, widespread wildflower is common across Missouri and at ROFL. Bright-yellow, 2-3 in. wide, daisy-like flowers with dark centers are its claim-to-fame. They occur singly atop 1-2 ft. stems. The stems and scattered, oval leaves are covered with bristly hairs. Coarse, rough-stemmed plant with daisy-like flower heads made up of showy golden-yellow ray flowers, with disk flowers forming a brown central cone. There are actually several species in Missouri with minor differences.

Click to enlarge

Diurnal. Terrestrial; the Five-lined Skink climbs only to bask on stumps or the lower reaches of tree trunks. It feeds on insects and their larvae, spiders, earthworms, crustaceans, lizards, even small mice. Often have blue tails. Common on the porches at ROLF. Eats plenty of insects. Male in breeding has red head.

Click to enlarge

Occurs statewide. Can be heard at night in chorus at ROLF, especially preceding rain showers. You can sometimes catch one, at a glance, dashing across the road when driving. They are occasionally black in color.

Click to enlarge

Occurs in Ozark County but is not common. There is a great stand of native Indian Paintbrush in the Gladetop Trail southwest of Ava.

Click to enlarge

Considered one of the most scenic locations in Missouri, the Glade Top Trail cuts through the Mark Twain National Forest and borders the Hercules Glades Wilderness Area. The trail is a pleasant half-day activity for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Glade Top Trail is renowned for its enchanting spring and fall landscapes. Annual celebrations of the dazzling fall foliage are held at the Caney Picnic Area along the trail, complete with traditional barbeques and music festivals. Each spring is celebrated with a flowering tour that showcases the dogwood, rosebud, serviceberry and wild fruit trees. The trail travels along ridge tops, providing spectacular views of the glades.

Also called Bee Balm, Oswego Tea. It is a common sight at ROLF during June-early July. It has a series of pink tubes turned up into a ball. Hummingbirds and bees love it. It can be seen by roadsides, in the forrest and in fields at ROLF.

(Cypripedium Calceous) – found in Missouri (extremely rare), in moist, shady, and acidic areas. This one from ROLF. Can be found, frequently, where Jack in the Pulpits are found. Does well in pine mixed woods due to the acidity of the pine needles. If you spot one or a whole patch, it is best to enjoy it/them and to keep them secret.

Common prairie flower of Missouri, common in the western part of the state but can be found here and there in southern Missouri and at ROFL. Showy !!