Silverweed is a plant that you will find creeping along the edges of Sunset Lake. It likes sandy, sunny areas, and is found in greater numbers near Lake Michigan. This member of the rose family gets its name not from its yellow flowers, but from the silvery underside of its leaves. Flip them over and see for yourself!
Learn more from: Robert Freckmann Herbarium
As you have walked among the tall grasses at CWES, you've most likely noticed what looks like spit clinging to the plant leaves there. These bubbly blobs are nests that protect the larvae of an insect called a froghopper from predators and the hot, hot sun.
If you carefully examine one of these spittle nests, you'll find one or two tiny green larvae which people commonly call spittlebugs. The larvae feed on plant juices, but do not usually sip enough to damage the plants. They then blow bubbles out their rear end to create their nests. Eventually, the larvae will turn into adult froghoppers with wings and the ability to leap incredible distances.
Learn more from: UMN Entomology
The Northern rough-winged swallow is another insect eating bird you are likely to glimpse at CWES. This bird spends most of its time gulping up flies and other winged insects over Sunset Lake, and often swoops quite close to the water while hunting. You may even glimpse this bird perched on the docks near the waterfront. Swallows are small birds with short, stubby tails and wide wings. The rough-winged swallow has a dark brown back and head, and a flashy white belly.
Did you know?
The rough-winged swallow gets its name from the edge of its wing feathers which have small, rough hooks on them. No one is quite sure why the feathers are like this.
Learn more from: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
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