1000 Points of Life

1000 Points of Life Celebrating life on earth by documenting species on our private 5 acre nature preserve in Wisconsin.

A new species documented at Otter Creek yesterday! With over 1100 documented now, it gets harder to find new ones. Thi...
06/05/2026

A new species documented at Otter Creek yesterday! With over 1100 documented now, it gets harder to find new ones. This is a Nessus Sphinx Moth. A day flying moth, the caterpillar will feed on a few different plants. I think Vitus riparia (River Grape)is the likely host at Otter Creek.

Four species of Odonata down by the creek on 05/29/26. I’ll have to check my records, but I don’t believe I’ve ever had...
05/30/2026

Four species of Odonata down by the creek on 05/29/26. I’ll have to check my records, but I don’t believe I’ve ever had any of these outside of the Ebony Jewelwing at Otter Creek before the end of May. Love seeing the first Sioux Snaketail of the year!

This is the third different fawn I’ve seen this month…and we only have five acres. It just watched me from about fiftee...
05/30/2026

This is the third different fawn I’ve seen this month…and we only have five acres. It just watched me from about fifteen feet away. I didn’t want to get any closer.

I’ve documented 169 bird species at Otter Creek. This is a one of them, a Blue-headed Vireo. I don’t see them here too...
05/11/2026

I’ve documented 169 bird species at Otter Creek. This is a one of them, a Blue-headed Vireo. I don’t see them here too often, maybe once or twice a year migrating through. Certainly this is is the best look I’ve ever gotten of one. It flushed near ground level late in the afternoon and I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. The lighting was horrible, but I did manage to get a passable photo. Your backyard might have some really incredible wildlife too, keep your eyes and ears aware!

When the Blue-winged Warblers are back at Otter Creek singing their low buzzy song, I know that bird migration is kickin...
05/09/2026

When the Blue-winged Warblers are back at Otter Creek singing their low buzzy song, I know that bird migration is kicking into full gear. Next time you’re outside, make sure you look up, there might be a warbler above you!

This Red Squirrel kept inching closer to me, looking like it was about to attack. I took a few photos and then I called...
05/05/2026

This Red Squirrel kept inching closer to me, looking like it was about to attack. I took a few photos and then I called his bluff. He retreated higher up the trunk.

This is just one of the 169 species of birds I’ve documented at Otter Creek. This Solitary Sandpiper, first of the year...
04/22/2026

This is just one of the 169 species of birds I’ve documented at Otter Creek. This Solitary Sandpiper, first of the year for me.

First flower of the spring. I’m always excited to see these start popping up. Bloodroot 04/13/26.
04/14/2026

First flower of the spring. I’m always excited to see these start popping up. Bloodroot 04/13/26.

I’ve seen black swallowtails around Eau Claire before but this a first for Otter Creek. Always a thrill to add a cool b...
08/25/2025

I’ve seen black swallowtails around Eau Claire before but this a first for Otter Creek. Always a thrill to add a cool butterfly to the species list! This caterpillar was eating the leaves off of our carrot plants in the garden.

Another new species for Otter Creek. This is a species of robber fly called the Common Marauder. What a great name for...
08/22/2025

Another new species for Otter Creek. This is a species of robber fly called the Common Marauder. What a great name for this ferocious predator. Robber flies are among the apex insect predators along with the dragonflies. This species is particularly large, some getting as long as 1.5”. This specimen was all of that.

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