Wednesday (17-August-2016) — New Jersey

Backyard Summertime Nature in New Jersey.

Robber Fly on a “Mile a Minute” Vine. Backyard Summer Nature in New Jersey. Image taken with a Nikon 1 V3 camera and 70-300 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 300 mm, f/6.3, 1/1000 sec).

The “Mile a Minute” vine is now my most hated plant. It is invasive and is invading the North East as the Kudzu has invaded the South. It is able to grow 6 inches a day, and out competes every other plant. I have lost many trees and bushes. Even if you spray, the small blue seeds remain viable for 5-6 years. The plant has spines, and I have pictures from several years ago with the vine stuck to a deer, that probably brought it to my yard.

Robber Fly on a "Mile a Minute" Vine. Image taken with a Nikon 1 V3 camera and 70-300 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 300 mm, f/6.3, 1/1000 sec). (David J Mathre)
Robber Fly on a “Mile a Minute” Vine. Image taken with a Nikon 1 V3 camera and 70-300 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 300 mm, f/6.3, 1/1000 sec). (David J Mathre)

Author: David Mathre

I am a scientist by training (Eckerd College, BSc; Caltech, Ph.D.). I worked for 27 years as a Chemist in the Pharmaceutical Industry developing processes to manufacture medicines for human and animal health. I now spend my time as a photographer and world traveler. My interests include the natural world, wildlife, landscapes, sky, and seascapes, travel, and astrophotography. I look for unique ways of viewing the world and presenting my images. I have traveled to over 55 countries in six continents, often on Semester at Sea voyages. While at home in New Jersey, I spend time on home renovation and expansion of a wildflower garden/meadow.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.