a reflection
painting eight mirrored turtles
basking on a stubby log
defines the perfect balance
between water and sky
illusion prods me to grab both ends and pull heartily
to make a grand wish
to sit quietly on the shore of a pond at night
watching lotus flowers glow pale in new moonlight
is to wait for a falling star to streak by more brightly
The Wisconsin landscape is deeply dimpled with secret ponds and potholes left behind from the last of the great glacial winters. Every pond is rich with its own vitality of local community members.
Green Heron
This secretive stalking bird appears to walk on water or more easily on lotus pods and lily pads waiting for unwary small fishes. Green Herons are known to use
'tools' to bait fish to swim within reach of their sudden striking thrust.
Eastern American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) formerly (Bufo americanus)
A toad trills his long sweet song across the pond and sends suface wavelets rippling in ocillation. Toads reach sexual maturity in 2 or 3 years and have lived up to 36 years in captivity.
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
Keeping statuesque poise, dignity, beauty and grace while preening breast feathers on one leg is unremarkable for this royal bird. They all do it, easily.
Great Blues are the largest herons in North America and begin mating at 2 years of age, finding a new mate each spring. Their normal life span is 15 to 20 years. Young birds mature quickly and become independant of their parents at about 10 weeks of age.
Sandhill Crane
Monogamous Sandhill Cranes, an older species, tend to their young for a full 10 months.
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
Wisconsin has two subspecies of painted turtle. The western painted turtle is found in the extreme northwest and western parts of the state. The other is found in the far southeastern part of Wisconsin and is known as the midland painted turtle. In the rest of the state these turtles interbreed and you can't tell them apart.
Mallard Ducks
Northern Leopard Frog
Like most frogs, leopard frogs have generous appetites and will eat almost anything that will fit in their mouths. The call of the leopard is very quiet consisting of a long 'snore' and alternate short grunts and chuckles. It's rather a delightful song.
In summer they will often wander away from their ponds into short grass fields and wet meadows. That's why they're also called 'meadow frogs'.
Everyone should have their own pond spot for respite and contemplation of the simple pleasures and wonders it offers. My grand wish and hope is that you have found yours.
Photos by Jean Upton