Thursday, May 21 inst. (don’t you just enjoy archaic grammar?). The day opened with a heavy fog overcast but there were hopes for a clear and sunny day. As morning progressed toward afternoon the sun did indeed gain ascendancy, the sky turned from ennui-inducing gray to irresistible azure blue, and the Sirens of the outdoors sang their overpowering song. Rousing from his stupor the mighty Argonaut gathered his weapons… oh, that’s enough, Forrest! Get out of your La-Z-Boy, pause the Charlie Chan video, pack your nature-watching equipment, get on your bicycle and go see what the pond has to offer.
So I did.
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The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge. We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the phenological patterns that are quietly unwinding around us. To have the Daily Bucket in your Activity Stream, visit Backyard Science’s profile page and click on Follow.
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The sign shows but a few of the fauna and flora that the pond has to offer. This trip I wanted to capture some different images from my previous report on the pond. One of them (don’t peek!) was beyond my expectations but not my desire. No, I didn’t see an American Widgeon or a Great Blue Heron or a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, but I did manage to meet a shy denizen of the water who is not shown on the sign. Other than that,
Most likely a Darner, Aeshna sp. Very blue in color to my eye.
I also saw a red dragonfly, probably a Cardinal Meadowhawk, but it didn’t oblige me with a photo.
At least this one I’m fairly certain of:
Western Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio rutulus rutulus
Me: Would you *please* hold still?
It: Not a freakin’ chance, buddy. Got flowers to see, nectar to do.
And the usual cast of characters:
American Robin
Red-Winged Blackbird
Canada Geese. The kids are growing fast.
American Goldfinch
Oh joy of joys, I can hardly believe it.
Yes! Beaver.
(For those not yet acquainted with my obsession with the beaver and how important I deem it to our local ecological health, see Where Have All the the Beavers Gone? and my own answer (below) to that question on May 1st.)
Probably not the same beaver as the one at Dellinger’s Pond, but could be since there is waterway between this spot and the pond (about a mile apart).
Last but not least, crucial wildlife study equipment:
I’m gettin’ lazy in my old age, ok?
All in all, a great and satisfying day out.
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Now It's Your Turn
What have you noted happening in your area or travels? As usual post your observations as well as their general location in the comments.
Thank you.
