It was a very hot and humid day (August 2nd, 2017). I didn't see any turtles sunning themselves on logs, a couple of snappers swimming but that was it. There were no frog sightings either, though they were heard, quite loudly. Lots of Great Blue Herons (unusually so, no Canada Geese), an Osprey sitting in a tree, one solitary duck, the baby Red-winged blackbird (this post), a few more birds far too fast for my reaction time, a deer, a few fluttery things, and lots of dragonflies.
There was a little green and black dragonfly I had never seen before. It had pretty markings. I was getting ready to take a picture with my zoom, when a much larger dragonfly scooped him up out of the air and flew off with it clutched tightly. It was gone in the blink of an eye. No way that poor thing got away. I was so surprised my mouth dropped open. I didn't know, or I had forgotten, that dragonflies were carnivorous. I need to do a refresher on my dragonflies.
Gregg took all these photos of them.
This big old snapping turtle was some distance away.
There was another not too far from it.
We were happy to see a deer in the distance.
It has been a very long time since we saw one on our visits, and was surprised to see her out.
Usually we try to either go earlier or later but today we turned up mid-day.
In the distance we strained our eyes to see a large bird sitting on a tree branch. At first we thought it was a Bald Eagle.
Not a Bald Eagle but a very handsome looking Osprey.
I couldn't make out what this little duck was. He was also a long way off.
I cropped the photo as much as I could.
Here are those fluttery things on button bushes.
The button bushes were covered in them.
A fritillary and two silver spotted skippers on this one.
And then there were those beautiful Great Blue Herons. I took lots of photos of them. I will finish up with a few here and share more in a later post.
I am already looking forward to going back. Every time we do there is always something new to see.
Unbelievable!! I just posted a Spotted Skipper on my blog a few minutes ago!! And tonight I snapped a Blue Heron and baby Red Winged blackbirds!! Your heron shots are super, I have never been able to capture one in flight. And it is flying low and so near people. My first favorites are the wonderful Dragonfly shots, just splendid! I did not know they eat their own kind!! My next favorite is the amazing Button Bush with the skippers and butterfly on it. Such wonderful pictures today, plus I learned something, too!!
ReplyDeleteA fascinating coincidence and I really enjoyed visiting your blog post Ginnie. Our herons were putting quite a show on this day. Thank you so much :)
DeleteWhat an absolutely glorious place. I am not at all surprised you love it and visit often.
ReplyDeleteThank you EC :)
DeleteLove this post, interesting to see the wild life around you. So lucky to see an osprey. Have a happy day Diane
ReplyDeleteThank you Diane :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful p,ace to see and photograph wildlife.
ReplyDeleteThank yoou Margaret :)
DeleteHi Denise and another wonderful visit out, the Dragonflies and Butterflies are a favourite of mine as you have seen, and its always good to see an Osprey, they always look so proud. All the best, John
ReplyDeleteHi John, thank you so much. I agree totally about the Ospreys, and it was a lovely treat to me to photograph the butterflies and dragonflies. It has been a while. All the best to you too :) Denise
DeleteGood morning Denise. Your little duck is a Wood Duck, probably a female, although it is hard to tell from the photograph whether it is a young bird evolving into adult male plumage. In any event, definitely a Wood Duck. Great series of pictures from what was obviously a delightful outing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the ID David and for the lovely comments :)
DeleteHello, great captures of the birds and the cute deer. The wood duck is pretty. I love all the dragonflies and the turtles. Great nature photos. Happy Wednesday, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileen, and the same to you :)
Deletenow that you mentioned the frogs, I can't remember the last time I heard them. the drought must have done them in. we have had way to much rain and usually that brings them out. not one croak. your photos are beautiful. love them all.
ReplyDeleteThank you :). That is interesting about the frogs Sandra. I hope they come back.
DeleteSuch beautiful photos of so much wildlife. Thank you for sharing this beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lee and you are very welcome :)
DeleteSuch a gorgeous series, Denise! Thank you so much for sharing this lovely tour!
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda and you are so very welcome:)
DeleteYou are in fine form!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cloudia:)
DeleteIt's the snapping turtles that really stand out. They're formidable beasts.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly are :)
DeleteOh, my what a great day this must have been...I love seeing all these things. I have only seen a couple ospreys in real life and they are right up there with an eagle in causing excitement!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rose, I think so too :)
DeleteGreat catches on the critter pics....Looks like you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam, we certainly did :)
DeleteWalking in a nature area and also seeing all the sights youndid, Denise, was a double treat. Too bad about the dragonfly's untimely demise.
ReplyDeleteThank you Beatrice, glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteWow! These are awesome nature shots, Denise. I love how you're able to get these closeups of outdoor creatures.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kay, glad you enjoyed them.
DeleteLovely selection of photographs Denise, and so nice to see the deer.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you Jan and the same to you :)
Delete