WALNEY POND WALK IN MAY

After we had been surprised by our non-Swans (decoys) shared in this post, we did what we usually do, continue our walk around the pond and enjoyed all the other sights.  

If you wanted to get some really good exercise, you would have to walk at a brisk pace along the circular path several times, as I have seen people do.  The pond is relatively small compared to others we have come across.  But there are trails and one we know leads to the visitor center through the woods.

  We noticed the Yellow Flag Iris' were blooming.  They are a lovely sight at the edge of the water.

Yellow flag iris, botanical name Iris pseudacorus, also goes by the following names: Yellow Iris, Water flag, Dragon flower and Paleyellow iris.  

I found a blog at this link, called Botany Karen, where she adds other common names which are very interesting.  One is 'Yellow fleur-de-lis', and she states this name points to the possibility that Iris pseudacorus is the historical inspiration for the heraldic Fleur-de-lis (or Fleur-de-lys), that there is a passing resemblance to the flower’s 3 standards and 3 falls, allowing for some artistic licence she says.

Karen continues, “The Fleur-de-lys’ historical usage is not confined to a single country. Its strongest associations are undoubtedly with France and French royalty through the ages. It traditionally appeared as a yellow symbol on a blue background in France."  And this from me, I can highly recommend taking a look at Karen's blog as there is so much to see, to explore and to learn.

Yellow flag is a flowering perennial plant native to Europe, Asia and Africa.  In temperate climates throughout the globe, yellow flag is cultivated as an ornamental plant, but is considered an invasive aquatic species.  In some regions it can be very invasive and harmful to native species.  It spreads easily due to its floating masses of seeds and long rhizomes, making it very hard to control.  It can also block water flow, affect bird nesting sites, and fish habitats, disrupting and changing entire ecosystems.  

Oh dear!  Well, it didn't seem to be out of control at the pond.  I daresay it is well managed, and I have always loved its presence in blooming season, but certainly these facts should be taken note of.

Other wildflowers we saw were buttercups...along with a couple of bicyclists.  A good day for getting the bikes out.

When I was a child I always loved buttercups, and I still find them pleasing.  When you are a child you don't have a care in the world and certainly don't think of things like how invasive they are.  Before I go on I would like to share another blog I found.  One called Lizzie Harper where you will find various illustrations, one of which is this buttercup.  You can see it here and then if you like, explore further and see the others.   Also more information at this link.

I am finding out about invasive plants today, and this is another one.  They are called Creeping buttercup, botanical name Ranunculus repens.  Common names are also Sit-fast, Creeping crowfoot and Double meadow creeping buttercup.  It is native to Europe, Asia and Northwestern Africa.  These glossy-petaled yellow flowers of the creeping buttercup do, however, aid in the attraction of pollinating insects.

The following is Common vetch, botanical name Vicia sativa.  Its common names are also Garden vetch, Vetch, Garden tare, Summer vetch and Tare.  

It is widely grown as a forage crop or green fertilizer, but common vetch is often considered a weed in garden settings.  However, it seems to be a gardener's friend, as its nitrogen-fixing ability enriches the soil, and it offers food and support for native wildlife.  

The vine-like growth, feathery foliage and purple flowers can be visually attractive.  So, common vetch is ideal for including in native gardens, wildlife gardens and wildlife meadows.  

Hurray for the Common vetch, and a lovely photo can be seen at this link. 

On that good note and as I don't want to overwhelm, I will finish as I have, surprise, even more photos to share from our time at Walney Pond.  I will be publishing another post tomorrow.

 

THE SWAN STORY AT WALNEY POND

Okay, so in yesterday's post I mentioned we had heard about a pair of swans at Walney Pond.  Our neighborhood app was abuzz!   Whenever we read about these things, expectations are kept low, as you just never know.  They could have moved on.

However, inwardly I was getting a wee bit excited, hoping for those swans and who knows, maybe baby swans.  I couldn't help myself.  I ran this whole scenario.   We could see them on the other side of the pond, two small white shapes at this distance. Not wanting to startle them, we made our way around and as we got closer, we slowed our steps.  There were plants obscuring our view somewhat, but that worked to our advantage.  We decided they were blissfully unaware of our presence.There are four types, Mute, Trumpeter, Tundra and Whooper swans.  If you click on their names, the links will take you to the Audubon with more information. 

When I saw these, I wasn't thinking about its particular type.  I thought that could come later.  We stayed in one spot just to observe them. At first, we thought how calm they were.  Gregg said they aren't moving around much.  We peered through those grasses and realized we had discovered a new species.  This species is called Fake Plastic Swan!  Yes, they were decoys and are there to discourage Canada Geese.  We looked at each other and I think I rolled my eyes and Gregg had a chuckle.  It really does pay to keep your expectations on the low side.

Later, after we had finished our walk, we stepped on to the small deck and there was the sign.  We didn't start off there like we usually do, our focus on seeing the 'swans'.  As we were leaving, we were asked by two ladies had we seen them?  We don't play poker, our expressions said it all.  "Well," we said, "they are over there but...."  We didn't have to say any more.  They saw the sign.  "Oh no, they're not real?"  I could tell they were disappointed, and they mirrored each other's eye rolls.  I felt their disappointment.  And next time I really am going to keep my expectations low.

I have more photos from around the pond, as is my way, and I will be sharing those soon.

Thanks for visiting and happy Thursday to you all.