Monthly Archives: June 2008

The Pollinator

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Friday, June 6, 2008

There are places along the river that are hidden from view unless you know to look for them. I like to visit these spots from time to time to see what I can see. Sometimes I’ll duck into a stream or hidden pond and just have a snack and read awhile without anyone seeing how lazy I can be. I was doing just that this past Sunday when I was lucky enough to catch this guy at work. I was luckier still to get a couple of shots in focus. I’m not sure what the flowers are but they look like a photo of Multiflora Rose that I found in the Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers, which would make it an invasive species. What I can tell you for certain is that they smelled terrific. JK

Oystercatchers At Sunken Meadow Park

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Thursday, June 5, 2008

Last Thursday and Friday I kayaked in Sunken Meadow State Park. There were many cool birds to check out. I found this pair of American Oystercatchers on both days. I’ve seen these birds from afar on the south shore. This was the first time I’ve seen them up close. In flight and from any distance these birds are very elegant, but when you get a good look at those eyes they start to look a bit silly. Just one man’s opinion. JK

Green Frogs And A Box Turtle At David Weld

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Sunday, June 1, 2008

This past Wednesday morning I took a stroll through David Weld Sanctuary. I made two very cool finds at the pond. The first was a Green Frog. I had heard some the day before but hadn’t been able to locate any. As I was sitting on my haunches scanning the opposite bank, which was sunlit, for frogs I looked down and in the water right next to me was the guy (or lady, I didn’t ask) in the pic above.

After snapping pics of the frog, I started looking around to see what else might be in the vicinity. That was when I found this Eastern Box Turtle taking his morning bath. He was out about four feet from the bank. Now, I know that despite appearances, Box Turtles can swim and this is a shallow pond, but I never would have been looking for one in the pond. I was sitting there for at least ten minutes with that turtle just five feet away from me and I didn’t see him till I started really scanning the water. I could claim that I was just engrossed in my photography – my art, my passion – but the truth is that I am just plain blind. Most of the time. JK