I haven’t been able to get out and about as much as I’d like lately because they turned my work schedule upside down. I did manage to get out and about last Wednesday, and again this evening, and there’s some catching up to do.
On Wednesday, I started out by going to Holliday Park, which is a local nature preserve. One of the first things I noticed is that I really did need to watch where I stepped. There were bright green Six Spotted Tiger Beetles everywhere! Pretty little things, and at least they were easy to see so I could avoid squishing them into oblivion.
Six Spotted Tiger Beetles were all over the place at Holliday Park
View from the path through Holliday Park
At one point, as I was walking through a non-beetle-infested section of the trail, a hummingbird flew up and hovered in front of my face for a few seconds. I wanted to snap a photo so badly! I was afraid if I moved to bring up the camera, she’d be gone in a flash so I decided just to enjoy the moment. When she was done with her assessment, she flew up into a nearby tree and perched on top of a dead branch for a moment, giving me a nice chance at a photo op. I took four shots, and only one actually focused on the bird. Don’t you just hate it when that happens?
Ruby Throated Hummingbird out on a limb
Holliday Park runs right along the White River. When I finally made it down there, I discovered that it was well past its banks after several heavy rains. Several sections of trail were completely submerged, so I couldn’t get to some of the better birding spots. The ducks, however, loved it. A pair of Mallards found a spot that didn’t have a strong current and were having a great time splashing around, diving and bathing.
Post-bath wing-flap
While I was watching the ducks play, I caught movement near my foot & looked down to find a garter snake trying to sneak past. When I looked down, it panicked and retreated back into the bushes. I stood still, hoping it would come back out. While I waited, a rather noisy little family came along. The woman with them yelled over to me and asked what I was watching, and wondered what kind of animal I’d spotted. When I told her it was a snake, she quickly gathered up her offspring and high-tailed it out of there. Guess it was a little too much nature for her. On the plus side, it’s good to know how powerful the word “snake” can be. It was a lot quieter after they left! I think all of the noise scared off the snake though. He never did reappear.
After leaving Holliday Park, I headed for my friend’s lake to check on the Mute Swans and their cygnets. I was sad to find that one of the cygnets was missing. We were down to five.
Martha and the five cygnets enjoying some cracked corn and whole oats.
Chances are very good that they cygnet was taken by one of the massive Snapping Turtles that live in the lake. I’ve read that Snappers can get up to 18″ across. I got a photo that day that makes me question that. There are two in the following shot, and one appears to be much bigger than 18″. If you look at the small tree stump in the water, then look behind it and just to the left, you’ll see the larger of the two turtles. The other turtle is also of good size, and is behind the stump and just to the right.
Two large Snapping Turtles. You’ll spot them more easily if you go full screen.
The other type of turtle in this lake are Painted Turtles. I found this gal in the process of digging out a hole to lay her eggs. These turtles pose no danger to the cygnets or ducklings.
Painted Turtle preparing to lay eggs
Here are a few shots of the swans and cygnets.
Three of the cygnets having dinner together
The proud parents
All five cygnets, just hanging out together
Dinner with dad
A Cardinal stopped by for a drink
Looks like one Peeper is preening the other, doesn’t it? He’s not. There’s a little cracked corn on that cygnet, and he’s helping himself to the goods.
“Hey! I was saving that for later!”
Stre-e-e-e-etch
Peeper wing-flaps aren’t too impressive… yet. But they’re cute! Hard to believe those little stubby wings will end up in a 7′ wingspan!
I’m not seeing many female Wood Ducks around right now. My guess (hope) is that they’re nesting. There are several males hanging around, but the females are conspicuously absent for the most part. This is the only female I saw today.
Wood Duck hen
A group of male Wood Ducks
A couple of the Peepers
More sad news greeted me at the lake today. George and Martha have lost another one. I know it’s likely to happen, but it’s still heartbreaking. While I still think the Snapping Turtles are the most likely predator, I have heard a Great Horned Owl there recently, and this evening I heard a Barred Owl calling. It’s possible, since the swans generally sleep on the shore, out in the open. They’re also still small enough that a hawk can’t be ruled out.
George, Martha and four Peepers
Martha and the remaining Peepers
It’s not easy putting your head under your wing at this stage!
“Hi Dad!”
The Decoy. This guy came up near George and Martha, honking for all he was worth, luring them out of the water and into a chase.
Meanwhile, his buddies tried to quietly sneak by.
Nice try, but it didn’t work. Martha spotted the group and make quick work of relocating them.
The Peepers, enjoying the show.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get any shots of the Great Chase. I was in a bad position behind several trees, and the wind kept blowing leaves into the shots. None of the shots were worth keeping. I’m sure there will be a lot more chase scenes, so I’ll try to get better shots of the next one!
On a brighter note, there’s a Mallard with 13 ducklings. She started out with 14 but lost one pretty quickly. She’s managed to protect all of them for about 2 weeks now, and they’re growing like weeds!
Mallard hen with 14 mini-Mallards (taken 2 weeks ago)
Momma Mallard with 13 mini-Mallards (taken today, June 2nd)
As I was getting ready to leave, I noticed something orange at the top of a tree. It was a Baltimore Oriole. One of these days I’d love to see one a little closer so I don’t have to push my zoom to the limit!
Baltimore Oriole
That’s all for now! Thanks for taking a walk with me!
Watch Where You Step 