The early morning was cool, but it has become a rather warm day by noon. I go to the bay to watch what is happening here in the shallows, next to the dock. A loon calls from out in the lake.
Earlier, an osprey surveyed the scene from a tree top while a hooded merganser hid among the vegetation near shore and a kingfisher flew by. A persistent red-eyed vireo sings as I arrive. The abundant mosquitoes serve as food for three kinds of flycatchers: least flycatcher, wood peewee and phoebe.
I don’t see them, but I regularly hear the sounds of mink and green frogs. Both are summer frogs and continue to call for weeks, including this sunlit afternoon. A few turtles have climbed on a log for basking: a couple painted turtles and one snapper.
Sitting in the sun helps their health. I see some sunfish and perch guarding their nests on the bottom. Out in the water, white water lilies bloom on the surface while their circular leaves (lily pads) float nearby.
Also emerging from beneath are arrowheads. These plants that have just started to bloom have three white petals and may have arrow-shaped leaves. ADVERTISEMENT Glowing from the shore is a growth of yellow loosestrife.
I can see why they are also called "swamp candles." But most of the activity at this time is with the insects. As I watch, I note that dragonflies dominate this place.
They are mostly on the wing, but many land either to sit in the sunlight or hunt from hidden sites. The flying and sitting of the dragonflies reveal wha.
