Wild Wild Woods

The logs on the edge of the pond are partly submersed for the critters to use them in many ways spring, summer, and autumn  . . .   to watch...

Painted Turtles Chrysemys picta of all sizes live in the pond.  They are oval shaped, and the carapace (top)  can be almost black to dark o...

The rocks scattered around the pond are revealed as the water level changes with rain or drought. It is always interesting to see what critt...

Cold, grey, blustery weather on the pond. The water is covered by a thick layer of ice and snow drifts. Where the ice is visible between the...

The turtles are practicing balancing rocks today. Or, the big one coaxed the small one to help it hold a pose. 

This summer has been very scant on rainfall so far.  The pond water level is currently low, and there is plenty of algae floating.  But the ...

The painted turtles who live in the pond love to sit in the sun, especially on rocks near the water. There, each can enjoy the warmth and (i...

Many Painted Turtles  Chrysemys picta live in the pond. On sunny days they climb out of the water and bask in the sun to warm their blood.  ...

The Mourning Doves Zenaida macroura spent winter near the pond in nearby bushes and tree cover. This one is celebrating Spring by investiga...

Usually, the frogs who live here sit on shore hiding among grasses looking for prey insects or invertebrates. But when a rock is available, ...

This turtle was probably thinking it could be the top part of a balanced rock sculpture.  Or, maybe seeking a sunny rock and believed this w...

 A hot sultry day in August.  The pond was quiet.  Several rocks appeared offshore in the last few days, exposed by the lack of rain and low...

Eastern Bluebirds also like to sit on the branch over the pond. Many flying creatures use this branch as a place to spot a pre...

Green Herons look small and stocky (pictured here), until one is hunting for a meal on the shore of the pond.  Then they stretch their nec...

It was a lovely day, although hot and humid. This pond is part of the stormwater system. The technique uses creeks, ponds, wetlands, lake...

Lack of rain has exposed some of the rocks in the pond as water level recedes.  The Painted Turtles Chrysemys picta climb on the rocks t...

Wandering in the woods, I came upon this rock.  It has been there a long while and I've walked by it before.  But today it looked more ...