Wetland aviators

Posted 8/21/12

Wetlands are usually nature’s gathering point during the heat of the summer. Green frogs and bullfrogs can be seen and heard as various species of turtles ply the water or sun themselves on a log. …

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Wetland aviators

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Wetlands are usually nature’s gathering point during the heat of the summer. Green frogs and bullfrogs can be seen and heard as various species of turtles ply the water or sun themselves on a log. Also present, though, are many creatures winging their way in and about the wetlands. Whether they are foraging or breeding, they provide a good air show.

A trip to a quietly flowing creek recently yielded a variety of flying critters. First spotted were a variety of damselflies. Water is essential to the lifecycle of damselflies and dragonflies, so they were sure to be around. The azure blue ebony jewelwings were there in abundance; now is their breeding time. Plentiful orange jewelweed attracted a variety of pollinating insects; bees, wasps and butterflies were plentiful. Among the butterflies seen were swallowtails and fritillaries. A few hummingbirds were in the mix, too.

Speaking of birds, wetlands attract a variety of birds. Any dead trees make wonderful nesting for woodpeckers, and if the wetland is large enough, aquatic birds should be around. The creek where I was when taking these photos had no nearby standing water large enough for waterfowl, but a variety of small passerines helped fill the void. Raptors were also present. A turkey vulture was perched on a nearby tree, and some breeding damselflies were responsible for a missed photo opportunity; a low flying red-shouldered hawk flew past, perhaps 20 feet away.

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