June 12, 2011

It's the time of year for new creatures to be hatching around Lake Wicwas.  The first out were the canada geese;  these goslings were seen back on May 30. 

Canada Geese Family

On Thursday I saw this mother painted turtle laying her eggs in the dirt about 150 yards from the lake.

Painted Turtle Laying Eggs

The loons are making progress, as they are still on their nest - I hope they're keeping their eggs warm during this unusual cold snap.  They won't hatch for a couple of more weeks yet.  After a few warm days, the latest cold snap came in with a bang on Thursday afternoon as a cold front passed through.  In two hours the temperature dropped 23 degrees - from 89 degrees at 2:00 to 66 degrees at 4:00 as recorded at the Laconia Airport. 

Bald Eagle

On Friday there was a bald eagle soaring over the lake.  These pictures aren't very clear, but they are good enough to clearly see it's an eagle, with the white head and tail.  It was being chased by a small bird, which drove the eagle higher and higher above the lake.  It's interesting how the mighty eagle can be driven away by a much less powerful creature - kind of reminds me of Syria right about now. 

 

Wood Tic Waiting for a Ride

After a long stretch without seeing any tics, they have made a comeback this past week.  If you've ever wondered how they are so good at latching onto to you as you walk in the woods, this will show you how they do it.  They have evolved over the years to know to hang out on the tips of grasses with their legs outstretched, ready for anyone who's goes by and offers them a ride.

 

Yarrow

A few new wildflowers have bloomed this week, including the creeping buttercup, and yarrow, this one with an insect enjoying the sugars in the blossom..

Creeping Buttercup

New White Pine Cones

The evergreens are also putting out new growth, with the white pines growing new green pine cones like bananas, and the hemlock pushing out new, pale green tips past their prior year, dark green needles.

Hemlock New Growth