September 11, 2016

This week I took a walk along the shores of Lake Wicwas with a couple of good friends, and it was remarkable how differently everyone sees the same world.  On a path I have traveled many times, they both noticed things I have passed right by.  An example:  this wonderfully intertwined tree:

Tree knitting, found by Rosie P.  Photo by P.C.

Somehow it managed to bend over sideways, then back around and wrap itself right through the branches of another tree.  And there it is, right along a trail I walk regularly, and I never saw it.

Here's another:

"Baby Bear"      Photo by Rosalie P.

A great rock formation that was aptly named "Baby Bear" by the person who discovered it.

Careful eyes (not mine) also caught a nice Wood Frog sitting well camouflaged in a small depression near the trail.

A wood frog enjoys some late summer warmth.   Photo by P.C.

And how many times have I looked at the common pickerel weed growing in the lake and forgotten to appreciate just how beautiful it is.

Pickerel Weed blooming on the shoreline.   Photo by P.C.

Dragon flies are a ubiquitous sight throughout the summer - we all see them everywhere around the lake.  But to capture the special feel of these delicate insects, intertwined in a different manner, and well assimilated with the late summer foliage is something special.

Dragonfly pair.  Photo by P.C.

Everyone is unique, everyone has their own eye to the world around us.  It is a joy to spend time with people and learn what they see, beauty that I might overlook.  Take a walk with someone you know and see what new things you find!  I look forward to future walks - or paddles - or snow shoe trips - with all of you! 

A new perspective on sun showers over Lake Wicwas.   Photo by P.C.

Post Script:  For those of you following the loons on Wicwas this summer, our long-term pair is still on the lake - I got a glimpse of the bands on the female this week.  Our single loon is still here as well, but I haven't seen the second pair lately.

One green and one red-and-white striped band on our female loon

July 14, 2013

Lake Wicwas is enveloped in a summer weather pattern.  More hazy, hot, humid days with strong thunderstorms.  The result is the lake is still 8 inches above full level in the middle of July.  When the thunderstorms are at bay, like the past two days, we've had some very calm and quiet days.  I've been entertaining myself watching the fly catchers around the lake.  A small flock of King Birds has been in the area, sitting in the tip-tops of the oak trees in the afternoons and evenings, flitting out and catching numerous insects large and small. 

King Bird

 

One pair was bringing tasty morsels their chick.  One evening they were joined by a group of Great Crested Flycatchers.  These birds were also catching insects on the wing, but they also hopped around in the branches, picking caterpillars and other bugs right off the leaves.

Great Crested Flycatcher

Here's an insect that managed to escape the birds, collecting its own sustenance.  I wonder if the birds would go after a bumble bee.

Bumble Bee

All the animals around Lake Wicwas are taking advantage of nature's summer bounty to fatten up.  Look at the size that the Water Spiders have attained in just a few weeks:

Water Spider

I saw a blueberry bush shaking on a perfectly calm day, and found the culprit - a chipmunk enjoying a good anti-oxidant meal. 

I see you!

Look at those fat cheeks:

There goes another one!

On a visit to Arbutus Hill a generous farmer shared their crop of fabulous blueberries with us - much easier than competing in the wild bushes with chipmunks and mosquitoes!  On the plus side, although still plentiful, the deer flies have started to decrease in number.

The summer flowers are still blooming, but some of the best color can be found at, or on the water.  The water lilies and pickerel weed are bloonming, as is a pretty pink flower I have yet to identify.

Pickerel Weed

Did you see the little fly?

Unidentified - Any ideas?

 After another great summer weekend, I just can't resist adding yet another warm summer day sunset.

July 10, 2011

The inhabitants of Lake Wicwas were treated to another fabulous week of summer weather this week.  The weekend topped it off with two crystal clear, dry sunny days.  Friday night gave us a nice rain storm, but by dawn, it had cleared out and the sun was shining.  It was a bit breezy, which gave the sailors a nice weekend to enjoy.  Good news:  the new loon chick continues to do well!

On Thursday evening I had an opportunity to get a good look at the deer that has been around our house lately.  We had a good staring match for quite some time.  It was completely locked onto me, but content to remain frozen while I raised my camera for a few pictures. 

White-tailed Deer

It  was so still it didn't even chew the foliage it had in its teeth.  Only after I continued walking did it bound off into the woods, snorting its annoyance with me.








There are many water flowers blooming around the lake edges now, all visible from a kayak paddling along the shores.  The water lilies are particularly pretty early in the season when they are fresh, and before the bugs get to them.  There were quite a few  honey bees out over the water collecting nectar from them.

Fragrant Water Lily

The pickerelweed are also fresh, showing there bright yellows eyes on the top of their petals.

Pickerelweed

I also found quite  a few rose pagonia, which have become rather rare due to degradation of their habitat.  Having them on Lake Wicwas is another sign of how fortunate we are to have such a healthy ecosystem here.  

Rose Pagonia

We were also treated to a beautiful summer sunset to end a perfect day.