Frog Pond Wetland Preserve
January 7, 2012
January 7, 2012
Last week Graeme of Imperfect and Tense blog fame in the UK asked me if dragons and damsels were on the wing this time of year in my region. Hmm? The last time I remember seeing odonates was back on December 10, 2011 at Los Padres Dam, although I was unable to capture any pictures of them. Then, I realized I tend to notice when things are present, but I often neglect to consider what may be absent. This will be something I'll try to keep in mind this year.
As promised like a virtual hiker clear across the globe, off we went on a dragon and damsel hunt at the one local spot I felt sure would have them if they were indeed out in January. Normally, January can be quite stormy here, but so far we've have an extremely mild winter with barely a drop of rain mid-December. Sorry, Graeme, we had no luck in finding dragonflies or damselflies. However, I haven't given up, yet, and will keep my eyes peeled for them.
So often we don't feel like getting in the car on weekends, unless the promise of a good hike is in the offing. It was really nice to get out for a short hike a couple towns away (only 15 minutes by car) on a lazy Saturday when we probably would have taken a walk on the Rec Trail from home. The Frog Pond was the clearest I've ever seen it. There were coots, mallards, and various song birds, which made for a very soothing hike and a nice change of pace from the constant sound of crashing waves at home.
As promised like a virtual hiker clear across the globe, off we went on a dragon and damsel hunt at the one local spot I felt sure would have them if they were indeed out in January. Normally, January can be quite stormy here, but so far we've have an extremely mild winter with barely a drop of rain mid-December. Sorry, Graeme, we had no luck in finding dragonflies or damselflies. However, I haven't given up, yet, and will keep my eyes peeled for them.
So often we don't feel like getting in the car on weekends, unless the promise of a good hike is in the offing. It was really nice to get out for a short hike a couple towns away (only 15 minutes by car) on a lazy Saturday when we probably would have taken a walk on the Rec Trail from home. The Frog Pond was the clearest I've ever seen it. There were coots, mallards, and various song birds, which made for a very soothing hike and a nice change of pace from the constant sound of crashing waves at home.
6 comments:
Oops, my computer threw a cog whilst commenting, so not sure if it uploaded or not. If so, please delete this one!
Many thanks, Katie, it wasn't my intention to send you on a wild dragon chase. It's difficult to know what the climate is in other countries, so I had wondered if it was warm enough for Odonata to be on the wing all through the year. Your efforts are much appreciated and I am in your debt. At least until willowhwerb flowering season.
Mallards aren't doing so well over here. Which is ironic bearing in mind that they're probably everyone's idea of what a duck looks like. I should clarify and say that WILD mallards aren't doing so well. Hybridisation with domestic ducks is taking its toll.
Thanks again, Regards, Graeme
It's hard to say what might pop up here as well. Unbelievably mild weather here on Minnesota tundray. We broke the all time high a couple of days ago by NINE degrees. And thanks for the kind words on behalf of Mrs. T. She is doing very well.... :)
No worries, Graeme. We wanted an excuse to get off our duffs. I'm still curious to know whether there are odonates out, maybe not every year but definitely this mild winter. I've seen crane flies and moths in our stairwell the past few weeks, so it's within the realm of possibility. Looking forward to seeing your willowherbs. June, right?
Mr. T, it's always a pleasure to hear from you. She's still in my "send good thoughts" list for a speedy recovery.
June it is. Though it's been minus 4 degrees Celsius these past few mornings and Summer seems a long way off.
Ah, 'duff' is another word I'll have to avoid. LOL! This "two countries separated by a common language" thing is quite something, eh?
Oh dear, does "duff" mean something other than "behind/butt" in British?
Several somethings! Though I was referring to the fact that I didn't know it meant 'butt'.
Let's see... it could be a steamed pudding (e.g. plum duff), or something of very poor quality (e.g. duff notes on the guitar), or to beat someone up (to duff up), or... er... pregnant (as in 'up the duff').
Y'know, I'm starting to think it was very ill-advised of me to set off down this particular road! :o)
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